ISRO started the RESPOND (Research Sponsored) programme in the 1970s[3] whose main objective is to establish strong links with Universities/Institutions in the country to carry out quality research and developmental projects which are of relevance to space and derive useful outputs of such R&D to support ISRO programmes.
To encourage space related activities in academic institutions, ISRO started RESPOND programme in 1970s.
[5] Under this programme, space technology cells were established in various academic institutions in India which are guided by Joint Policy Committee which is chaired by Director/Vice Chancellor of the respective institution and scientists from ISRO and Department of Space.
At present, 84 space sciences projects have been supported by ISRO of which 62 are being carried out by universities and rest of 22 by R&D institutions.
[2] The research is carried out in the domains of Astronomy, Astrophysics, Solar Physics, Earth's middle atmosphere and Ionosphere.