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Phase II: 1970-80


Sarabhai had taken part in an early study with NASA regarding the feasibility of using satellites for applications as wide as direct television broadcasting. India started designing and creating an independent launch vehicle. Meanwhile, India also began development of satellite technology, anticipating the remote sensing and communication needs of the future. India’s first foray into space began with the launch of its satellite Aryabhata in 1975 by a Soviet booster. By 1979, the SLV was ready to be launched from a newly-established second launch site, the Sriharikota Rocket the second stage. By 1980, this problem had been worked out. The first indigenous satellite launched by India was called Rohini.