MAJOR SPACE AGENCIES OF THE WORLD — ORGANISATIONS, MISSIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

MAJOR SPACE AGENCIES OF THE WORLD — ORGANISATIONS, MISSIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS

1. Introduction

• National and multinational space agencies develop satellites, launch vehicles, human-spaceflight systems, planetary missions and space-based applications.
• Their work supports communication, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation, disaster management, defence, scientific research and exploration.
• International cooperation has become increasingly important because major missions often involve instruments, launch services and scientific teams from several countries.

2. NASA — United States

• The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created in 1958 and began operations on 1 October 1958.
• It is the principal civilian space agency of the United States.
• Major achievements include the Apollo Moon landings, Space Shuttle, Hubble Space Telescope, Mars rovers, James Webb Space Telescope and Artemis programme.
• NASA also conducts extensive aeronautics, Earth-science and planetary research. (NASA)

3. ISRO — India

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established on 15 August 1969, succeeding INCOSPAR.
• Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is regarded as the founding father of India’s space programme.
• ISRO develops satellites, launch vehicles and applications for communication, navigation, weather, remote sensing and scientific exploration. (ISRO)
• Major achievements include Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, PSLV and GSLV/LVM3.

4. European Space Agency — Europe

• The European Space Agency (ESA) was created in 1975 by combining earlier European space organisations.
• It is an intergovernmental agency coordinating the resources of European countries for space science and technology. (European Space Agency)
• Its programmes cover Earth observation, navigation, telecommunications, astronomy, launch vehicles and human spaceflight.
• Slovenia became ESA’s 23rd Member State in 2025. (European Space Agency)

5. Roscosmos — Russia