ISRO INSAT-1C 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 INSAT-1C Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO INSAT-1C Mission Overview

INSAT-1C was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Communication, Meteorology.INSAT-1C was configured for deployment in Geostationary Orbit, based on mission requirements.

• For this mission, INSAT-1C was placed into orbit using Ariane-3.
• Kourou, French Guiana was the designated launch complex for this mission.
• The main aim of INSAT-1C centered on the need to Telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology.
• According to available records, the mission status is Partially successful (failed early due to power issues).

INSAT-1C Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	INSAT-1C
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Communication, Meteorology
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Geostationary Orbit
Primary Objective	Telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology
Secondary Objectives	N/A
Mission Status	Partially successful (failed early due to power issues)

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO INSAT-1C Mission

• ISRO conducted the launch of INSAT-1C on 22/07/1988, as per mission planning.

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	22/07/1988
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	N/A

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ISRO INSAT-1C Mission Technical Specifications

To accommodate its scientific payloads and orbit profile, the spacecraft was configured with Mass 1190 kg (at launch, Ford Aerospace built).

• For this Communication, Meteorology effort, the scientific payloads onboard included Transponders (C-band, S-band), VHRR, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.
• Depending on the altitude and operational coverage of INSAT-1C, the mission employed C-band, S-band to ensure seamless communication flow.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	Mass 1190 kg (at launch, Ford Aerospace built)
Scientific Payloads	Transponders (C-band, S-band), VHRR
Orbit Details	Geostationary (intended 935° E longitude)
Communication Frequencies / Band	C-band, S-band
Key Technologies Used	Multipurpose satellite design

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INSAT-1C Launch Information

• INSAT-1C was successfully launched on 22/07/1988 by ISRO.
• INSAT-1C lifted off using the Ariane-3.
• The mission was initiated from Kourou, French Guiana.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Ariane-3
Launch Site	Kourou, French Guiana

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission involved contributions from ISRO (Operator), Ford Aerospace (Manufacturer).

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO (Operator), Ford Aerospace (Manufacturer)
Commercial Partners	N/A
International Partners	Launch by Arianespace
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO INSAT-1C Mission

The success of INSAT-1C is often associated with Maintained meteorological services post partial failure.INSAT-1C contributed to the national space data repository by providing Limited service due to early failure.

• The mission included basic compliance and awareness steps regarding Satellite became space debris earlier than planned.
• The mission contributes to everyday life through applications like Communication, broadcasting, meteorology (partially).
• ISRO launched INSAT-1C to address long-term needs such as Augmenting INSAT capacity.
• Post-mission phases for INSAT-1C may involve scaling up efforts through advanced programs such as INSAT-1D (replacement), ensuring sustained benefits and impact.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of INSAT-1C Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Limited service due to early failure
Major Achievements	Maintained meteorological services post partial failure
Applications in Civilian Life	Communication, broadcasting, meteorology (partially)
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	N/A
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	Satellite became space debris earlier than planned
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Augmenting INSAT capacity
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	INSAT-1D (replacement)
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO INSAT-1C Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

On-orbit power system anomaly was identified as a key challenge in the course of the Communication, Meteorology mission.

• The mission experienced a technical issue where Lost half power capacity shortly after launch; later failed.
• Technical feedback from the mission led to INSAT-1D launched as replacement for future versions.
• Importance of robust power systems and on-orbit contingency planning was identified as a key takeaway from INSAT-1C.

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	On-orbit power system anomaly
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	Lost half power capacity shortly after launch; later failed
Corrective Actions Taken	INSAT-1D launched as replacement
Lessons Learned	Importance of robust power systems and on-orbit contingency planning

UPSC Relevance of ISRO INSAT-1C Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• 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.
• Essays discussing India’s transformation or global leadership in science benefit from factual, yet inspirational, references to space milestones.
• Optional subjects like Political Science can reference ISRO to highlight the role of strategic autonomy and scientific sovereignty in shaping foreign policy.

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. Which among the following is a recent scientific mission of ISRO comprehensive study of the Sun
1. Aditya - L1
2. Bhaskara - L2
3. Solar Mission - L1
4. Solar Orbiter
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Aditya L1 is India's first scientific expedition to study the Sun. Hence, Option 1 is correct. It will be ISRO's second space-based astronomy mission after AstroSat, which was launched in 2015. L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1, one of 5 points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system. ISRO categorizes Aditya L1 as a 400kg-class satellite that will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in XL configuration. It will be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1 which is 1.5 million km from the Earth.

