In an exciting development for India’s space ecosystem, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially released the RESPOND Basket 2025. Announced during the ISRO–Academia Day event at ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, this initiative invites research proposals from academic institutions across the country to tackle mission-critical challenges in space technology.

The event was inaugurated by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, who emphasized the crucial role of academia in driving innovation for India’s ambitious space program.

What is the RESPOND Programme?

Launched in the 1970s, the RESPOND (Sponsored Research) programme has been ISRO’s flagship initiative to foster collaboration with academic institutions. It provides financial and technical support for research in space science, technology, and applications. Since the introduction of the annual RESPOND Basket in 2018, over 871 research problems have been shared, many contributing directly to operational missions.

The RESPOND Basket serves as a curated list of priority research topics identified by various ISRO centres, complete with scope, expected deliverables, and linkages to specific programs.

Key Highlights of RESPOND Basket 2025

This year’s basket focuses on emerging and mission-critical areas, including:

• Quantum Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
• Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
• Launch Vehicles and Advanced Materials
• Propulsion Systems
• Avionics
• Human Spaceflight
• Planetary Science
• Satellite Systems and Communication

These themes align with upcoming flagship missions such as:

• Gaganyaan continuation missions
• Chandrayaan-4 (Moon Sample Return)
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station)
• Venus Orbiter
• Future planetary explorations

The topics have been proposed by over a dozen ISRO centres, including Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Space Applications Centre (SAC), Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), and Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include faculty members and scientists from recognized universities, colleges, and autonomous R&D institutions nationwide. Proposals can be submitted individually or in groups.

Each topic in the basket includes a designated Co-Principal Investigator from ISRO to facilitate collaboration.

Proposals will be evaluated based on novelty, technical feasibility, methodology, investigator expertise, timeline, and budget.

How to Submit Proposals

Submissions are open now and must be made online through the I-GRASP portal (ISRO Grants-in-Aid for Space Research Programmes).

Deadline: January 31, 2026

For the full RESPOND Basket 2025 document and guidelines, visit the official ISRO website: https://www.isro.gov.in/RESPOND_BASKET_2025.html

Why This Matters

As India aims for greater self-reliance in space technology and expands its horizons to human spaceflight, lunar returns, and interplanetary missions, stronger academia-ISRO partnerships are essential. The RESPOND Basket 2025 not only addresses immediate technological gaps but also nurtures the next generation of space scientists and engineers.

If you’re part of an academic institution, this is a golden opportunity to contribute to India’s space journey. Don’t miss the deadline—start preparing your proposals today!

For more updates on ISRO’s initiatives, stay tuned to official channels.

Sources: Official ISRO announcements, The Hindu, Times of India (December 16, 2025)

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