ISRO GSAT-10 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 GSAT-10 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-10 Mission Overview

GSAT-10 was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Communication, Navigation.The trajectory and configuration of GSAT-10 were optimized for operations in Geostationary Orbit.

• The launch of GSAT-10 was carried out by the Ariane-5 VA209.
• The mission was initiated from Kourou, French Guiana.
• The main aim of GSAT-10 centered on the need to Augment communication transponder capacity.
• The extended mission scope of GSAT-10 included Provide GAGAN navigation services.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is Operational.

GSAT-10 Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	GSAT-10
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Communication, Navigation
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Geostationary Orbit
Primary Objective	Augment communication transponder capacity
Secondary Objectives	Provide GAGAN navigation services
Mission Status	Operational

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

📚 Exclusive Free UPSC Notes Created by Our Experts

Subjects	PDF Link
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts	Download Link
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants	Download Link
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF	Download Link
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors	Download Link
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today!	Download Link
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here	Download Link

Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-10 Mission

• The scheduled launch date for GSAT-10 was September 29, 2012.
• The primary mission life of GSAT-10 is projected to conclude around 15 years (planned).

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	September 29, 2012
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	15 years (planned)

Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

ISRO GSAT-10 Mission Technical Specifications

Following its launch on September 29, 2012 via Ariane-5 VA209, the spacecraft was deployed into Geosynchronous Orbit, 83° East longitude.

• The communication systems onboard GSAT-10 operated using C-band, Ku-band, L1 & L5 (GAGAN), allowing reliable data transmission throughout the mission.
• ISRO employed High power Ku-band transponders, GAGAN payload to carry out the mission’s objectives in Geostationary Orbit.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	3400 kg lift-off mass, I-3K bus
Scientific Payloads	N/A
Orbit Details	Geosynchronous Orbit, 83° East longitude
Communication Frequencies / Band	C-band, Ku-band, L1 & L5 (GAGAN)
Key Technologies Used	High power Ku-band transponders, GAGAN payload

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!

GSAT-10 Launch Information

• GSAT-10 was launched on September 29, 2012.
• GSAT-10 was launched aboard the Ariane-5 VA209.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Kourou, French Guiana.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Ariane-5 VA209
Launch Site	Kourou, French Guiana

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The agencies supporting the mission include ISRO.The mission involved commercial support from Arianespace (Launch).

• The mission involved international contributions from Launch by European company, especially in context of Ariane-5 VA209 or payload planning.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	Arianespace (Launch)
International Partners	Launch by European company
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-10 Mission

GSAT-10, launched from Kourou, French Guiana, accomplished India's heaviest satellite at time of launch.GSAT-10 generated data outputs including Communication services, GPS augmentation data.

• ISRO positioned GSAT-10 to contribute toward strategic outcomes like Communication, navigation augmentation.
• Post-mission phases for GSAT-10 may involve scaling up efforts through advanced programs such as GSAT series, enhanced communication, ensuring sustained benefits and impact.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of GSAT-10 Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Communication services, GPS augmentation data
Major Achievements	India's heaviest satellite at time of launch
Applications in Civilian Life	DTH, telecom, GAGAN navigation
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	N/A
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	N/A
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Communication, navigation augmentation
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	GSAT series, enhanced communication
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO GSAT-10 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	N/A

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-10 Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims aspirants benefit from tracking ISRO developments, as topics like launch vehicles, mission objectives, and payload types are common in factual and concept-based questions.
• 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 mission culture — defined by simplicity, frugality, and collaboration — embodies many values discussed in the Ethics paper, such as integrity, public service motivation, and accountability.
• ISRO’s satellite missions are highly relevant to Geography optional, especially under topics like remote sensing, resource mapping, and environmental monitoring.

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.

Enroll in our UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims) 2026 Mock Test Series for targeted practice, realistic exam simulation, and strategic insights.

UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. The name of the organisations which are associated in the Chandrayan I mission are given below. Identify the wrong one
1. ISRO
2. BARC
3. NASA
4. ONGC
Answer: ONGC
Solution: ONGC is a public sector enterprise in India primarily engaged in exploration and production of oil and natural gas. It is not associated with space missions or the Chandrayaan I mission. ONGC focuses on the oil and energy sector, with no involvement in space technology or lunar exploration.

