Aryabhata

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50 Years Since the Launch of Aryabhata – India’s First Satellite

About Aryabhata

• Aryabhata was India’s first indigenously-built satellite, named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata, who lived in the 5th century CE.
• It was launched on April 19, 1975, from Kapustin Yar, a Soviet launch site, with the help of the Soviet Union.
• By launching Aryabhata, India joined an elite club of 11 countries capable of sending satellites into orbit, including the USA, USSR, UK, France, China, West Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, and Italy.
• Aryabhata was designed to conduct experiments in solar physics and X-ray astronomy.
• Although the experiments faced a power failure after five days, Aryabhata successfully made initial X-ray observations and continued transmitting data for a few more days.
• Aryabhata eventually re-entered Earth’s atmosphere on February 10, 1992, giving it an orbital lifespan of nearly 17 years.
• The satellite was unnamed until shortly before the launch. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi selected ‘Aryabhata’ from a shortlist that included ‘Mitra’ and ‘Jawahar’, reflecting cultural and diplomatic values.
• India’s Posts and Telegraphs Department issued a special commemorative postal stamp within hours of the launch.
• The Soviet Union issued its own Aryabhata commemorative stamp in 1976, recognising the spirit of scientific cooperation.

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