Aryabhata

First Indian satellite, launched into a near earth orbit on April 19, 1975,
by an Intercosmos rocket of
erstwhile USSR. Carried three payloads, one each for X-ray astronomy, solar physics and aeronomy.







Bhaskara-I & II

Experimental remote sensing satellites launched on June 7, 1979 and November 20, 1981 'respectively' by Intercosmos rockets. Carried two TV cameras, one in visible and the other in near-infrared band, and a 3-frequency passive microwave radiometer.


APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment)

An experimental communication satellite with a C-band transponder, launched on June 19, 1981 by an Ariane launch vehicle of European Space Agency (ESA). Used to conduct several communication experiments.

Rohini

A series of technological / scientific satellites, launched by India's own launch vehicle, SLV-3. First one was used to measure the performance of SLV-3, second and third carried land-mark sensor payloads.














Stretched Rohini Series Satellites (SROSS-C and SROSS-C2)

Launched by India's Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, ASLV, on May 20, 1992 and May 4, 1994 respectively. Carried a Retarding Potential Analyser and a Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) detector. SROSS-C2 is still providing valuable scientific data.

Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE)

Hailed as one of the largest experiment of its kind. Was conducted during 1975-76 using USA's Application Technology Satellite (ATS-6). Demonstrated potential of satellite technology as an effective mass communication media.

Satellite Telecommunication Experiment Project (STEP)

Conducted during 1977-79 using Franco-German Symphonie satellite. Provided experience in the operation of a geo-stationary satellite system for domestic telecommunication and in designing and building ground infrastructure.