Planning in ISRO

ISRO had given top most priority for Planning. As already mentioned, the gestation period for any launch vehicle project is between a  minimum of 5 years to even 7 years and costs millions of rupees. Hence there is a vital need for meticulous planning and analysis before cutting the metal. Any typical project of ISRO runs through the following cycle.

• Mission :  First, the objective and  final goal of the project based on the countries requirements like Remote sensing, communication etc. is stipulated with overall Schedule and cost enveloppe. 
• Project Study Phase :  where in an inter centre, inter disciplinary experts are chosen by the top management to work under a study Director to make threadbear analysis of all options considering the Satellite weight ( Payload), Orbit requirements, Budget ,Time, Expertise available in house and outside, Technology development Requirements, Range safety, potential challenges, Infrastructure Development/ availability, manpower and recommends the most suitable candidate / candidates. This is followed by selection of the optimum configuration and is submitted for management approval.
• Project Report :A project director is appointed with an approved configuration and is vested with the responsibility of preparing a detailed  Project Report  for approval of ISRO Chairman and subsequently by Government.
• Design and Development : This is followed by system concept Review, Preliminary Design and its review(PDR), Critical Design and it's Review(CDR), Proto model fabrication, Ground Development and Quality assurance Tests, followed by Quality Review, First Flight worthy model production and it's review( First article configuration checks), Interface compatibility of subsystems etc

This is done for Launch Vehicle Systems ( Rocket), Satellite, Test Facilities and Launch Facilities, softwares like Trajectory analysis, structural analysis, command and control system with on board and ground computers alike.

At every stage, impact analysis is made and mid course corrections are implemented. Nothing is left to chance as Rocket launch does not tolerate even slightest error. 

Successful  development of SLV, ASLV, PSLV and present GSLV stand  testimony to the adherence to the principles of  long range and operational Planning of ISRO .

ISRO had followed  the advice rendered by Great Poet Tiruvalluvar, who could think  all intricate management principles even 2000 years back !