April 19: How Aryabhata Put India On The Space Map

On April 19, 1975, India marked a key milestone with the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, named after the ancient astronomer. Built to advance space research in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and aeronomics, it symbolized India’s entry into the space age. Though launched from the USSR, it laid the foundation for ISRO’s global rise.