Reaching New Horizons: The Satellites Between Rohini and Bhaskara (1979–1981)
Imagine a time when India was just beginning to dream big in the realm of space exploration
—a time when each step felt like a giant leap for a nation striving to touch the stars. Between
1979 and 1981, ISRO embarked on a journey that was nothing short of revolutionary. This
was the era of Rohini and Bhaskara, names that would become synonymous with India's
relentless pursuit of self-reliance and innovation in space.
Step into the time machine and set the dial to July 18, 1980. The atmosphere crackles with
anticipation as the roar of engines fills the air. You’re standing at Sriharikota, India’s
budding spaceport, witnessing history unfold. Before your eyes, the mighty SLV-3, India’s
first indigenously developed launch vehicle, stands tall, flames erupting from its base as it
powers into the sky.
Inside the SLV-3 is the Rohini Technology Payload (RTP), India’s first satellite to be
placed in orbit by an indigenous launch vehicle. The moment the satellite deploys into space,
a wave of pride sweeps over you.
It’s not just a satellite launch—it’s the birth of a dream.
The crowd erupts in thunderous applause, scientists exchange triumphant smiles, and India
cements its place among the elite group of nations with the capability to launch satellites
independently. The success of RTP is the cornerstone of the Rohini Satellite Series, proving
that India’s aspirations to explore space are no longer just aspirations—they’re reality.
Even as Rohini was making headlines, another marvel was already up there, silently
watching over Earth. Let's rewind the clock a little further. It’s
June 7, 1979, and the Bhaskara-I satellite is hurtling through the heavens. Named after the
legendary Indian mathematician and astronomer Bhaskara, this satellite is more than a
tribute—it’s a trailblazer.
It’s armed with cameras and sensors, scanning Earth’s surface with unprecedented
precision. The data it gathers will empower farmers, meteorologists, and scientists back
home. From your vantage point, the vivid blues of the oceans and the greens of India’s
farmlands seem to stretch endlessly.
The time dial on your wrist beeps, fast-forwarding to November 20, 1981.
As you float alongside Bhaskara-II, it feels like greeting an old friend. A twin to its
predecessor, this satellite is equipped with enhanced capabilities, ready to deepen India’s
understanding of Earth’s natural resources.
From your orbital view, you see its cameras scanning the planet, gathering data that will
guide agricultural policies and disaster management for years to come. The legacy of
Bhaskara-II is unmistakable—it solidifies India’s role as a leader in remote sensing
technology.
As your time machine returns to 2024, you remove your helmet and reflect on the journey.
So the next time you look up at the night sky, remember—those tiny, twinkling satellites are
more than just dots of light. They’re storytellers, narrating India’s incredible odyssey among
the stars.
