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-3B Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO INSAT-3B Mission Overview

INSAT-3B was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Communication.The intended zone of activity for INSAT-3B was Geostationary Orbit.

• The launch of INSAT-3B was carried out by the Ariane-5G.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Kourou, French Guiana.
• The main aim of INSAT-3B centered on the need to Communication services, VSATs, mobile communication.
• In addition to its main goal, INSAT-3B also aimed to Business communication, developmental communication.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is Successful, Mission completed.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO INSAT-3B Mission

• ISRO conducted the launch of INSAT-3B on 22/03/2000, as per mission planning.
• The primary mission life of INSAT-3B is projected to conclude around Around 2010 (Mission life ~10 years).

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ISRO INSAT-3B Mission Technical Specifications

To accommodate its scientific payloads and orbit profile, the spacecraft was configured with Mass 2070 kg; Power ~2kW.

• The payload configuration of INSAT-3B featured Transponders (C, Extended-C, S-band), tailored to meet mission-specific technical requirements.
• The frequency bands used in INSAT-3B included C-band, Extended C-band, S-band, optimized for its orbital path and payload needs.
• INSAT-3B made use of key technologies such as Indigenous communication satellite technology.

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INSAT-3B Launch Information

• INSAT-3B was launched on 22/03/2000.
• The Ariane-5G was used to deploy INSAT-3B into space.
• Liftoff occurred at Kourou, French Guiana, as per mission scheduling.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The agencies supporting the mission include ISRO.

• INSAT-3B, which targeted Geostationary Orbit, benefited from cooperation with Launch by Arianespace.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO INSAT-3B Mission

ISRO marked Enhanced communication capacity, particularly for VSATs through the successful execution of INSAT-3B.INSAT-3B generated data outputs including VSAT services, communication links.

• Outputs from INSAT-3B are used in civilian domains, particularly in Communication, VSAT, mobile satellite services.
• INSAT-3B holds strategic value as it aligns with national goals such as Business communication, rural connectivity.
• The strategic vision behind INSAT-3B includes future missions like INSAT/GSAT series, designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

ISRO INSAT-3B Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO INSAT-3B Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• Space missions contribute to economic and social development, and their applications in resource mapping, weather data, and rural connectivity are valid points in UPSC Mains writing.
• ISRO’s space missions offer rich content for UPSC essays on themes like innovation, scientific temper, national self-reliance, or institutional excellence.
• In optional papers dealing with Indian economy or policy, ISROs commercial arm NSIL and its growing role in global markets serve as economic case points.

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. MOM stands for and the date in which it was launched
1. Mars Orbital Mission, 5th November 2014
2. Mars Orbiter Mission, 5th November 2014
3. Mars Orbiter Mission, 5th November 2013
4. Mars Orbital Mission, 5th November 2013
Answer: Mars Orbiter Mission, 5th November 2013
Solution: The MOM mission is primarily a technological mission to study various aspects of Mars. This mission was launched by ISRO on 5 November 2013. This mission was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, located in Andhra Pradesh. It was launched with the help of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV C-25. It is an indigenously-built space probe, India's first interplanetary mission, in the Martian orbit since September 24, 2014. India is the first country in the world to achieve Mars Orbit intersection in its 1st attempt. It is the cheapest interplanetary space mission in the world.

Q2. With the success of Chandrayan Mission India has become the ____ country in the world to achieve soft landing on moon.
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
Answer: Fourth
Solution: India has become the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the moon with the success of the Chandrayaan mission. The other three countries that have achieved this feat before India are the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Soft landing on the moon is a significant milestone in space exploration, highlighting a country's technological and scientific prowess. Chandrayaan mission has propelled India into an elite group of nations with advanced space capabilities. This mission has opened new avenues for lunar research and exploration for India.

Q3. PSLV is a:
1. satellite of India
2. space mission of India
3. satellite launch vehicle of India
4. satellite launch centre of India
Answer: satellite launch vehicle of India
Solution: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. PSLV was first launched on 20th September 1993 and has since become the primary launch vehicle for ISRO. It is known for its reliability and versatility, having successfully launched numerous satellites into various orbits, including the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit GTO and Low Earth Orbit LEO. The PSLV has been instrumental in launching India's notable missions such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan, and various other satellite missions.

Q4. Which of the following statements is true about India's Chandrayaan –3 mission?
1. It was launched using GSLV
2. RAMBHA and ChaSTE were amongst its rover payloads
3. Propulsion Module placed the lander module in 100 km lunar orbit
4. LISA and LRA were amongst its lander payloads
Answer: It was launched using GSLV
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission consists of a lander and rover configuration, without an orbiter. The mission's primary objective is to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface, especially near the lunar south pole. It builds on the success of Chandrayaan-2, which was partially successful with its orbiter functioning well but the lander failing to achieve a soft landing.