Q2. Which report did ISRO release in 2023?
1. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
2. Space Exploration Strategy Report (SESR)
3. Mars Mission Report (MMR)
4. Lunar Exploration Report (LER)
Answer: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
Solution: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) was released by ISRO in 2023. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of space situational awareness, covering aspects such as satellite health, space debris, and potential collision risks. The ISSAR is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations by monitoring and managing space traffic. It reflects ISRO's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.

Q3. What is the thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO?
1. 1MN
2. 2MN
3. 3MN
4. 4MN
Answer: 2MN
Solution: The thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO is 2MN. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine being developed to power future launch vehicles of ISRO. This engine runs on a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene, which provides higher efficiency and performance. The development of the SCE-200 is part of ISRO's efforts to enhance its launch capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign technology.

Q4. Which of the following are the major missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023?
1. Chandrayaan-3
2. Solar Mission Aditya-L1
3. Liquid fuel powered rockets
4. Solar powered rockets
Select the answer using the code given below:
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Solution: Major Missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023 include Chandrayaan-3, which is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, and Solar Mission Aditya-L1, which is India’s first dedicated mission to study the Sun. Liquid fuel powered rockets are a technology used in various missions and are not considered a major mission by themselves. Solar powered rockets are not part of ISRO's current missions.

Q5. Which Hyderabad-based startup received approval from IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)?
1. Pixxel
2. Dhruva Space
3. Skyroot Aerospace
4. Agnikul Cosmos
Answer: Dhruva Space
Solution: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space has received approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe) to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS). GSaaS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional ground station setups in India, reducing high upfront costs. Dhruva Space’s mission-agnostic approach allows satellite operators to flexibly scale ground station resources according to mission needs. IN-SPACe is an independent agency that promotes and facilitates private sector participation in space activities.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Gaganyaan:
I. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
II. ISRO announced Vyommitra, a Male Robot who will accompany other astronauts in the mission.
III. The crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk II.
IV. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. II and IV only
4. I and IV only
Answer: I and IV only
Solution: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission. However, the Vyommitra robot is a female robot, not a male robot, and the crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk III, not GSLV Mk II.

Q7. Which Launcher is used for Chandrayan-3?
1. GSLV
2. LVSM
3. GSLV-Mk3
4. PSLV
Answer: GSLV-Mk3
Solution: The GSLV-Mk3, also known as the LVM-3, is the launch vehicle used for Chandrayaan-3. It is an expendable launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The GSLV-Mk3 is capable of carrying heavier payloads, crucial for launching large satellites and interplanetary missions. This launcher is designed to carry payloads up to 4,000 kg to Geostationary Transfer Orbit and 10,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.

Q8. The first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray optical and ultraviolet spectral bands simultaneously is
1. Chandrayaan-2
2. Gaganyaan
3. Astrosat
4. Cartosat
Answer: Astrosat
Solution: Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on 28 September 2015 by the PSLV-C30 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Astrosat is capable of observing celestial objects in X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical spectral bands simultaneously. The satellite has onboard five scientific instruments, allowing it to perform multi-wavelength studies.

Q9. 'Aditya Mission' refers to:
1. India's anti diphtheria program
2. India's Tourism Promotion Program
3. Agricultural Extension Program for farmers
4. India's solar exploration Program
Answer: India's solar exploration Program
Solution: Aditya-L1 Mission is India’s first dedicated solar mission aimed at studying the Sun. The mission is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Aditya-L1 spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1, which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The mission aims to study the solar corona, solar emissions, solar wind, and magnetic field, among other aspects of the Sun.

Q10. When was ISRO’s first solar mission Aditya L1 mission launched successfully?
1. 2nd August, 2023
2. 2nd September, 2023
3. 15th August, 2023
4. 15th September, 2023
Answer: 2nd September, 2023
Solution: ISRO successfully launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1, on 2nd September 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, solar winds, magnetic fields, and other solar phenomena to improve our understanding of space weather. Aditya L1 was launched aboard ISRO’s trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions
Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims	Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims	Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims
Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims