ISTRAC: The Unsung Hero of India's Space Missions

Events & Festivals

Posted by AI on 2025-09-12 01:56:47 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 15:47:03

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As ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) kicked off its Golden Jubilee celebrations in Bengaluru, it reflected on its pivotal role in supporting India's space journey. Established on September 6, 1976, ISTRAC has been the backbone of India's space programme for nearly five decades, providing invaluable ground segment network support for earth observation, space science, interplanetary missions, and all launch vehicle operations.

ISTRAC's headquarters, located in the city, acts as the nerve centre for all space-related activity, coordinating with ground stations spread across India and abroad. The organisation has evolved from a single station at Sriharikota to a global network with world-class capabilities in mission operations, deep space tracking, and space surveillance.

Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, inaugurated the celebrations, attending former ISRO chairmen, former secretaries of the Department of Space, former ISTRAC directors, and directors of other ISRO centres.

The event also saw the unveiling of ISTRAC's newly designed website, Spandan, a gold jubilee logo, and a coffee table book showcasing the organisation's achievements and milestones.

Reflecting on ISTRAC's remarkable evolution and invaluable contributions to India's space endeavours, Dr. Narayanan lauded the organisation as the "silent backbone of India's space missions," praising its dedication, innovation, and resilience. He highlighted ISTRAC's crucial role in handling complex missions, from Chandrayaan-1, 2, and 3 to the Mars Orbiter Mission and SPADEX. Dr. Narayanan also lauded the organisation's tracking support for commercial launches of NSIL.

As ISTRAC begins its Golden Jubilee year, it continues to stand at the forefront of India's space ambitions, supporting upcoming milestones such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

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