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 INSAT-2B Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO INSAT-2B Mission Overview

Among ISRO’s various projects, INSAT-2B mission represents a targeted effort within the domain of Multipurpose: Communication, Broadcasting, Meteorology.ISRO selected Geostationary Orbit as the functional environment for the INSAT-2B mission.

• INSAT-2B was launched aboard the Ariane-44L.
• The selected launch site for the operation was Kourou, French Guiana.
• The main aim of INSAT-2B centered on the need to Indigenous multipurpose satellite services; similar to INSAT-2A.
• The mission also targeted supporting objectives like Search and rescue services.
• According to available records, the mission status is Successful, Mission completed.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO INSAT-2B Mission

• On 23/07/1993, INSAT-2B was sent into its designated orbit.
• The primary mission life of INSAT-2B is projected to conclude around Around 2004-2005 (Exceeded 7-year design life).

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ISRO INSAT-2B Mission Technical Specifications

As a Multipurpose: Communication, Broadcasting, Meteorology mission, INSAT-2B was built around a configuration involving Mass 1931 kg; Second in INSAT-2 series.

• Transponders (C, Ext-C), VHRR, Data Relay, SAS&R were integrated into INSAT-2B to operate effectively in Geostationary Orbit.
• ISRO integrated C-band, Extended C-band, S-band into the communication architecture of INSAT-2B to handle mission-critical signals.

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INSAT-2B Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of INSAT-2B on 23/07/1993, as per mission planning.
• The Ariane-44L was used to deploy INSAT-2B into space.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from Kourou, French Guiana.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO were involved in various phases of the mission.

• Collaboration with Launch by Arianespace added a global dimension to the objectives of INSAT-2B.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO INSAT-2B Mission

Mission documentation identifies Augmented INSAT system capacity significantly as a milestone in the Multipurpose: Communication, Broadcasting, Meteorology program.Among its contributions, INSAT-2B delivered information on Communication, broadcasting, meteorological data.

• In addition to its technical objectives, the mission also looked at Standard satellite decommissioning procedures.
• Outputs from INSAT-2B are used in civilian domains, particularly in Communication, broadcasting, meteorology, search & rescue.
• Following the milestones achieved under INSAT-2B, ISRO has outlined potential developments such as INSAT-2C, 2D, 2E to build a more robust mission series.

ISRO INSAT-2B Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO INSAT-2B Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• Indias strategic edge through missions like EMISAT or satellite-based surveillance aligns with General Studies topics on defence and internal security.
• Case studies on transparent communication during mission failures or ISROs non-militaristic space stance fit well into discussions on ethical decision-making.
• 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. Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network ISTRAC system
1. The major objectives of the center is providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command TTC services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit
2. ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications
3. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India only
4. ISTRAC has been mandated to provide space operations support for Deep Space Missions of ISRO
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The major objectives of the center are providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit. ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India and in other countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Q2. How many of the statements about various lunar missions are correct
1. The United States is the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon
2. The Chang'e 4 mission conducted by China successfully achieved the ambitious goal of collecting lunar samples from the Moon's surface and returning them to Earth
3. LUNA and VIPER are a series of missions including orbiters, landers, and rovers sent by Russia to study the Moon
1. only one
2. only two
3. All are correct
4. None is correct
Answer: only one
Solution: The United States is the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon. The Chang'e 4 mission did not collect samples but was a successful soft landing on the far side of the Moon. LUNA and VIPER are not missions sent by Russia; hence only the first statement is correct.

Q3. How many of the statements given about the Megha-Tropiques-1 MT-1 satellite is are correct
1. It was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011
2. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023
3. This action aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. Megha-Tropiques-1 was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023, aligning with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.

Q4. How many of the statements given about POEM-3 is are correct
1. It is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024
2. Used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, ISRO had POEM orbit the earth as a stabilised platform to perform in-orbit scientific experiments with various payloads
3. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC as an inexpensive space platform, POEM uses the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. POEM-3 is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle. It was used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission and was developed by VSSC.

Q5. How many of the statements given regarding ISRO's efforts to mitigate space debris is are correct
1. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission of ISRO has achieved a zero orbital debris milestone by transforming the last stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 POEM-3 which was later made to re-enter Earth's atmosphere
2. POEM-3 served as an orbital platform for in-orbit scientific experiments and was powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery, with a dedicated navigation, guidance, and control system
3. ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its assets from collisions with space debris and has been proactive in the development of technologies for in-space refueling, de-orbiting of old satellites, and satellite life extension through start-up initiatives like Manastu Space
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. All of the above
Answer: Option 4
Solution: All statements are correct. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission achieved a zero orbital debris milestone. POEM-3 served as an orbital platform and ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre.

Q6. How many of the statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission is are correct
1. The Crew Escape System CES on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction using solid fuel engines
2. The Gaganyaan crew module in orbit will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Crew Escape System is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle. The crew module can use onboard thrusters for emergency reentry and serves as a lifeboat after docking.

Q7. The term Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4 recently seen in the news refers to
1. NASA's latest crewed lunar landing mission under the Artemis program
2. The fourth government-backed Indian astronaut training program conducted by ISRO
3. A private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries
4. An EU-sponsored deep space telescope launch under ESA's Cosmic Vision 2050
Answer: option 3
Solution: Axiom Mission 4 is a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries. It is the fourth private astronaut mission led by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and ISRO.