The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has evolved a programme through which financial support is provided for conducting research and development activities related to Space Science, Space Technology and Space Application to academia in India. This programme of Research Sponsored by ISRO is called RESPOND. In special cases research and development projects proposed by non-academic R & D laboratories can also be supported through this programme. The aim of RESPOND is to encourage quality research in areas of relevance to the Indian space programme.

The primary objective of the Indian Space programme is to harness the advanced research areas of space science and technology for national development and to derive the maximum benefit for the people of India. The Indian Space Programme includes the following major elements:

Demonstration of the feasibility of deriving from space science and technology, applications in space communications, long distance education, earth resources survey, meterology and geodesy.

Development of indigenous capability for design and development of orbiting satellites for scientific research and space applications, sounding rockets and satellite launch vehicles.

The main objectives of the RESPOND Programme is to establish strong links with academic Institutions to carryout quality Research and developmental projects which are of relevance to Space and derive useful outputs of such R&D to support ISRO programmes. RESPOND programme will enhance academic base, generate quality human resources and infrastructure at the academic Institution to support the space programme.