Aryabhata was India's first satellite, marking a defining moment in the nation's journey towards establishing itself as a player in space exploration. Launched from Kapustin Yar, Russia, Aryabhata's primary objectives included conducting scientific experiments in various fields such as astronomy, aeronomy, and satellite technology. The satellite was named after Aryabhata, an influential Indian mathematician and astronomer from the 5th century who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. This launch highlighted the shift in India's focus towards science and technology, particularly in the domain of space. It was a collaborative effort involving Indian scientists and Russian space technology, symbolizing an important international partnership during the Cold War era.

The satellite weighed about 360 kg and was placed in a 582 km orbit to gather data. Aryabhata was crucial for testing various new technologies in satellite design and operations, directly influencing subsequent Indian space missions. The mission, however, encountered some technical challenges post-launch. Aryabhata did not function as expected, but it provided invaluable experience that would benefit future projects. It set the foundation for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to build upon, allowing India to enhance its capabilities in space research and satellite technology in the following decades.