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 IRS-1D Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO IRS-1D Mission Overview

The Earth Observation mission, ISROs IRS-1D, was planned to address specific operational and technological goals.ISRO selected Sun-synchronous Orbit as the functional environment for the IRS-1D mission.

• IRS-1D was launched aboard the PSLV-C1.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.
• At its foundation, IRS-1D was designed to Continue and enhance remote sensing data services.
• IRS-1D had several secondary objectives, including efforts to Cartography, urban planning, disaster management.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Partially successful (lower orbit, but usable).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO IRS-1D Mission

• ISRO conducted the launch of IRS-1D on 29/09/1997, as per mission planning.
• The spacecraft was designed with an intended mission life concluding around January 2010.

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ISRO IRS-1D Mission Technical Specifications

ISRO engineered the spacecraft using Mass 1250 kg, in line with the objectives defined for Earth Observation.Following its launch on 29/09/1997 via PSLV-C1, the spacecraft was deployed into Sun-synchronous, ~737 x ~821 km (initially lower).

• X-band, S-band were utilized as the primary communication channels for IRS-1D, ensuring connectivity in Sun-synchronous Orbit.
• IRS-1D relied on High-resolution PAN camera, LISS-III to fulfill its technical goals.

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IRS-1D Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the IRS-1D mission for launch on 29/09/1997.
• For this mission, IRS-1D was placed into orbit using PSLV-C1.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

According to official information, ISRO were associated with the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO IRS-1D Mission

The success of IRS-1D is often associated with Provided valuable data despite initial orbit anomaly.Extensive imagery for various national applications were derived from payloads aboard IRS-1D.

• ISRO launched IRS-1D to address long-term needs such as Earth observation continuity, improved resolution.
• The strategic vision behind IRS-1D includes future missions like IRS-P series, Resourcesat series, designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

ISRO IRS-1D Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Initial placement in a lower than planned orbit affected the early or post-launch phases of IRS-1D.

• The mission’s progress was affected by events such as PSLV-C1 placed satellite in lower than planned orbit.
• ISRO addressed the anomaly through follow-up actions, including Orbit raised using onboard propulsion; mission salvaged.
• Importance of precise orbital insertion by launch vehicle was identified as a key takeaway from IRS-1D.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO IRS-1D Space Mission

• Regular updates from sources like PIB, ISRO press releases, and current affairs magazines help aspirants stay updated on mission statuses for accurate UPSC Prelims preparation.
• Indias strategic edge through missions like EMISAT or satellite-based surveillance aligns with General Studies topics on defence and internal security.
• ISRO’s mission culture — defined by simplicity, frugality, and collaboration — embodies many values discussed in the Ethics paper, such as integrity, public service motivation, and accountability.
• 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. In which of the following years was Indias first experimental remote sensing satellite launched?
1. 1981
2. 1978
3. 1979
4. 1980
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 1979. Bhaskara-I was an experimental Earth observation satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on June 7, 1979. It was part of Indias efforts to develop remote sensing technology for various applications like land and water management, forestry, and environmental monitoring. The Bhaskara-I was followed by the Bhaskara-II satellite, furthering the remote sensing capabilities of the country. These early satellites played a vital role in shaping Indias remote sensing program, leading to more advanced satellites like the IRS Indian Remote Sensing series.

Q2. Consider the following statements about Gaganyaan mission:
1. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
2. The spacecraft is being designed to carry 4 people.
3. In its maiden crewed mission, ISROs largely autonomous capsule will orbit the Earth at 400 km altitude for up to seven days.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. Hence statement 1 is correct. The Gaganyaan spacecraft is being designed to carry 3 crew members, not 4. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. In its maiden crewed mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation ISROs largely autonomous capsule will orbit the Earth at 400 km altitude for up to 3 days with a 3 crew on board. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Q3. What is the name of the point where the Chandrayaan lander landed on the Moon?
1. Shiv Shakti Point
2. Ganga Point
3. Sadbhavana Point
4. Vikram Site
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Shiv Shakti Point. The landing site of Chandrayaan-3, the third lunar mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, is named Shiv Shakti Point. The missions lander, Vikram, and rover, Pragyan, landed 600 km from the south pole of the Moon on 23 August 2023. The landing site was named on 26 August 2023 at the ISTRAC headquarters in Bengaluru. India became the fourth nation to make a successful soft landing on the Moon and the first country to land on the lunar south pole. Shiv Shakti Point is located at the coordinates 69.373S 32.319E and lies between the lunar craters Manzinus C and Simpelius N.