Q5. Who has assumed charge as the Chairman of ISRO in January 2022?
1. KM Rao
2. K Sivan
3. P Muralidhar
4. S Somanath
Answer: S Somanath
Solution: S Somanath assumed charge as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO in January 2022. Prior to this role, he was the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram. S Somanath succeeded K Sivan, who served as ISRO Chairman from January 2018 to January 2022. S Somanath has a strong background in aerospace engineering, particularly in the area of launch vehicle design and development. He has been associated with ISRO since 1985 and has contributed significantly to various space missions, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV.

Q6. The Indian Space Research Organisation's satellite GSAT-30 was successfully launched on 17 January 2020 from Kourou launch base. What is the main function of this satellite?
1. Search and rescue
2. Navigation
3. Space exploration
4. Telecommunication
Answer: Telecommunication
Solution: GSAT-30 is a communication satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on 17 January 2020. The satellite was launched from the Kourou launch base in French Guiana, using the Ariane-5 VA-251 launch vehicle. The primary function of GSAT-30 is to provide high-quality telecommunications, broadcasting, and broadband services across India. This satellite replaces the INSAT-4A, enhancing the capacity and extending the lifespan of India's communication satellite fleet.

Q7. Chandrayaan-2 was a mixture of success and set-back. Which of the following statements are applicable to Chandrayaan-2 mission?
1. (i) only
2. (ii) only
3. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
4. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Answer: Option 4
Solution: Chandrayaan-2 aimed to explore the south pole of the moon. This region is of particular interest because it is thought to contain water ice and other minerals. The mission was designed to build on the evidence of water molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1. Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission, had provided key evidence for the presence of water on the moon. A key objective was to soft-land the Vikram lander on the lunar surface. This was intended to enable further exploration and to relay scientific information back to Earth. Despite the crash landing of Vikram, its location was later identified. NASA and ISRO worked to locate the crash site, providing valuable data for future missions.

Q8. The Artemis Accords seek to establish peaceful and cooperative norms for lunar and space exploration. In 2023, which major space-faring country became the 27th signatory and also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the ISS?
1. China
2. Russia
3. France
4. India
Answer: India
Solution: The Artemis Accords are an international agreement spearheaded by NASA, aiming to establish a framework for peaceful and cooperative exploration of the Moon and beyond. These accords outline principles for transparency, interoperability, emergency assistance, the release of scientific data, and the preservation of space heritage. The initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that exploration is conducted sustainably and in a manner that benefits all of humanity. In 2023, India became the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords. This step underscores India's growing role in the global space community and its commitment to peaceful space exploration. India's participation aligns with its own ambitious space programs, including missions to the Moon and Mars. India also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the International Space Station ISS. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the India-U.S. space relationship, fostering greater cooperation and technological exchange. Such partnerships are crucial for advancing scientific research and enhancing the capabilities of both nations in space exploration.

Q9. As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO developed a digital support tool to assist astronauts in various tasks such as communication and health tracking. What is the name of this application?
1. CHAKRA
2. YATRI
3. SPANDAN
4. SAKHI
Answer: SAKHI
Solution: As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has developed a digital support tool called SAKHI – Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction. Purpose of SAKHI: Assists astronauts with: Communication, Health monitoring, Data access, Mission support tasks. Functions as a smart onboard assistant, enhancing safety and efficiency during human spaceflight.

Q10. Which of the following missions aims to send a crew of three astronauts to an orbit of 400 kilometres above the Earth for three days?
1. Gaganyaan
2. Chandryaan-2
3. Mission Mangal
4. Bhashkar-1
Answer: Gaganyaan
Solution: Gaganyaan is a human spaceflight mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission aims to send a crew of three astronauts to an orbit of 400 kilometres above the Earth for a duration of three days. It is part of India's efforts to establish its capabilities in human space exploration. The Gaganyaan spacecraft will include an Orbital Module consisting of a crew module and service module. ISRO plans to conduct two unmanned missions before launching the crewed mission to ensure safety and reliability. The mission will focus on testing critical technologies such as crew escape systems, life-support systems, and re-entry capabilities. This program is a significant milestone for India, aiming to make it the fourth country to achieve human spaceflight, after Russia, the United States, and China. The mission will boost India's space exploration capabilities and contribute to scientific advancements and technological innovation.