New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially released the RESPOND Basket 2025, inviting research proposals from scientists and faculty members of academic and autonomous R&D institutions across India. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between ISRO and academia by addressing critical research challenges linked to India’s present and future space missions.
The RESPOND Basket 2025 was released on December 16 by ISRO Chairperson Dr. V. Narayanan during the inauguration of the ISRO–Academia Day. The basket includes a curated list of high-priority research problem statements identified by ISRO and various Department of Space (DoS) centres based on upcoming programmatic R&D requirements.
Strengthening ISRO–Academia Collaboration
In his inaugural address, Dr. V. Narayanan highlighted the crucial role of universities and research institutions in contributing innovative ideas, advanced technologies, and skilled human resources to India’s rapidly expanding space programme. He emphasised that the RESPOND programme has consistently played a key role in solving complex technological challenges through collaborative, mission-oriented research.
As part of the ISRO–Academia Day, ISRO scientists delivered detailed technical presentations on the research themes included in the RESPOND Basket 2025. These sessions offered academic participants valuable insights into mission-driven requirements, expected research outcomes, and potential areas of long-term collaboration with ISRO.
Focus Areas of RESPOND Basket 2025
The RESPOND Basket 2025 comprises the most urgent and strategically important research problems aligned with ISRO’s future mission roadmap. The research themes are designed to support a wide range of upcoming national missions, including:
- Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station)
- Chandrayaan-4 Moon Sample Return Mission
- Gaganyaan continuation and human spaceflight missions
- Venus Orbiter Mission
- Future human landing missions on the Moon
ISRO stated that the basket reflects India’s evolving space ambitions and focuses on emerging and advanced domains such as quantum computing, remote sensing, launch vehicle and advanced materials, and next-generation satellite communication systems.
Eligibility and Proposal Submission
Researchers eligible to submit proposals under RESPOND Basket 2025 include:
- Individual scientists or faculty members
- Groups of researchers
- Faculty affiliated with recognised universities
- Scientists from autonomous R&D institutions
Proposals are invited from premier universities, academic institutions, and recognised R&D organisations working in areas relevant to ISRO’s mission objectives and national priorities.
Important Dates and Submission Portal
The last date for submission of research proposals is January 31, 2026. All proposals must be submitted online through the I-GRASP portal, which serves as ISRO’s dedicated platform for research collaboration and proposal management.
ISRO encouraged interested researchers to carefully review the research problem statements listed in the RESPOND Basket 2025 before submitting their proposals to ensure alignment with mission needs.
Driving India’s Space Research Ecosystem
The RESPOND programme continues to be a key pillar in ISRO’s strategy to build a strong, innovation-driven space research ecosystem in India. By actively engaging academia in mission-critical research, ISRO aims to accelerate technological development while nurturing future scientists and engineers for the country’s space ambitions.
Disclaimer: This news article is published for informational purposes only. Applicants are advised to refer to the official ISRO notification and guidelines on the I-GRASP portal for detailed eligibility criteria and submission procedures.
