ISRO Bhaskara-I Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

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 Bhaskara-I Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Bhaskara-I Mission Overview

Bhaskara-I mission aligns with ISRO’s objectives in Earth Observation, Experimental, contributing to mission-specific capabilities and outcomes.ISRO positioned Bhaskara-I in Earth to meet its operational goals.

• For this mission, Bhaskara-I was placed into orbit using C-1 Intercosmos (Soviet Union).
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Kapustin Yar (Volgograd Launch Station), USSR.
• At its foundation, Bhaskara-I was designed to Collect data on hydrology, oceanography, forestry, telemetry.
• Alongside its primary function, Bhaskara-I was expected to Develop satellite-based remote sensing techniques.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is Successful.

Bhaskara-I Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	Bhaskara-I
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Earth Observation, Experimental
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Earth
Primary Objective	Collect data on hydrology, oceanography, forestry, telemetry
Secondary Objectives	Develop satellite-based remote sensing techniques
Mission Status	Successful

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Bhaskara-I Mission

• The launch of Bhaskara-I took place on 07/06/1979.
• The mission is expected to complete its intended operations by Around 1981 (Data collected for ~2 years).

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	07/06/1979
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	Around 1981 (Data collected for ~2 years)

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ISRO Bhaskara-I Mission Technical Specifications

Bhaskara-I adopted a design featuring Mass 442 kg; Power 47 Watts, launched successfully via C-1 Intercosmos (Soviet Union).The orbital path—LEO, 519 x 541 km, 506° inclination—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

• The Earth Observation, Experimental mission relied on a set of payloads—namely TV cameras (visible, near-IR), SAMIR (microwave radiometer)—to achieve its functional objectives.
• First Indian experimental remote sensing satellite formed the core technological base for the Earth Observation, Experimental mission Bhaskara-I.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	Mass 442 kg; Power 47 Watts
Scientific Payloads	TV cameras (visible, near-IR), SAMIR (microwave radiometer)
Orbit Details	LEO, 519 x 541 km, 506° inclination
Communication Frequencies / Band	N/A
Key Technologies Used	First Indian experimental remote sensing satellite

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Bhaskara-I Launch Information

• The mission timeline of Bhaskara-I began with its launch on 07/06/1979.
• Bhaskara-I was launched aboard the C-1 Intercosmos (Soviet Union).
• The mission was initiated from Kapustin Yar (Volgograd Launch Station), USSR.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	C-1 Intercosmos (Soviet Union)
Launch Site	Kapustin Yar (Volgograd Launch Station), USSR

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission involved contributions from ISRO, Soviet Academy of Sciences (Launch).

• The launch of Bhaskara-I from Kapustin Yar (Volgograd Launch Station), USSR was supported by involvement from Launch by Soviet Union.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO, Soviet Academy of Sciences (Launch)
Commercial Partners	N/A
International Partners	Launch by Soviet Union
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	Data used for research by Indian institutions

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Bhaskara-I Mission

Bhaskara-I is recognized for achieving First experimental remote sensing satellite; provided valuable data.Among its contributions, Bhaskara-I delivered information on Oceanographic, forestry, hydrological data.

• The mission supports strategic developments by Strengthened Indo-Soviet space cooperation.
• The planning of Bhaskara-I involved efforts to manage Re-entered atmosphere in February 1989.
• ISRO has noted that Bhaskara-I contributes to public services including Earth observation (oceanography, hydrology, forestry).
• Bhaskara-I holds strategic value as it aligns with national goals such as Experimental remote sensing, data collection.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of Bhaskara-I Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Oceanographic, forestry, hydrological data
Major Achievements	First experimental remote sensing satellite; provided valuable data
Applications in Civilian Life	Earth observation (oceanography, hydrology, forestry)
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	Strengthened Indo-Soviet space cooperation
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	Re-entered atmosphere in February 1989
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Experimental remote sensing, data collection
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	Bhaskara-II
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO Bhaskara-I Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• The mission experience provided insights such as Pioneered satellite remote sensing in India.

