India’s space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has evolved from modest beginnings into one of the most respected space agencies in the world. Over the years, ISRO has designed and executed a range of missions—from satellite navigation, Earth observation, interplanetary exploration, to solar studies—that have not only enhanced India’s technological self-reliance but also contributed to global scientific collaboration. Its cost-effective approaches and mission diversity—from Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan to Aditya-L1 and the upcoming Gaganyaan—have become case studies in innovation.

For UPSC aspirants, ISROs journey is more than current affairs—it directly intersects with the syllabus of General Studies Paper 3 (Science & Technology), provides examples for GS Paper 2 (International Relations, Governance), and can enrich perspectives in the Essay Paper, Ethics, and even Optional subjects like Geography or PSIR. In this article, we will explore detailed insights about ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Mission Overview

Among ISRO’s various projects, GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) mission represents a targeted effort within the domain of Communication.The trajectory and configuration of GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) were optimized for operations in Geostationary Orbit, Indian region coverage.

• ISRO selected the Falcon-9 (SpaceX) to carry the GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) mission.
• The selected launch site for the operation was Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.
• GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) aimed to accomplish the primary task of High-throughput broadband services, in-flight connectivity.
• Alongside its primary function, GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) was expected to Support Smart Cities Mission, nationwide coverage.
• The mission has reached the stage classified as Operational, reached final orbit November 28, 2024.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Mission

• GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) was launched on November 19, 2024.
• The mission is expected to complete its intended operations by 14 years planned mission life.

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ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Mission Technical Specifications

The mission hardware integrated 4700 kg mass, 48 Gbps throughput, I4K bus, supporting operations from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA.The orbital profile—Geostationary Orbit (GSO) at 68°E longitude—was selected to support the execution of both primary and secondary goals of the mission.

• The spacecraft for GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) carried scientific payloads such as Ka-band high-throughput communication transponders, supporting its role as a Communication mission.
• As part of the onboard communication setup, Ka-Ka band were deployed to maintain consistent mission control contact.
• GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) relied on High-throughput satellite (HTS), 32 spot beams, electric propulsion to fulfill its technical goals.

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GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Launch Information

• On November 19, 2024, GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) was sent into its designated orbit.
• Falcon-9 (SpaceX) served as the launch platform for GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20).
• Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

According to official information, ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) were associated with the mission.SpaceX (Launch provider) were associated with the mission for specific roles.

• The launch of GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) from Cape Canaveral, Florida, USA was supported by involvement from USA (Launch site).
• The scientific payloads on GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20), designed to operate in Geostationary Orbit, Indian region coverage, were partially contributed by Payloads by Space Application Centre, ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Mission

Among ISRO’s recent efforts, GSAT-N2 earned distinction for Second demand-driven NSIL mission, first ISRO sat on Falcon-9.The mission supported both research and practical applications through its data, including Broadband internet, in-flight connectivity data services.

• ISRO-SpaceX collaboration, enhances national connectivity is among the noted policy-level implications of GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20).
• Enhanced broadband, DTH, VSAT services across India are among the key civilian benefits derived from GSAT-N2.
• Boosts national communication infrastructure, digital connectivity highlights the role of GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) in India’s strategic space program.
• Possible further GSAT series satellites for capacity augmentation represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20), reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.

ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Space Mission

• ISRO missions are frequently asked in the UPSC Prelims examination, especially under the Science and Technology section, where candidates are expected to know key facts like launch dates, objectives, and agencies involved.
• ISROs organizational efficiency, low-cost model, and long-term planning offer useful examples for General Studies answers dealing with public institutions and governance structures.
• Missions like Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), which combined low-cost execution with high-impact outcomes, reflect the ethical dimensions of responsible innovation.
• Environmental Science and Geography papers can benefit from examples of ISRO’s contributions to disaster management, glacier mapping, and crop estimation.

Past UPSC Mains PYQs on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. Discuss the role of the private sector in the growth of the space industry in India. How has the governments policy of 2023 affected it? (2023, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q2. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (2022 & 2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q3. Space has been the next big frontier for mankind after sea and land. In this context, discuss Indias policy and preparedness for space wars. (2019, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q4. Discuss the utility of the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) for India. (2016, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Q5. What do you understand by Standard Positioning Systems and Precision Positioning Systems in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015, GS Paper 3 - Science & Technology)

Past UPSC Prelims PYQs on ISRO Space Missions

Q1 [2025]: GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?

I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) I, II and III
(b) II and III only
(c) I only
(d) I and II only

Correct Answer: (d) I and II only

Explanation: Statements I and II correctly describe the core purpose and benefit of the GAGAN system. (I) GAGAN is designed to augment GPS signals by correcting for errors, which provides much greater accuracy and guarantees the integrity (reliability) of the positioning information. (II) This enhanced accuracy and reliability directly enables more precise aircraft routing and landing procedures, thus improving the uniformity and quality of air traffic management.

Q2 [2022]: If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

Answer: The correct answer is (c).

Explanation: A major solar storm can disrupt GPS, power grids, satellite orbits, polar radio communication, and cause auroras, but cannot trigger tsunamis or forest fires.

