The Department of Space (DOS) has the primary objective of promoting development and application of space science and technology to assist in all-round development of the nation.
Towards this, DOS has evolved the following programmes :
- Launch Vehicle programme having indigenous capability for launching spacecrafts.
- INSAT Programme for telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, development of education etc.
- Remote Sensing Programme for application of satellite imagery for various developmental purposes.
- Research and Development in Space Sciences and Technology for serving the end of applying them for national development.
- Organisation With the setting up of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, the space activities in the country were initiated. In the same year, the work on Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram was also started. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in August 1969.
The Government of India constituted the Space Commission and established the Department of Space (DOS) in June 1972 and brought ISRO under DOS in September 1972.
While headed by a secretary who also leads ISRO, the department falls under the direct purview of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division
- Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division (earlier known as Science and Society Division) under the Department of Science and Technology provides opportunities to motivated scientists & technologists from national Research and Development (R&D) labs, S&T-driven Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and field-level workers to take up action-oriented and location-specific projects aiming at Socio-economic development of disadvantaged sections of the society through appropriate interventions of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), leading to their improved quality of life and livelihood.
- Through its diverse schemes and programmes, efforts are being made to empower the community by adopting technologies to address locally defined needs and priorities that consider available resources and moral prosperity of society for sustainable development. The schemes and programmes of the division are also being converged with line function ministries/departments for the last-mile delivery and national development programmes to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