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	Pioneered satellite remote sensing in India

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Bhaskara-I Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• 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.
• For Physics or Engineering-based optionals, ISRO’s propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, or sensor technologies offer real-world illustrations of core theories.

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. Recently the XPoSat Mission was in news, it is related to which of the following?
1. Indias first Saturn mission
2. Indias first polarimetry mission
3. Indias first Sun mission
4. Earth Observation Satellite
Answer: Option 2
Solution: The correct answer is Option 2. According to ISRO, XPoSat will study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions and will carry two payloads. XPoSat is Indias first, and only the worlds second polarimetry mission that is meant to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. Hence option 2 is correct. The other such major mission is NASAs Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer which was launched in 2021. IXPE carries three state-of-the-art space telescopes. Each of the three identical telescopes hosts one lightweight X-ray mirror and one detector unit. These will help observe polarized X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes. By measuring the polarisation of these X-rays, we can study where the light came from and understand the geometry and inner workings of the light source. The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit. The primary payload POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarisation).

Q2. The spacecraft of Chandrayaan 2 was launched from
1. Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
3. U R Rao Space Centre
4. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Answer: Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Solution: The correct answer is Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22 July 2019 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The mission of Chandrayaan-2 was lunar exploration. The launch vehicle used was GSLV Mark III-M1. It had:
- Orbiter
- Lander: Vikram
- Rover: Pragyan
Chandrayaan-1 was launched in October 2008. It was Indias first lunar mission. It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite launching station, Sriharikota, is a Satellite launching station of the Indian Space Research Organisation. It was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the year 2002. Satish Dhawan was the former Chairman of the ISRO. The first satellite launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre was the Rohini 1A in 1979.

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: The correct answer is Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches. N Valarmathi, the voice behind ISRO mission launches, passed away. ISRO scientist N Valarmathi, the voice behind the Indian Space and Research Organisation's rocket countdown launches including Chandrayaan-3 which turned out to be her final one, passed away due to a heart attack in Chennai. Dr PV Venkitakrishnan, a former director at ISRO condoled her demise.

Q4. With which space agency has ISRO signed an Implementation Agreement for cooperation in crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan missions?
1. NASA
2. European Space Agency
3. Australian Space Agency
4. Roscosmos
Answer: Australian Space Agency
Solution: The correct answer is Australian Space Agency. ISRO signed an Implementation Agreement with the Australian Space Agency on November 20, 2024, to enhance cooperation in space activities. The purpose of the IA enables collaboration on crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan, Indias first crewed spaceflight program. It ensures search and rescue support for crew and recovery of crew module in contingency situations, especially during the ascent phase near Australian waters. The agreement was signed by D K Singh, Director of ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre, Bengaluru, and Jarrod Powell, General Manager of ASA's Space Capability Branch, Canberra. About the Gaganyaan program aims to demonstrate Indias capability for Low Earth Orbit missions. It plans to carry up to three crew members in an Indian Crew Module for up to three days. It includes provisions for the safe recovery of the module post-mission.

Q5. What significant milestone will ISRO achieve with the launch of the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025?
1. Its first interplanetary mission
2. Deployment of the heaviest satellite to date
3. Completion of the NavIC satellite constellation
4. The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Answer: The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Solution: The correct answer is The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. ISRO is set to launch the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025, marking the 100th mission of ISRO with the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, also known as NavIC, which provides accurate position information services to users in India and the surrounding region. The satellite will enhance the capabilities of NavIC by providing signals in the L1, L5, and S bands, improving accuracy and coverage. NVS-02 follows the successful launch of NVS-01 in May 2023, which was the first in the second generation of navigation satellites and featured an indigenous atomic clock. The GSLV Mk II is a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, capable of placing satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits; the upcoming launch will be its 100th mission, marking a significant milestone for Indias space program.

