India's journey into space science has been both visionary and impactful, driven primarily by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Established in 1969, ISRO is the cornerstone of India’s space programs, overseeing the development and management of over 45 space research centres spread across the country. These centres play a vital role in the advancement of satellite missions, rocket development, propulsion systems, space communication, navigation, and remote sensing technologies.

The foundation for India’s space research was laid even before ISRO’s formation, when Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Dr. Ramanathan initiated INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research) in 1962. Since then, the space sector has grown immensely, positioning India as a key global player in space exploration, with achievements like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and the PSLV launch program.

This article the list of space centres in India compiles a well-structured, exam-relevant list of space research centres in India, along with:

• Their locations

• Their specialised research roles

• Brief historical background of India's space program

To assist with revision and offline learning, a bilingual (Hindi & English) PDF is attached to this article, a list of space centres in India. It serves as a ready reference tool for aspirants looking for quick recall and final-stage preparation.

For aspirants of competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Railways, IBPS, Defence, and State PSCs, knowledge of these centres is often tested under General Awareness, Static GK, and Science & Technology sections. Understanding their names, locations, and specific functions can significantly enhance your preparation and scoring potential.

For any further doubts or clarifications, please check the FAQs section at the end of the article. It's curated to resolve common queries and help you navigate the topic with greater clarity.

List of Space Centres in India PDF Download Link

List Of ISRO Chairmen from 1963 To 2025

Space Centres of India And Their Units PDF

Here we are providing the list of space centres in India, in PDF format, along with the states, helping the aspirants understand and memorise the list.

Space Research Centre In India List

Here, we provided the list of space centres in India. PDF state-wise candidates can download and memorise the states and space centres for the bank exams.

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History Of the Indian Space Program And Research Centres

The first satellite application prototype was in the experimental stages in the United States when space research operations were started in India in the early 1960s.

• The American satellite "Syncom-3"'s live broadcast of the Tokyo Olympics was what first made Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the man who started the Indian space programme, aware of the advantages of space technologies for his country.

• The 'Syncom-3' satellite showed off the capability of communication satellites.

• The Indian National Committee for Space Research, led by Drs. Sarabhai and Ramanathan established the first step in 1962.

• Later, on August 15, 1969, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established with the main goal of developing space technology and using it to meet various national objectives.

• It was incorporated into the Department of Space (DOS) on June 1, 1972, making it one of the six biggest space agencies in the world.

The Indian space programme has had three major components from its inception:

1. Satellites for distant sensing and communication

2. System for Space Transportation

3. Programmes for applications

The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for communications, television broadcasting, and meteorological services and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) for resource management and disaster support are the two main operating systems that have been built.

List of Space Centres in India: FAQs

Q: What is the biggest space centre in India?

A: The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is one of the main research and development establishments within ISRO.

Q: Who is the founder of ISRO?

A: Vikram Sarabhai is the founder of ISRO.

Q: What is India's first satellite?

A: India's first satellite is Aryabhatta.

Q: What is the main space centre of India?

A: The main space centre is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Q: What is the headquarters of ISRO?

A: The headquarters of ISRO are located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Q: How many space centres does ISRO have in India?

A: ISRO operates over 15 major space centres and units across India for research, development, testing, and launches.

Q: What is the purpose of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)?

A: The main purpose of the VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) is to design launch vehicles.

Q: Which space centre handles the mission operations in India?

A: The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) handles the mission operations in India, which is located in Bengaluru.

Q: What is the role of LPSC?

A: LPSC stands for Liquid Propulsion Engine and Stages for rockets.

Q: Which Indian space agency develops satellites?

A: The UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru is responsible for designing and building satellites.