India’s achievements in science and technology and space research after independence are very remarkable.

Science and Technology: Progress of scientific research is a precondition of agricultural and industrial development. Technology and technocrats played a significant role in the development in India’s agricultural progress and industrialisation. Under Jawaharlal Nehru who was an ardent admirer of modem science and technology India attained great progress in science and technology.

Several research institutes like Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, etc. came into being. Two stalwarts of Indian science Homi.J.Bhabha and S.N.Bhatnagar helmed the projects of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The Atomic Energy Commission was started in 1948 to utilize atomic energy for development. Eminent atomic scientist Homi.J.Bhabha was appointed as the Chairman of the Commission . He was also the head of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Several world class engineering institutes were started. Between 1954 and 1964, five IITs were started.

Nehru’s strongly believed to minimize Indian’s dependence on western countries in science and technology. Subsequently India attained tremendous progress in medical science, biomedical engineering, genetics, biotechnology, health science, transportation, marine technology, information technology and atomic energy.

Space research: 

Independent, India conducted various space explorations and experiments. In 1962, Nehru, with the technical advice of Vikram Sarabhai, formed the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). Following this, in 1969, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was established to lead space research.

The first rocket launching station was established at Thumba, near Trivandrum.

As a result of the collective efforts of India’s space research experts, first artificial satellite Aryabhatta was successfully launched in 4 975. In addition to satellites, space vehicles and rocket launchers were also developed. It was because of the farsightedness of Nehru that India became the first developing nation to make and launch satellites.

The agencies that develop satellites in India include:

• National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) 
• Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)

India has also advanced much in missile technology. Agni and Prithvi are the missiles developed by India. Dr. Raja Ramanna and Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam led experiments in atomic energy sector

With the new space missions Chandrayan and Mangalayan, India has entered a new era in space exploration. Chandrayan which began in 2008 is Indian’s first lunar mission. With this ‘ India became a member in the coveted group to launch space shuttle to the lunar orbit after USA, Russia, European Space Agency, China and Japan.

Mangalayan is the space mission of India to Mars. It is the Indian made space shuttle that covered the long distance in space. India is all set to take new experiments in space.