7 times Russia aided India's space program — in chronological order

Remember the pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin locked in a good-natured embrace that had surfaced on the internet not long ago? While they might not be indicative of the leaders’ alignment in their politics, it is certainly representative of the close ties between India and Russia on multiple strategic aspects, including their respective space programs.

The two nations have been mostly pally with each other since India’s post-independence — despite tensions between the US and USSR. And what is perhaps the best example of this friendship would be how the Soviet Union has contributed to the establishment and growth of India's space program.
India's space program, conceived in the 1960s under the visionary leadership of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, was primarily focused on utilising space technology for national development. Unlike the space programs of the United States or the Soviet Union, which were heavily influenced by military competition and the Cold War, India's space endeavours were rooted in civilian and developmental objectives. Recognising the potential of space technology, India sought international cooperation, and the Soviet Union emerged as a crucial partner.

As India celebrates its first National Space Day, we would be remiss to not acknowledge all that Russia has done for our nation in terms of space exploration. And here are seven examples of the USSR's involvement during ISRO's early years, with multiple instances of assistance.

1. Aryabhata satellite (1975)

The USSR was instrumental in the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. While the satellite was designed and developed by Indian scientists, it was launched using a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from the Kapustin Yar launch site in Russia. This marked India's first step into space and would not have been possible without Soviet support.

2. Training of ISRO scientists

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, many Indian space scientists received training in Soviet institutions. This included training in areas like satellite communications, telemetry, and space mission operations. The transfer of technical knowledge was crucial for ISRO as it developed its own capacity to build and operate satellites independently.

3. Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-II satellites (1979 and 1981)

The USSR launched two Indian Earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-II, which were crucial for remote sensing applications in areas like meteorology, oceanography, and hydrology. Both satellites were launched aboard Soviet rockets, contributing to India's development of satellite-based Earth observation capabilities.

4. Launch of apple satellite (1981)

The Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) satellite, India's first experimental communication satellite, was launched in 1981 with Soviet assistance. While the satellite was launched aboard a European Ariane rocket, the Soviet Union provided crucial technical support during its development and also supported telemetry during its early operations.

5. Tracking and telemetry support

The USSR provided technical and infrastructural support to India by helping set up tracking and telemetry stations in India. These facilities were essential for controlling and receiving data from Indian satellites. Soviet technical assistance helped India develop its ground infrastructure for space missions.

6. Interkosmos program (1984)

Under the Soviet Union's Interkosmos program, India participated in a manned spaceflight mission. Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force pilot, was sent into space aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, making him the first Indian to travel to space. This was a landmark event for India's space program, showcasing the close collaboration between ISRO and the Soviet space agency.

7. Support for PSLV development

In the early 1990s, during the development of ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Soviet Union provided guidance and support, particularly in rocket propulsion technology. This collaboration helped ISRO overcome technical hurdles and achieve greater self-reliance in launching satellites.

The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of an era in Indo-Soviet space collaboration. However, the legacy of the USSR's contributions to ISRO continues to influence India's space program. Russia, as the successor state of the Soviet Union, maintained friendly ties with India, and space collaboration continued, albeit with a different focus and scale. India’s manned space mission project, Gaganyaan, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, involves training astronauts in Russia, demonstrating the lasting legacy of Indo-Soviet space cooperation.