Physical Research Laboratory

Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) is an autonomous research institution of India's Department of Space, founded in 1947 by Vikram Sarabhai. Its work spans astronomy and astrophysics, solar and planetary science, space and atmospheric science, geosciences, theoretical physics, and atomic, molecular and optical physics. Research infrastructure includes its Ahmedabad campuses, the Udaipur Solar Observatory and infrared observatory facilities at Mount Abu. PRL combines fundamental research with instrument development and analysis for Indian space missions. It developed the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer carried by Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan rover, with support from the Space Applications Centre and a deployment mechanism built by UR Rao Satellite Centre. Such payload work connects laboratory science, spacecraft observations and interpretation of lunar and planetary environments.