Indian Space Programme

402-432The paper provides an overview of the evolution of the Indian Space Programme right from the days of modest but well conceived experimental efforts during the early 60's to the present day of operational and quasi-operational space applications. The organizational structure and the systematic steps by which this growth has been accomplished through the phases of learning, experimentation and operationalization are presented. The significant achievements, in each of the major areas viz., the launch vehicles, space-craft, support facilities, space applications and data products are also brought out along with the technological spin-offs. The action plan for the immediate future in each of the areas has also been outlined which eventually paves the way for achieving self sufficiency in the field of space technology