ISRO Achieves High-Impact Space Missions on a Modest Budget; Continues to Inspire Globally
India’s space agency ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has once again proven that significant technological achievements don't necessarily require astronomical budgets. With efficient planning and indigenous innovation, ISRO continues to conduct high-level space missions at a fraction of the cost incurred by other global space agencies.
In the 2024–25 financial year, ISRO has been allocated a modest budget of ₹16,000 crore, yet it plans to carry out 07 major satellite and rocket launches. The agency has a strong track record of cost-effective missions, including the historic Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission).
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully landed on the moon's south pole, a feat no other country had achieved before.
- Mangalyaan (2013): India's first interplanetary mission was completed with just ₹450 crore, gaining global acclaim for its low cost and high success.
ISRO’s reliability rate stands exceptionally high:
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) success rate: 94%
- GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): 75%
- SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): 100% in recent launches
Compared to international costs, ISRO’s satellite and rocket launch expenses are approximately 1/10th of NASA’s and other space agencies’ budgets.
This cost-efficiency, combined with advanced technology, has made India a preferred partner for launching foreign satellites. In recent years, ISRO has also significantly boosted its collaborations with global space agencies and private satellite companies.
With a mission-ready attitude, ISRO continues to empower India’s position in the space economy—demonstrating that even a small budget can achieve stellar success.
