The roots of contemporary space exploration in India trace back to the 1920s. Pioneering Indian scientists like S. K. Mitra, C.V. Raman, and Meghnad Saha laid the initial groundwork, fostering a culture of scientific advancement. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of the Physical Research Laboratory, and Homi Bhabha, visionary behind the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, built upon this foundation, igniting the spark of progress.

India's definitive foray into space was marked by the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, under the auspices of the Government of India. Guided by the unwavering support of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the visionary Dr. Vikram Sarabhai took the reins. In 1969, this momentum culminated in the formation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), replacing INCOSPAR, with its headquarters situated in Bengaluru.

The fundamental mission of ISRO is to harness space technology for a multitude of national imperatives and to foster indigenous technological prowess. Driven by the visionary Vikram Sarabhai, often heralded as the father of the Indian space program, ISRO embodies his profound dedication.

A significant pillar in ISRO's ascent is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, whose trajectory ultimately led him to the presidency of India. As the project director of India’s inaugural indigenous satellite launch vehicle (SLV-III), he orchestrated the successful launch of the Rohini satellite in 1980. His brilliance, harmonized with Sarabhai’s vision, catapulted ISRO into its initial era of triumph. The underpinning of India's space research has consistently been demanding, yet fueled by sheer passion and unwavering determination, it has evolved into one of India's most resounding achievements.