ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission Overview – Timeline, Progress & Scientific Aims

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 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission Overview

ISRO launched Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III to support objectives related to Communication.To carry out its objectives, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III targeted Earth.

• To execute the launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, the Ariane 5 VA-246 was deployed.
• The vehicle was launched from Kourou, French Guiana.
• The main aim of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III centered on the need to High-throughput communication services.
• Complementing its main task, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III contributed to Broadband connectivity to rural India.
• According to available records, the mission status is Operational.

Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III
Mission Abbreviation	GSAT-11
Mission Type	Communication
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Earth
Primary Objective	High-throughput communication services
Secondary Objectives	Broadband connectivity to rural India
Mission Status	Operational

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission

• The launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III took place on December 5, 2018.

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	December 5, 2018
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	N/A

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ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission Technical Specifications

Key subsystems and architecture of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III were built around Heaviest Indian-built satellite, I-6K bus.The mission trajectory for GSAT-11 was designed around Geostationary Orbit (GEO), aligned with its objectives.

• As part of GSAT-11, ISRO included Ku-band and Ka-band transponders to facilitate the mission’s primary and secondary objectives.
• For data relay and payload monitoring, Ku-band, Ka-band formed the backbone of the missions communication suite.
• Technologies used in the mission included High throughput satellite technology, supporting onboard operations and analysis.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	Heaviest Indian-built satellite, I-6K bus
Scientific Payloads	Ku-band and Ka-band transponders
Orbit Details	Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Communication Frequencies / Band	Ku-band, Ka-band
Key Technologies Used	High throughput satellite technology

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Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Launch Information

• The mission timeline of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III began with its launch on December 5, 2018.
• Ariane 5 VA-246 served as the launch platform for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.
• Liftoff occurred at Kourou, French Guiana, as per mission scheduling.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Ariane 5 VA-246
Launch Site	Kourou, French Guiana

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission involved contributions from ISRO.Mission documentation lists Arianespace as commercial collaborators.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	Arianespace
International Partners	N/A
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission

Enhanced rural broadband connectivity is recorded as a notable outcome of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III.The data gathered from Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III included Broadband internet services, supporting multiple domains.

• The total project expenditure for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III has been reported as ₹600 crore.
• High-speed internet connectivity, VSATs, enterprise networks represents one area where mission data finds regular use.
• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Bridging digital divide, enhancing national broadband capacity.
• The strategic vision behind Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III includes future missions like More high-throughput satellites like GSAT-20 (CMS-02), designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Broadband internet services
Major Achievements	Enhanced rural broadband connectivity
Applications in Civilian Life	High-speed internet connectivity, VSATs, enterprise networks
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	N/A
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	N/A
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Bridging digital divide, enhancing national broadband capacity
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	More high-throughput satellites like GSAT-20 (CMS-02)
Cost Estimate	₹600 crore

ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III 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 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III Space Mission

• Understanding the basic structure of ISRO, its launch centres, and satellite series (such as GSAT, INSAT, or CARTOSAT) is crucial for tackling Prelims questions with precision.
• The collaborative nature of missions with international agencies such as NASA, ESA, or CNES can also be used in GS Paper II under international relations and science diplomacy.
• 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.
• 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. Consider the following statements about the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module POEM launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO
1. POEM is designed to transform the third stage of the PSLV which normally becomes space junk into a useful platform for conducting in-orbit experiments
2. In the POEM initiative the Navigation Guidance and Control NGC system plays a crucial role in maintaining the platforms orientation within permissible limits
3. For power POEM relies on solar panels mounted around the PS4 tank and a nuclear battery
How many of the statement(s) given above is/are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Only one
Solution:
The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module POEM is an initiative by ISRO aimed at repurposing spent stages of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV specifically the fourth stage PS4. Normally the PS4 becomes space junk after its use in launching a satellite. However with POEM the discarded PS4 stage becomes a stabilized platform that can be used for various in-orbit experiments. Hence statement 1 is not correct. POEM is significant as it offers a stable orbital platform that keeps the payload in the correct position relative to the Earth and Sun which can offer a range of scientific advantages for the payloads being carried. The initiative also reflects a broader trend in space exploration towards greater efficiency and sustainability by making use of elements of launch vehicles that would otherwise be discarded. The POEM platform is not the first instance of ISRO repurposing a PS4 stage. During the PSLV-C44 mission ISRO successfully demonstrated the feasibility of using the PS4 as an orbital platform. But unlike that mission the POEM has improved by adding solar panels to power the stage. During the PSLV-C53 mission the spent last stage served as a stabilized platform for conducting scientific experiments. With the implementation of the POEM platform this mission marked the first time the PS4 stage will orbit the Earth as a stabilized platform. To keep POEM alive and stable in orbit ISRO will rely on its Navigation Guidance and Control NGC system which maintains the vehicles orientation within permissible limits. Hence statement 2 is correct. Solar panels and a lithium-ion battery will power the module. The platforms stability and direction will be managed through control thrusters using Helium gas storage with navigation aided by sun sensors a magnetometer gyros and NavIC. Hence statement 3 is not correct.

Q2. What is the significance of the TV-D1 mission
1. It will provide valuable data for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions
2. It is the first step towards sending Indian astronauts into space
3. It will test the critical safety features of the Gaganyaan spacecraft
4. All of the above
Answer: All of the above
Solution:
ISRO to commence unmanned flight tests for Gaganyaan mission. ISRO has started preparations for unmanned flight tests as part of the Gaganyaan mission. The first unmanned flight test Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 TV-D1 will demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System CES. The TV-D1 mission will simulate the abort condition during the ascent trajectory corresponding to a Mach number of 1.2 encountered in the Gaganyaan mission. The success of the TV-D1 test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian astronauts. The TV-D1 mission is scheduled to launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC in Sriharikota India in October 2023.

Q3. Chandrayaan-I is a satellite launched by India
1. To learn about the moon
2. Learn about Mars
3. To predict the weather
4. For telecommunication purposes
Answer: To learn about the moon
Solution:
Chandrayaan-1 is a satellite launched by India. It was Indias first mission to the Moon and it was launched on October 22 2008. Chandrayaan-1 orbited the Moon for over 3400 orbits and collected a wealth of data on the Moons surface and composition. It also made several important discoveries including the presence of water ice on the Moons surface. Chandrayaan-1 was a major success for Indias space program and it paved the way for future Indian lunar missions including Chandrayaan-2 which was launched in 2019.

Q4. ______ is the Chairman of ISRO as of July 2023
1. K. Radhakrishnan
2. S.Somanath
3. K. Sivan
4. S. Nayak
Answer: S.Somanath
Solution:
S. Somanath is the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO as of July 2023. He succeeded K. Sivan who previously held the position. Under his leadership ISRO continues to undertake significant space missions including satellite launches and interplanetary explorations. Somanaths expertise and experience are pivotal in advancing Indias space capabilities and contributing to global space science and technology.

Q5. Who was the chairman of NEP 2020 drafting committee
1. Kailasavadivoo Sivan
2. Dr. K. Kasturirangan
3. Prof. Yaspal Sharma
4. Prof. G. Raja Gopal
Answer: Dr. K. Kasturirangan
Solution:
Dr. K. Kasturirangan a renowned space scientist and former Chairman of ISRO chaired the drafting committee of the National Education Policy NEP 2020. His expertise and vision played a crucial role in shaping the policy which aims to transform the Indian education system. The NEP 2020 focuses on holistic development multidisciplinary education and flexibility in learning paths.