Q6. The major science objectives of Aditya-L1 mission are
i. Study of Solar upper atmospheric dynamics
ii. To demonstrate Safe and Soft landing on Solar Surface
iii. To demonstrate Rover roving on the sun
1. Only iii
2. Only i and iii
3. Only i
4. All of the above
Answer: Only i
Solution: The correct answer is Only i. Aditya-L1 Mission is Indias first solar observatory mission launched by ISRO. The objective is to study the Sun, specifically the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere including the chromosphere and corona. It will be positioned at the Lagrange point 1, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, to continuously observe the Sun without interruptions. Statement ii is incorrect as Aditya-L1 is not designed for a soft landing on the solar surface. It is an observational satellite meant to study the Sun from the L1 point. Statement iii is also incorrect as no rover can operate on the Sun due to extreme temperatures and radiation. Aditya-L1 is purely for solar observation and not for deploying any landers or rovers.

Q7. Consider the following information:
1. Chandrayaan-3 - GSLV - First successful soft landing on the Moons south pole
2. NVS-02 Mission - LVM3 M4 - 100th launch from Sriharikota (2024)
3. Aditya-L1 - PSLV-C57 - Indias first solar mission
4. Cartosat-2 series (2017) - PSLV-C37 - Launched a record 104 satellites in a single flight
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 correct answer is option 2. The 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota will be conducted with the GSLV-F15 mission, marking a significant milestone for ISRO. Chandrayaan-3 was launched in 2023 and made India the first country to land on the Moons south pole successfully. The GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission is scheduled for 2024, carrying an advanced payload. Aditya-L1 is Indias first mission to study the Sun. It was launched in 2023 and placed in L1 orbit for uninterrupted solar observations. The Cartosat-2 series launched in 2017 set a world record for launching 104 satellites in a single flight.

Q8. Which cryogenic engine did ISRO successfully test for the Gaganyaan mission?
1. CE7.5
2. Vikas
3. CUS2
4. CE20
Answer: CE20
Solution: The correct answer is CE20. ISRO successfully conducted a vacuum ignition test of the CE20 cryogenic engine on February 7, 2025, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 engine is used in the upper stage of the LVM-3 rocket and is critical for ISROs Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The test focused on ignition and restart capabilities using a multi-element igniter under vacuum conditions, simulating real space scenarios. The engine demonstrated thrust levels between 19 to 22 tonnes and is now being tested for multiple restart capability to enhance mission flexibility. ISRO is exploring a bootstrap mode for turbopump initiation to improve restart efficiency over conventional stored gas systems. Successful testing is crucial for Gaganyaan, ensuring engine reliability for sending Indian astronauts into space.

Q9. RISAT-2BR1 satellite which is related to disaster management, was launched by the Launch Vehicle
1. GSLV-1
2. PSLV-C48
3. GSLV-A1
4. PSLV-C46
Answer: PSLV-C48
Solution: The correct answer is PSLV-C48. RISAT-2BR1 is an Indian radar imaging reconnaissance satellite used for earth observation. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation on 11 December 2019. The launch vehicle used for this mission was PSLV-C48, which is part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle series. PSLV-C48 successfully placed RISAT-2BR1 and nine other customer satellites from various countries into a sun-synchronous orbit.

Q10. Which of the following is true for OHRC with respect to the moon?
1. Orientational High Resolving Camera
2. Orbital Highly Resolution Circle
3. Orbiter High Resolution Camera
4. Orbital Height Round Circle
Answer: Orbiter High Resolution Camera
Solution: The correct answer is Orbiter High Resolution Camera. The Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC) is a scientific payload onboard Chandrayaan-2, Indias lunar mission. OHRC is designed to capture high-resolution images of the lunar surface, with a spatial resolution of 0.32 meters, making it ideal for detailed mapping. It focuses on imaging specific areas of scientific interest, such as craters, lunar regolith, and potential landing sites. The OHRC operates in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and is mounted on the Orbiter of Chandrayaan-2. Its primary objective is to assist in identifying and analyzing the terrain for future exploration and lunar landings. Chandrayaan-2 was launched by ISRO on July 22, 2019, and consists of three components: Orbiter, Vikram Lander, and Pragyan Rover. The primary objective is to study the lunar surface, analyze the composition, and map the presence of water ice. High-resolution imaging is crucial for identifying geological features, craters, and potential landing sites. It aids in understanding the Moons evolution and providing data for future missions.

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