ISRO IRS-P3 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 IRS-P3 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO IRS-P3 Mission Overview

The Indian space program included IRS-P3 space mission as part of its ongoing focus on Earth Observation, Experimental applications.ISRO positioned IRS-P3 in Sun-synchronous Orbit to meet its operational goals.

• The launch of IRS-P3 was carried out by the PSLV-D3.
• Liftoff occurred at SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, as per mission scheduling.
• The key mission goal of IRS-P3 was to Earth observation, X-ray astronomy, technology demonstration.
• The mission also targeted supporting objectives like Oceanic and atmospheric studies.
• Successful, Mission completed describes the current phase of the mission.

IRS-P3 Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	IRS-P3
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Earth Observation, Experimental
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Sun-synchronous Orbit
Primary Objective	Earth observation, X-ray astronomy, technology demonstration
Secondary Objectives	Oceanic and atmospheric studies
Mission Status	Successful, Mission completed

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO IRS-P3 Mission

• The scheduled launch date for IRS-P3 was 21/03/1996.
• Mission planning documents suggest an operational window lasting until Around 2000-2001.

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	21/03/1996
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	Around 2000-2001

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ISRO IRS-P3 Mission Technical Specifications

ISRO engineered the spacecraft using Mass 922 kg, in line with the objectives defined for Earth Observation, Experimental.

• The payload configuration of IRS-P3 featured WiFS, MOS (Modular Optoelectronic Scanner - DLR), IXAE, tailored to meet mission-specific technical requirements.
• The frequency bands used in IRS-P3 included X-band, S-band, optimized for its orbital path and payload needs.
• Technologies used in the mission included Modular Optoelectronic Scanner, Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment, supporting onboard operations and analysis.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	Mass 922 kg
Scientific Payloads	WiFS, MOS (Modular Optoelectronic Scanner - DLR), IXAE
Orbit Details	Sun-synchronous, 817 km altitude, 986° inclination
Communication Frequencies / Band	X-band, S-band
Key Technologies Used	Modular Optoelectronic Scanner, Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment

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IRS-P3 Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of IRS-P3 on 21/03/1996, as per mission planning.
• The PSLV-D3 was used to deploy IRS-P3 into space.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	PSLV-D3
Launch Site	SHAR Centre, Sriharikota

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The agencies supporting the mission include ISRO.

• International coordination with Germany (DLR for MOS payload) helped advance some of the secondary goals of IRS-P3.
• IRS-P3 carried scientific payloads developed in collaboration with MOS by DLR, Germany.
• The data sharing model for IRS-P3 was developed in coordination with the standards of Data shared with partners and scientific users.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	N/A
International Partners	Germany (DLR for MOS payload)
Payload Contributions by Partners	MOS by DLR, Germany
Data Sharing Policy	Data shared with partners and scientific users

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO IRS-P3 Mission

The success of IRS-P3 is often associated with Carried foreign payload (MOS); X-ray astronomy experiments.

• Through its implementation, IRS-P3 helped Strengthened Indo-German space cooperation.
• ISROs documentation of IRS-P3 highlights Standard satellite decommissioning procedures as an important parameter.
• Data and technologies from IRS-P3 support civilian uses such as Experimental earth obs, oceanography, atmospheric studies.
• As part of a long-term roadmap, ISRO envisions further efforts related to IRS-P3, which may include targeted missions like Oceansat series.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of IRS-P3 Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Remote sensing data, X-ray astronomical data
Major Achievements	Carried foreign payload (MOS); X-ray astronomy experiments
Applications in Civilian Life	Experimental earth obs, oceanography, atmospheric studies
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	Strengthened Indo-German space cooperation
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	Standard satellite decommissioning procedures
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Tech demo (MOS sensor), international cooperation
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	Oceansat series
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO IRS-P3 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 IRS-P3 Space Mission

• Static topics like types of orbits and remote sensing applications are often linked to dynamic ISRO events, which creates integrated questions.
• Indias strategic edge through missions like EMISAT or satellite-based surveillance aligns with General Studies topics on defence and internal security.
• UPSC Essays focused on resilience, long-term vision, or Indias journey in science and technology can be powerfully anchored in examples like Chandrayaan-2’s setback and the recovery through Chandrayaan-3.
• Questions on governance, planning, or policy effectiveness can refer to ISRO’s mission execution timelines and success rates.

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
A. National Technology Day is commemorated on May 11 every year as India successfully conducted nuclear tests in Pokhran.
B. Agni-III is Indias latest long range surface-to-surface nuclear capable ballistic missile system that was successfully tested in 2018.
C. Mangalyaan was launched on 5th November, 2013 with the aim studying of the Moons topography, morphology, mineralogy and atmosphere.
D. U.R. Rao was the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation when the first-ever Indian satellite Aryabhata was launched.
Identify the wrong statements
1. B and C
2. A, B and D
3. A and D
4. A, C and D

Answer: B and C
Solution: Statement B is incorrect because Agni-III is not Indias latest long-range missile; India has developed more advanced versions like Agni-IV and Agni-V following Agni-III. Statement C is incorrect because Mangalyaan, or the Mars Orbiter Mission, was aimed at studying Mars, not the Moon. The mission to study the Moon is Chandrayaan. Statement A is correct as National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11 every year to commemorate Indias successful nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998. Statement D is correct because U.R. Rao was indeed the Chairman of ISRO when the first-ever Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975.

Q2. Who among the following succeeded K Sivan as the ISRO chairman, in January 2022?
1. Shailesh Nayak
2. A S Kiran Kumar
3. VK Saraswat
4. S Somanath

Answer: S Somanath
Solution: The Appointments Committee has approved the appointment of rocket scientist S Somanath, Director Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, to the post of ISRO Chief and Chairman ISRO. S. Somanath will succeed K Sivan who completes his extended tenure on 14 Jan 2022. He has been appointed for a combined tenure of 3 years from the date of joining.

Q3. Consider the following statements about the INSAT-3DS satellite
1. It is a communication satellite designed to bolster 6G services in the north-eastern states of India.
2. The satellite will be launched aboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14, from Shriharikota.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. None of the above

Answer: Only 1
Solution: ISRO to launch weather satellite INSAT-3DS. ISRO's meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS, aimed at improving meteorological observations for enhanced weather forecasting and disaster warning, is scheduled for launch on February 17. Hence, statement no.1 is INCORRECT. The Indian Space Research Organization announced that the satellite will be launched aboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14. Hence, statement no.2 is CORRECT.

Q4. Consider the following statements about Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator SOrTeD
1. Agnibaan SOrTeD is fully developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO alone, without any support from other organizations.
2. The rocket is powered by the Agnilet engine, which is notable for being the worlds first 100% 3D-printed, semi-cryogenic rocket engine.
3. It has the capability of reaching an altitude of 700 km with payloads up to 100 kg and can be launched in configurations up to five different settings.
How many of the given statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: Only two
Solution: Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited is set to launch its first rocket, the Agnibaan Suborbital Technology Demonstrator SOrTeD. AgniKul Cosmos journey is supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation and Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. The Agnilet engine, a groundbreaking advancement in rocketry, is distinguished by its method of production being 100% 3D-printed. Hence statement 2 is correct. Agnibaan SOrTeD is capable of carrying payloads up to 100 kg to an altitude of 700 km, and its versatility is showcased through its ability to be launched in five different configurations. This adaptability makes it a notable entrant in the realm of space launch vehicles, especially for small payloads. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q5. What is the main goal of Indias Chandrayaan-4 mission, as announced by ISRO Chief S Somanath, which is set to launch in 2028?
1. To establish a permanent base on the Moon
2. To collect samples on the Moon
3. To explore the dark side of the Moon
4. To find water on the Moon

Answer: To collect samples on the Moon
Solution: ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 mission is positioned as a crucial step toward Indias ambitious goal to land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the features of NISAR Satellite
1. The S-band payload has been made by the US and the L-band by the ISRO
2. It can completely map earth in 14-15 days and capable of monitoring the vegetation cover and snow cover
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 2 Only
Solution: NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR mission is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite. Scheduled for launch in early 2024, it is poised to facilitate the exploration of how shifts in Earth's forest and wetland ecosystems impact the global carbon cycle and influence climate change. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces every 14-15 days. Hence, statement 2 is correct. The S-band payload has been made by the ISRO and the L-band by the U.S. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Q7. Which of the following missions will lead to Indias first human presence on the International Space Station ISS?
1. Axiom-4
2. Taxsci-4
3. VenSpac-4
4. Spacoon-4

Answer: Axiom-4
Solution: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS in 2025, marking Indias first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission.

Q8. Consider the following statements about Vikram-S
I. It is Indias first privately built rocket
II. It is a single stage suborbital space launch vehicle
III. The mission for the rocket launch has been named as Prarambh, meaning beginning
IV. It was developed by space tech startup Agnikul Cosmos
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I, II and III only
2. I, III and IV only
3. II, III and IV only
4. All of the above

Answer: I, II and III only
Solution: Vikram-S is Indias first privately built rocket. It is a single stage suborbital space launch vehicle. The mission for the rocket launch has been named as Prarambh, meaning beginning. It is not developed by Agnikul Cosmos; it was developed by a different space tech startup named Skyroot Aerospace.

Q9. Which of the following functions is not among those suggested for devolution to panchayats for enhanced local governance?
1. Rural electrification
2. Vocational education
3. Space research
4. Small-scale industries

Answer: Space research
Solution: Space research is generally managed at the national level, typically by government agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. Panchayats are primarily local self-government bodies focused on the development and administration of rural areas. Functions suggested for devolution to panchayats include activities directly impacting local communities such as rural electrification, vocational education, and the development of small-scale industries. Space research requires significant technological infrastructure, specialized knowledge, and resources that are beyond the scope of local governance structures like panchayats.

Q10. Presence of which element is confirmed by Chandrayaan-3s Pragyan Rover on the Moon surface in August 2023?
1. Phosphorus
2. Zinc
3. Sulphur
4. Oxygen

Answer: Sulphur
Solution: Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover confirmed the presence of sulphur on the Moon's south pole surface in August 2023. This discovery was made using the Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy LIBS instrument onboard the Pragyan Rover. The rover's analysis also detected other elements, including aluminium, calcium, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese, silicon, and oxygen. The finding of sulphur is significant as it provides insights into the Moon's geological composition and helps understand its volcanic history. This is the first in-situ measurement of sulphur on the Moon, setting a milestone for India's space research.

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