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 ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Mission Overview

As a Technology Demonstrator (Nanosatellite) initiative, ISROs ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.The trajectory and configuration of ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator were optimized for operations in Sun-synchronous Polar Orbit.

• ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator lifted off using the PSLV-C52.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• At its foundation, ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator was designed to Technology demonstration for future India-Bhutan joint satellite (INS-2B).
• ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator was further expected to aid in Assess land/water surface temperature, vegetation.
• At this point, the mission remains Mission completed (decayed November 2024).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Mission

• The scheduled launch date for ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator was February 14, 2022.
• Mission planning documents suggest an operational window lasting until 6 months (approx).

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ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Mission Technical Specifications

To accommodate its scientific payloads and orbit profile, the spacecraft was configured with Approx 81 kg mass.Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~529 km altitude was the target operational environment for ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator, enabling precise function delivery.

• For this Technology Demonstrator (Nanosatellite) effort, the scientific payloads onboard included Thermal imaging camera, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.
• Critical systems used in INS-2TD were based on Nanosatellite bus, thermal imaging camera.

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ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Launch Information

• ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator lifted off from the launch pad on February 14, 2022.
• ISRO selected the PSLV-C52 to carry the ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator mission.
• The vehicle was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were involved in various phases of the mission.

• Collaboration with Precursor to India-Bhutan INS-2B added a global dimension to the objectives of ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Mission

Successfully demonstrated technologies for INS-2B is recorded as a notable outcome of ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator.ISRO reported that Thermal imagery for Earth observation applications were among the primary outputs from INS-2TD.

• Paved way for INS-2B joint mission reflects the broader value of ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator beyond technical results.
• ISROs documentation of ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator highlights Satellite decayed naturally as an important parameter.
• Technology demonstration, thermal imaging for Earth observation are among the key civilian benefits derived from INS-2TD.
• ISRO positioned ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator to contribute toward strategic outcomes like Precursor for future operational thermal imaging satellites.
• Following the milestones achieved under ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator, ISRO has outlined potential developments such as Operational thermal imaging satellite missions to build a more robust mission series.

ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• Operational challenges during ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator underlined Validated nanosatellite components for future missions.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite-Technology Demonstrator Space Mission

• Candidates should be able to identify which ISRO mission belongs to which application area, such as communication, meteorology, navigation, or planetary exploration.
• UPSC often expects candidates to critically evaluate the gaps or opportunities in India’s space sector, where ISROs mission track record provides factual backing.
• UPSC Essays focused on resilience, long-term vision, or Indias journey in science and technology can be powerfully anchored in examples like Chandrayaan-2’s setback and the recovery through Chandrayaan-3.
• Optional subjects like Political Science can reference ISRO to highlight the role of strategic autonomy and scientific sovereignty in shaping foreign policy.

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. In January 2022, S Somanath has been appointed as the tenth chairman of ________.
1. RBI
2. DRDO
3. ISRO
4. SEBI
Answer: ISRO
Solution: In January 2022, S Somanath has been appointed as the tenth chairman of ISRO. S Somanath is an Indian space scientist who has been associated with ISRO for over three decades. He has played a key role in the development of India's space program and has been instrumental in the success of several missions. As the chairman of ISRO, Somanath will be responsible for overseeing the organization's activities, including the development and launch of satellites, space research, and exploration. Somanath takes over from K Sivan, who served as the chairman of ISRO from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, Sivan oversaw several successful missions, including the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and the launch of the PSLV-C51 rocket.

Q2. Consider the following questions regarding Aditya L1 Mission:
1. Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun.
2. Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, is about 150 million km from the Earth.
3. It will be launched by Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Only one
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. Aditya L1 is indeed the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. However, statement 2 is incorrect as Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, not 150 million km. Statement 3 is also incorrect as the Aditya L1 mission will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), not LVM-3.

Q3. N Valarmathi was recently in news. She was best known for ________.
1. Mission Director of Chandrayaan-3
2. Mission Director of Aditya L1
3. Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
4. None of the above
Answer: Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
Solution: N Valarmathi, the voice behind ISRO mission launches, passed away. She was known for her significant contributions to ISRO's rocket countdown launches, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Q4. Which agency has recently launched Juice mission?
1. ISRO
2. European Space Agency (ESA)
3. Chinese Space Agency
4. NASA
Answer: European Space Agency (ESA)
Solution: Recently, the European Space Agency is set to launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission to explore Jupiter and its icy moons, namely Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. The mission is launched from French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher and is set to reach Jupiter in 2031.

Q5. Who was awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
1. K. Sivan
2. A. S. Kiran Kumar
3. Dr. S. Somnath
4. G. Madhavan Nair
Answer: Dr. S. Somnath
Solution: ISRO Chairman S. Somanath received the prestigious IAF World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3's success. The award was presented during a ceremony in Milan, Italy, recognizing India's excellence in space exploration.

Q6. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Docking is essential for servicing satellites, extending their operational life, and supporting future space missions.
Statement-II: It allows spacefaring components to be launched separately and assembled in space to form a larger module.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation of Statement-I.
3. Statement-I is true, but Statement-II is false.
4. Statement-I is false, but Statement-II is true.
Answer: option 1
Solution: Both statements are true, and Statement-II provides the reasoning behind the importance of docking mentioned in Statement-I. Docking enables in-orbit assembly of large modules by allowing smaller components to be launched individually, which is crucial for constructing space stations or modular spacecraft.

Q7. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to conduct its 100th rocket launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 29. What is the name of the 100th rocket launch satellite by ISRO?
1. NVS-02
2. GSAT-19
3. Cartosat-3
4. IRNSS-1I
Answer: NVS-02
Solution: On January 29, 2025, ISRO successfully launched its 100th mission, a historic achievement. The GSLV-F15 rocket, carrying the NVS-02 satellite, lifted off from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 AM IST.

Q8. In which of the above rows the given information is correctly matched?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 4 only
Answer: option 2
Solution: The 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota will be conducted with the GSLV-F15 mission, marking a significant milestone for ISRO. The Chandrayaan-3 mission was the first successful soft landing on the Moon's south pole, and the Aditya-L1 mission is India's first solar mission.

Q9. The Aditya-L1 mission is aimed at studying:
1. The atmosphere of Venus
2. The surface of the Moon
3. The Sun's outermost layers
4. The asteroid belt
Answer: The Sun's outermost layers
Solution: The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first solar mission launched by ISRO. It is specifically designed to study the outermost layers of the Sun, also known as the corona. The mission aims to provide crucial information about the solar atmosphere, magnetic field dynamics, and the impact of solar activities on the Earth's climate.

Q10. When did ISRO launch a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads designed for environmental monitoring, disaster management and remote sensing applications?
1. 16 September 2024
2. 16 August 2024
3. 8 August 2024
4. 8 September 2024
Answer: 16 August 2024
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads on 16 August 2024. The satellite is designed for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and remote sensing applications, featuring innovative payloads aimed at providing high-resolution data for various applications.