Q6. Which geostationary weather satellite launched by the European Space Agency in 1977 that provides weather imaging of Earth at both visible light and infrared wavelengths
1. Himawari
2. Meteosat
3. QuikSCAT
4. Landsat
Answer: Meteosat
Solution:
Meteosat-1 also known as Meteosat was the first in the Meteosat series of geostationary weather satellites launched by the European Space Agency ESA. It aimed to improve weather forecasting and climate research particularly for Europe and Africa. The satellite has Visible and Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer VISSR allowing to capture images of the Earths surface and atmosphere in both the visible light spectrum and infrared wavelengths. It enables 24-hour observation useful for tracking cloud cover and other weather phenomena even at night.

Q7. The CROPS payload recently seen in the news is designed to study
1. Extraterrestrial plant growth
2. Radiation shielding in spacecraft
3. Microbial ecosystems in space
4. Atmospheric composition of planets
Answer: option 1
Solution:
The Indian Space Research Organisations ISRO CROPS payload aboard the PSLV-C60 POEM-4 mission successfully sprouted cowpea seeds in space. CROPS Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies is developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC. Hence option 1 is correct. It aims to develop ISROs capabilities for growing and sustaining plants in space. The recent experiment involved cowpea seeds that sprouted and unveiled their first leaves in orbit. Such studies are crucial for enabling long-term human space exploration by supporting life-sustaining ecosystems in space.

Q8. Which space mission will Shubhanshu Shukla pilot to the International Space Station
1. Artemis
2. Polaris A
3. Axiom 4
4. Gaganyaan
Answer: Axiom Mission 4
Solution:
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4 to the International Space Station ISS. This mission is set to launch from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than spring 2025. Shubhanshu Shukla will make history as the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson with Shukla serving as the pilot. The mission is part of a series of private astronaut missions to the ISS marking a new era of international space collaboration. This mission is a milestone for both ISRO and private space exploration enhancing Indias space presence globally.

Q9. NISAR satellite is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the Earths most complex processes. It is a
1. project of ISRO alone
2. project of Canadian space agency
3. joint project between ISRO and NASA
4. project of NASA alone
Answer: joint project between ISRO and NASA
Solution:
NISAR stands for Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar. The NISAR satellite is a joint collaboration between NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration and ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the Earths most complex processes such as ecosystem disturbances ice-sheet collapse and natural hazards like earthquakes tsunamis volcanoes and landslides. NISAR will use advanced radar imaging to provide a detailed view of Earths surface enabling better understanding and management of natural resources. The satellite is expected to launch in early 2024.

Q10. Consider the following statements
1. The asteroid Apophis discovered in 2004 is expected to have its closest flyby with Earth in 2029
2. Thousands of asteroids enter Earths atmosphere every day but most are small and burn up due to atmospheric friction
3. NASAs DART mission successfully altered the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos using the kinetic impactor technique
How many of the above statements are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: All three
Solution:
ISRO has expressed interest in participating in global planetary defence efforts by possibly launching a mission to study the asteroid Apophis during its 2029 flyby as space agencies worldwide ramp up capabilities to deal with potential asteroid threats. Statement 1 is correct: Apophis was discovered in 2004 and initial observations suggested a small chance of collision. However later analysis confirmed it poses no threat in 2029 when it will pass only 32000 km from Earth closer than some satellites. Hence Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct: Thousands of asteroids mostly tiny meteoroids enter Earths atmosphere daily but nearly all burn up due to friction. Some larger ones may reach the surface as meteorites but rarely cause significant damage. Hence Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is correct: NASAs DART mission Double Asteroid Redirection Test was the first real-world test of the kinetic impactor technique successfully altering the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos in September 2022. It demonstrated humanitys ability to deflect a celestial object. Hence Statement 3 is correct. Dimorphos is a moonlet of a larger asteroid Didymos. The DART mission changed Dimorphoss orbit by 33 minutes proving kinetic impactors could work as a planetary defence mechanism. ISROs interest in asteroid missions signals its readiness to contribute to global space safety efforts.

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