Why in News? 

Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, has completed 50 years since its launch. 

About Aryabhata Satellite 

• Built by: ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) 
• Purpose: Conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics. 
• Named after: The ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata. 
• Launch Details: Launched in 1975 by the Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Volgograd Launch Station (now part of Russia).