New Delhi: India today commemorated the 50th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, a landmark achievement that marked the nation’s foray into space exploration. Launched on April 19, 1975, Aryabhata was named in honor of the renowned ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer.
Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the satellite was launched from Kapustin Yar, a launch site in the former Soviet Union, with support from the USSR. The mission was designed to conduct scientific research in fields such as Solar Physics, Aeronomy, and X-ray Astronomy.
Aryabhata was notable for its unique 26-sided polyhedral design, measuring 1.4 meters in diameter and weighing approximately 360 kilograms. Solar panels were mounted on 24 of its surfaces to power its operations.
Although the satellite suffered a power failure just five days after reaching orbit, which brought all onboard experiments to a halt, the mission still yielded valuable scientific data. Aryabhata continued to transmit signals for a few additional days, offering ISRO critical insights and hands-on experience in satellite engineering.
The launch of Aryabhata placed India among the world’s elite spacefaring nations, becoming the 11th country to deploy a satellite into Earth’s orbit. The mission is widely regarded as the foundation of India’s rapidly advancing space programme, which has since achieved global acclaim.