Q4. Who or what is Vyommitra?
1. ISROs secondary space capsule
2. ISROs humanoid robot
3. ISROs first manned space flight
4. ISROs space travel kit
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is ISROs humanoid robot. The word Vyommitra is made up of two words of the Sanskrit language Vyom and Mitra which means space and friend respectively. This is the prototype of the Half-Humanoid female robot developed by ISRO. It was unveiled on 22 January 2020. Vyommitra is planned to be sent on the manned space mission in December 2021 which will help the male astronauts. Under the Gaganyaan program, Vyommitra will be sent to unmanned missions at the end of this year and also next year before the astronauts left. The aim of its creation is that ISRO does not want to fly animals on board for its experiments like other nations do to find out how the human body reacts during long-duration in space. This humanoid robot will understand what weightlessness and radiation can do to a human body.

Q5. As a part of which ISROs mission is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station BAS being developed?
1. Chandrayaan Mission
2. Gaganyaan Program
3. Mangalyaan Mission
4. Aditya-L1 Mission
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Gaganyaan Program. The Bharatiya Antariksh Station BAS is a part of ISROs Gaganyaan Programme, which is Indias human spaceflight mission to Low Earth Orbit LEO. The Gaganyaan Programme was approved in December 2018 and aims to launch human spaceflight missions, laying the foundation for further space exploration. The development of BAS is a key component of the Gaganyaan Programme, extending its scope to include long-duration human space missions and the establishment of Indias own space station. The first module of BAS is expected to be launched by December 2028, with an operational space station by 2035.

Q6. In which of the following places is the Indian Deep Space Network ISDN located?
1. Byalalu
2. Vedaranyam
3. Kulathur
4. Veppanthattai
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Byalalu. The Indian Deep Space Network ISDN is a network of large antennas and communication facilities that support interplanetary spacecraft missions. It is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The primary function is to track and communicate with Indian space missions, including Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan missions. Byalalu is a village located near Bangalore in Karnataka, India. The ISDN was established here to take advantage of the remote location, which minimizes radio frequency interference. It houses large parabolic antennas, including a 32-meter and an 18-meter antenna used for deep space communication.

Q7. What is the name of the inflatable habitat used in Indias first analog space mission in Ladakh?
1. Hab-1
2. Luna-1
3. Space-Dome
4. Ski-Dome
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Hab-1. ISRO has started Indias first analog space mission at Leh in Ladakh using a habitat named Hab-1. The analog space mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat as part of preparations for future lunar missions. Ladakh was chosen for the mission due to its dry, cold climate and high-altitude terrain resembling Martian and lunar landscapes. The Hab-1 habitat is designed to provide a self-sustaining environment with essential facilities for the crew. This mission will help gather data for long-duration space missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Q8. Consider the following statements about Women Engineered Satellite WESAT:
I. WESAT is the first Indian satellite to be fully designed and developed by women students of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women, Kerala.
II. WESAT was launched aboard the PSLV-C58/XPoSAT Mission as one of the secondary payloads on 1st January, 2024.
III. WESAT is meant to study how rainfall refills underground water in rural areas of India.
Which among the above statements are correct?
1. I and II only
2. II and III only
3. I and III only
4. All the above
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Option 1 I and II only. WESAT is the first Indian satellite to be fully designed and developed by women students of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women, Kerala. WESAT was launched aboard the PSLV-C58/XPoSAT Mission as one of the secondary payloads on 1st January, 2024. WESAT aims to inspire more women to participate in the field of aerospace engineering and satellite technology. The mission is a significant milestone in promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the space sector.

Q9. The location of the planned prime landing site for Vikram Lander on Chandrayaan-2 was SLS54, which is located at 70.9S and 22.8E on the Moon. Consider the following statements regarding the selection of the potential landing site.
(i) Visible to Earth for radio communication.
(ii) Water ice has been mapped at the site earlier by Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission.
(iii) Local terrain features such that they don't shadow the site for long durations.
Which of the following statements above is/are correct?
1. ii and iii
2. i and iii
3. i, ii and iii
4. iii only
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Option 2. Statement i The planned landing site for Vikram Lander was designed to ensure uninterrupted radio communication with Earth, which is crucial for the success of the mission. Statement iii The selection of the site took into account local terrain features, ensuring that they do not shadow the site for long durations, which could impact operations and power generation. The sites location in the polar region helps in maximizing scientific exploration opportunities, including research on water ice and lunar geology. The mission aimed to achieve a soft landing near the Moons South Pole, a previously unexplored region, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. Statement ii While water ice has been mapped at the Moons South Pole by missions such as NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter LRO, there is no conclusive evidence that it was specifically mapped at the SLS54 site. The Moons South Pole is of great interest to scientists due to the presence of permanently shadowed regions that may harbor water ice, which could be a resource for future lunar missions. Chandrayaan-2 It was Indias second lunar exploration mission, developed by ISRO, comprising an orbiter, a lander Vikram, and a rover Pragyan. Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter LRO This NASA mission has been instrumental in mapping the Moons surface and identifying potential resources such as water ice, contributing to the selection of landing sites for future missions. Challenges of Lunar South Pole Landing The regions rugged terrain and low sunlight angles make landing and operations challenging, requiring precise planning and robust technology.