Q2. In reference to Mangalayaan launched by ISRO, consider the following statements
Statement I: It is also called as the Mars Orbiter Mission
Statement II: It was launched on November 2013
Select the correct answer using the code given below
1. Neither I nor II
2. Both I and II
3. Only I
4. Only II
Answer: Option 2
Solution: Mangalyaan is the popular name for India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). The mission's official name is indeed Mars Orbiter Mission. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Mangalyaan was launched on November 5, 2013. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Q3. When will PSLV-C56 carrying DS-SAR satellite be launched from Singapore
1. October 23
2. September 23
3. July 23
4. August 23
Answer: July 23
Solution: The PSLV-C56 mission is scheduled to launch in July 2023. The primary satellite on this mission is the DS-SAR satellite from Singapore. PSLV-C56 is part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) series, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission aims to strengthen the cooperation between India and Singapore in the field of space technology and satellite applications.

Q4. Which team of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) won the Vigyan Team award in 2024
1. Chandrayaan-2 Team
2. XPoSat Team
3. Aditya-L1 Team
4. Chandrayaan-3 Team
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 Team
Solution: The Chandrayaan-3 Team of ISRO was awarded the Vigyan Team award in 2024. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aims to demonstrate the capability of soft-landing on the lunar surface and operate a rover. Chandrayaan-3 was built upon the experience gained from the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Q5. ISRO recently achieved its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Choose the correct statement regarding this launch
1. ISRO's 100th launch took place from Sriharikota, Tamilnadu
2. ISRO's 100th launch took place using the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite
3. NVS-02 is the 2nd satellite in the series of 2nd generation satellites of the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)
4. The GSLV-F15 is the 20th GSLV flight
1. Only statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct
2. Only statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct
3. Only statements 1 and 3 are correct
4. Only statements 2 and 3 are correct
Answer: Only statements 2 and 3 are correct
Solution: ISRO achieved its 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F15 rocket. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. The mission successfully deployed the NVS-02 satellite, which is part of the second-generation NavIC constellation. Hence statement 2 is correct. NVS-02 is the second satellite in the new-generation NavIC series, enhancing navigation coverage up to 1500 km beyond the Indian subcontinent. Hence statement 3 is correct. GSLV-F15 marks the 17th flight of the GSLV rocket and the 11th mission using an Indigenous Cryogenic Stage. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.

Q6. Which is India’s first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory
1. XPoSat
2. AstroSat
3. Aditya-L1
4. Chandrayaan-2
Answer: AstroSat
Solution: AstroSat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope. AstroSat is India's first multi-wavelength space observatory, which aims to study the universe in multiple wavelengths such as visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays. It is designed to observe celestial sources in different wavelengths of light to help scientists understand the universe's various phenomena better.

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO's Kulasekarapattinam spaceport
Statement 1: It is located in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
Statement 2: This spaceport will focus on critical advancements in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management
Statement 3: It is India's 2nd spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Center
Which of the above statements is/are correct
1. 1 and 2
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Statement 2 and Statement 3
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is located in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, not Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. This spaceport will serve as ISRO's second launch complex, and its strategic location in Tamil Nadu is expected to enhance India's satellite launch capabilities. Statement 2 is correct as the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will focus on advancements in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management. Statement 3 is correct because Kulasekarapattinam is indeed India's second spaceport. The first spaceport is the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Q8. What is the name of India's first privately developed rocket
1. Bazoomq
2. Prarambh
3. Vikram-S
4. Skyroot
Answer: Vikram-S
Solution: Vikram-S is India's first privately developed rocket, designed and built by the Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace. It was successfully launched on November 18, 2022, from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility at Sriharikota. The mission, named Prarambh (The Beginning), marked a historic milestone for India's private space sector. Vikram-S is a single-stage, sub-orbital rocket powered by solid fuel and advanced composite materials, and it reached a peak altitude of 89.5 km.

Q9. Consider the following space missions
I. Axiom-4
II. SpaDeX
III. Gaganyaan
How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All the three
4. None
Answer: The Correct answer is Option 3
Solution: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private space mission organized by Axiom Space, launched to the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is a microgravity laboratory where astronauts conduct a variety of experiments in medicine, physics, biology, and materials science. Therefore, Axiom-4 enables microgravity research. SpaDeX is an Indian space mission by ISRO designed to demonstrate autonomous docking technology between satellites. The mission is expected to include studies and hardware testing in microgravity conditions since autonomous docking must function in orbit under such conditions. As such, SpaDeX contributes to microgravity-related R&D and technology validation. Gaganyaan is India's first crewed space mission being developed by ISRO. It aims to send humans into low Earth orbit (LEO), where microgravity conditions prevail. The crewed module will be used to conduct microgravity experiments related to biological sciences, physical sciences, and space medicine. Therefore, all three missions support microgravity research.

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