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FULL FORM OF ISRO AND DRDO, Achievement, History, Difference Between DRDO and ISRO

authorImageGirijesh Singh3 Nov, 2023
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ISRO AND DRDO

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are two separate organizations in India, working in the fields of defence and space research respectively. 

However, while DRDO is focused on developing advanced technologies for the Indian defense forces, ISRO is dedicated to exploring and using space technology for the economic and social development of India.

Finally, both organizations have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have been instrumental in advancing India's position as a leader in defense and space technology.

ISRO

ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organization. It is the primary space agency of the Government of India, responsible for the country's space programs and satellite launches. 

Established in 1969, ISRO has made significant contributions to the fields of space technology, satellite-based remote sensing, and satellite communication. 

  • Some of its notable achievements include the successful launches of Chandrayaan-1,
  • The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM),
  • And the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) program.

The organization's vision is to "harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration."

ISRO Centers

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has several operational centres across India, each with specific responsibilities and areas of focus:

  1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: VSSC is the lead centre for rocket and satellite technology development in India. It is responsible for the design and development of satellites, launch vehicles, and satellite-based systems.
  2. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala, Kerala: LPSC is responsible for the development of liquid propulsion systems for satellites and launch vehicles.
  3. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh: SDSC SHAR is the main launch center for ISRO and is responsible for the launches of satellites and launch vehicles.
  4. ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bangalore, Karnataka: ISAC is responsible for the design and development of satellites and their associated systems.
  5. Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, Gujarat: SAC is responsible for the development of space-based applications, such as remote sensing, satellite meteorology, and satellite-based navigation.
  6. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, Gujarat: PRL is a premier research institute in India and is focused on research in space and atmospheric sciences.
  7. ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bangalore, Karnataka: ISTRAC is responsible for the management of satellite communication, telemetry, and tracking systems.

DRDO

DRDO stands for the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The DRDO serves as the research and development branch of the Ministry of Defence in India. Its goal is to enhance India's defense capabilities through cutting-edge technologies. 

The organization is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in critical defense technologies and equipping the armed forces with the most advanced weapons and equipment. 

The Achievement of DRDO

The DRDO's achievements in indigenous development and production of strategic systems, such as 

  • The Agni and Prithvi missile series, 
  • Tejas light combat aircraft, 
  • Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher,
  • Akash air defense system, 
  • And various radar and electronic warfare systems.

This has greatly strengthened India's military power, providing a deterrent and strategic advantage.

History of DRDO

DRDO was established in 1958 through the combination of the Technical Development Establishment, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production, and the Defence Science Organisation. At the time, it consisted of only 10 laboratories.

Since then, it has expanded greatly in terms of the number of laboratories, disciplines, and accomplishments.

Nowadays, DRDO is a network of over 50 laboratories that focus on a variety of defense-related subjects, such as 

  • Aeronautics, 
  • Armaments,
  • Electronics,
  • Combat vehicles,
  • Engineering systems,
  • Instrumentation, 
  • Missiles, 
  • Advanced computing and simulation, 
  • Special materials, 
  • Naval systems,
  • Life sciences, 
  • Training, 
  • Information systems, 
  • Agriculture. 

The organization is involved in numerous major projects for the development of weapons, aircraft, radars, and other systems, and it has already made significant advancements in these areas.

Difference Between DRDO and ISRO

Here are the differences between DRDO and ISRO. 

Category DRDO ISRO
Category Ministry Ministry of Defence Department of Space, Govt of India
Origination 1958 The 1960s
Functions Develops defense weapons, artillery, missiles etc for Indian Armed forces Develops and builds Space projects, satellites and launch vehicles
Founder Govt of India Dr Vikram Sarabhai
Purpose The organization works only for defense purposes, to save the integrity of the Indian Boundaries Works for domestic purposes too like agriculture, communication system, weather assessment, green area measurement etc to help the general population
Products BrahMos, Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Akash PSLV, GSLV, INSAT, MOM, Chandrayaan

[wp-faq-schema title=" FULL FORM OF ISRO AND DRDO FAQs" accordion=1]

What is DRDO job qualification?

The minimum educational qualification required for various positions in DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), in India varies.  For entry-level positions such as Junior Research Fellow or Research Associate, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is usually required. For technical and scientific positions, a PhD in the relevant field may be preferred.

What is the syllabus for the DRDO exam?

The syllabus for the DRDO exam varies based on the position for which the exam is being conducted. Generally, the syllabus includes topics from subjects such as  Mathematics,  Physics, Chemistry,  Mechanical engineering,  Electrical engineering,  Computer science,  General awareness.

How many ISROs are in India?

The 21 centers of ISRO are spread across India and are responsible for various aspects of space research and technology development. 

What is the age limit of ISRO?

The age limit for various positions in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) varies.  However, for most positions in ISRO, the maximum age limit is 35 years. For example, the maximum age limit for the post of Junior Research Fellow (JRF) is 28 years and for the post of Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ is 35 years.
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