Q3 [2020]: The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

(a) Voyager-2
(b) New horizons
(c) Lisa Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: The correct answer is (d) Evolved LISA.

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a planned space-based gravitational wave observatory by ESA and NASA, using three spacecraft in a triangular formation with laser beams to detect cosmic gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: Consider the following statements:

The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO

1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation: Mangalyaan is the informal name of Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), launched by ISRO on 5 November 2013 and India is the only nation to date to have succeeded on its maiden attempt.

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UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. Which report did ISRO release in 2023?
1. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report ISSAR
2. Space Exploration Strategy Report SESR
3. Mars Mission Report MMR
4. Lunar Exploration Report LER
Answer: 1
Solution: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report ISSAR was released by ISRO in 2023. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of space situational awareness, covering aspects such as satellite health, space debris, and potential collision risks. The ISSAR is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations by monitoring and managing space traffic. It reflects ISRO's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.

Q2. What is the thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO?
1. 1MN
2. 2MN
3. 3MN
4. 4MN
Answer: 2
Solution: The thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO is 2MN. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine being developed to power future launch vehicles of ISRO. This engine runs on a combination of liquid oxygen LOX and kerosene RP-1, which provides higher efficiency and performance. The development of the SCE-200 is part of ISRO's efforts to enhance its launch capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign technology.

Q3. Which of the following are the major missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023?
1. Chandrayaan-3
2. Solar Mission Aditya-L1
3. Liquid fuel powered rockets
4. Solar powered rockets
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1
Solution: Major Missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023 include Chandrayaan-3 and Solar Mission Aditya-L1. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, aiming to demonstrate the ability to perform a soft landing on the Moon. Solar Mission Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun, placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 of the Sun-Earth system. Liquid fuel powered rockets are not a major mission by themselves but rather a technology used in various missions. Currently, ISRO does not have missions involving solar-powered rockets.

Q4. Which Hyderabad-based startup received approval from IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service GSaaS?
1. Pixxel
2. Dhruva Space
3. Skyroot Aerospace
4. Agnikul Cosmos
Answer: 2
Solution: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space has received approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service GSaaS. GSaaS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional ground station setups in India, reducing high upfront costs. Dhruva Space's mission-agnostic approach allows satellite operators to flexibly scale ground station resources according to mission needs.

Q5. Which of the statements regarding ASAT are true?
I. ASAT is a missile-based system to attack moving satellites.
II. India, using ASAT Missile, destroyed a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit.
III. ASAT missile is capable of shooting down targets moving at a speed of 50 km per second at an altitude as high as 2000 km.
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. I, II and III
4. II and III only
Answer: 1
Solution: ASAT Anti-Satellite Weapon is a missile-based system to destroy satellites in orbit, which can degrade the adversary's space capabilities. India successfully tested its ASAT missile under Mission Shakti on March 27, 2019. The test involved shooting down a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 300 km. The successful test made India the fourth country to possess such a capability, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Gaganyaan:
I. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
II. ISRO announced Vyommitra, a Male Robot who will accompany other astronauts in the mission.
III. The crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk II.
IV. Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. II and IV only
4. I and IV only
Answer: 4
Solution: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission. The Vyommitra robot is a female robot announced by ISRO to accompany astronauts in the mission, not a male robot. The crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk III, not GSLV Mk II.

Q7. Who is the project director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3?
1. Vikram Sarabhai
2. S. Somnath
3. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
4. P. Veeramuthuvel
Answer: 4
Solution: P. Veeramuthuvel is the Project Director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3. Chandrayaan 3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission aims to demonstrate the capability for a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan 3 consists of a lander and rover configuration, similar to its predecessor Chandrayaan 2.

Q8. Which Launcher is used for Chandrayan-3?
1. GSLV
2. LVSM
3. GSLV-Mk3
4. PSLV
Answer: 3
Solution: The GSLV-Mk3, also known as the LVM-3 Launch Vehicle Mark-3, is the launch vehicle used for Chandrayaan-3. It is an expendable launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The GSLV-Mk3 is capable of carrying heavier payloads, and it is crucial for launching large satellites and interplanetary missions. This launcher is designed to carry payloads up to 4000 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit GTO and 10000 kg to Low Earth Orbit LEO.

Q9. Who has been appointed as the new Chief of ISRO?
1. S. Somanath
2. Dr. V. Narayanan
3. K. Sivan
4. A.S. Kiran Kumar
Answer: 2
Solution: Dr. V. Narayanan is a renowned scientist who has contributed significantly to ISRO's propulsion systems. He has played an integral role in the development of cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems used in India's space missions. Dr. Narayanan has been instrumental in advancing ISRO's capabilities in launching heavy payloads into geostationary orbit.

Q10. When was ISRO's first solar mission Aditya L1 mission launched successfully?
1. 2nd August, 2023
2. 2nd September, 2023
3. 15th August, 2023
4. 15th September, 2023
Answer: 2
Solution: ISRO successfully launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1, on 2nd September 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, solar winds, magnetic fields, and other solar phenomena to improve our understanding of space weather. Aditya L1 was launched aboard ISRO's trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C57. The spacecraft is designed to operate in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 L1, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun and marks a significant milestone in the country's space exploration endeavors.