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Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa ISRO Space Mission, Launch Date & Status

Last Updated on Jun 30, 2025
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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 Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission Overview

As a Oceanography, Earth Observation initiative, ISROs Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa was placed in Earth (Oceans, Ice) to perform its mission-specific functions.

  • To execute the launch of Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa, the PSLV-C20 was deployed.
  • The vehicle was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
  • The primary objective of Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa was to Study ocean circulation, sea surface elevation.
  • Alongside its primary function, Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa was expected to Climate monitoring, marine meteorology, continental ice studies.
  • Reports indicate that the mission stands at Operational (extended).

Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Space Mission Overview for UPSC

Mission Name

Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa

Mission Abbreviation

SARAL

Mission Type

Oceanography, Earth Observation

Target Celestial Body or Orbit

Earth (Oceans, Ice)

Primary Objective

Study ocean circulation, sea surface elevation

Secondary Objectives

Climate monitoring, marine meteorology, continental ice studies

Mission Status

Operational (extended)

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission
  • On February 25, 2013, Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa was sent into its designated orbit.
  • ISRO began formal planning for SARAL with a proposal dated February 23, 2007 (MOU).
  • 5 years (planned) was set as the end-of-life marker for the mission’s primary phase.

Timeline & Milestones

Proposal Date

February 23, 2007 (MOU)

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

February 25, 2013

Landing / Flyby Date

N/A

End of Primary Mission Date

5 years (planned)

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ISRO Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission Technical Specifications

As a Oceanography, Earth Observation mission, Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa was built around a configuration involving 407 kg lift-off mass, IMS-2 bus.The orbital path—Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~800 km altitude—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

  • With its launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota using the PSLV-C20, Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa carried payloads including AltiKa (Ka-band altimeter), ARGOS-3, DORIS, LRA for mission-specific tasks.
  • Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa made use of key technologies such as Ka-band altimetry, ARGOS data collection.

Technical Specifications

Spacecraft Technical Specifications

407 kg lift-off mass, IMS-2 bus

Scientific Payloads

AltiKa (Ka-band altimeter), ARGOS-3, DORIS, LRA

Orbit Details

Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~800 km altitude

Communication Frequencies / Band

N/A

Key Technologies Used

Ka-band altimetry, ARGOS data collection

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Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Launch Information
  • ISRO conducted the launch of Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa on February 25, 2013, as per mission planning.
  • As part of its launch strategy, Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa used PSLV-C20 for orbital insertion.
  • The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Launch Information

Launch Vehicle

PSLV-C20

Launch Site

Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission team was composed of personnel from ISRO, CNES (France).

  • The Oceanography, Earth Observation mission Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa included collaboration with Indo-French joint mission.
  • The instrumentation onboard SARAL was supported by contributions from AltiKa, ARGOS-3, DORIS, LRA by CNES.

Stakeholders & Collaboration

Agencies Involved

ISRO, CNES (France)

Commercial Partners

N/A

International Partners

Indo-French joint mission

Payload Contributions by Partners

AltiKa, ARGOS-3, DORIS, LRA by CNES

Data Sharing Policy

N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission

Among ISRO’s recent efforts, SARAL earned distinction for First Ka-band altimeter in space.Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa generated data outputs including Sea surface height, wave height, wind speed data.

  • One of the long-term effects of SARAL is that it Strengthened Indo-French space cooperation.
  • The mission’s outcome supports national needs through civilian applications like Oceanography, climate monitoring, sea state.
  • Indo-French cooperation, climate, maritime awareness highlights the role of Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa in India’s strategic space program.
  • The strategic vision behind Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa includes future missions like Oceansat series, continued altimetry, designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Mission

Data Outputs and Applications

Sea surface height, wave height, wind speed data

Major Achievements

First Ka-band altimeter in space

Applications in Civilian Life

Oceanography, climate monitoring, sea state

Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration

Strengthened Indo-French space cooperation

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

N/A

Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment

Indo-French cooperation, climate, maritime awareness

Follow-up Missions or Extensions

Oceansat series, continued altimetry

Cost Estimate

N/A

ISRO Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa 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 Satellite with ARGOS and AltiKa Space Mission
    • ISRO’s space-based support to agriculture, weather forecasting, navigation, and defence can be potential UPSC Prelims topics under Science and Economy.
    • UPSC often expects candidates to critically evaluate the gaps or opportunities in India’s space sector, where ISROs mission track record provides factual backing.
    • 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. Where did ISRO conduct the first ignition trial for the SCE-200 semi-cryogenic engine?
    1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
    2. Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
    3. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
    4. Hyderabad, Telangana
    Answer: Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
    Solution: ISRO conducted the first ignition trial for the SCE-200 semi-cryogenic engine at its facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine developed by ISRO for its future launch vehicles. This engine uses a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants, which are more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional solid or liquid engines. The successful ignition trial marks a significant milestone in India's space program, enhancing its capabilities for heavier payloads.

    Q2. In the context of Chandrayaan - 3, the names of Lander and Rover respectively are -
    1. Vikram and Pragyan
    2. Vikram and Aditya
    3. Aditya and Vikram
    4. Pragyan and Aditya
    Answer: Vikram and Pragyan
    Solution: Vikram is the name of the lander used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Pragyan is the name of the rover used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Vikram is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. Pragyan means wisdom in Sanskrit, symbolizing the rover's role in conducting scientific experiments. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, aiming to demonstrate the ability to soft-land on the lunar surface and operate a rover.

    Q3. Which space organisation has successfully conducted the cheapest Mars mission?
    1. ISRO
    2. NASA
    3. Roscosmos
    4. JAXA
    Answer: ISRO
    Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, which is the cheapest Mars mission ever. Mangalyaan was launched on 5 November 2013, and it successfully entered Mars' orbit on 24 September 2014. The mission's total cost was approximately INR 450 crore, around USD 74 million, making it the most economical Mars mission. ISRO became the fourth space agency in the world to reach Mars, and the first to do so in its maiden attempt.

    Q4. Who among the following have been selected to be the astronauts on India's first crewed mission to space?
    1. Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla
    2. Group Captain P. Balakrishnan Nair
    3. Group Captain Pankaj M. Sinha
    4. Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
    5. Group Captain Angad Pratap
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    1. I, II, III and V
    2. I, III, IV and V
    3. I, II, III and IV
    4. I, II, IV and V
    Answer: I, II, IV and V
    Solution: Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla, Group Captain P. Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap have been selected to be the astronauts for India's first crewed mission to space. Group Captain Pankaj M. Sinha is not selected for this mission. These astronauts will undergo rigorous training for the mission, which includes physical, technical, and psychological training. India's first crewed mission to space is a significant milestone in the country's space exploration efforts.

    Q5. A joint programme of DRDO and ISRO, developed highly potent Anti-Satellite Weapons under Mission Shakti. Which of the statements regarding ASAT are true?
    1. I and II only
    2. I and III only
    3. I, II and III
    4. II and III only
    Answer: I and II only
    Solution: ASAT (Anti-Satellite Weapon) is a missile-based system to destroy satellites in orbit, which can degrade the adversary's space capabilities. India successfully tested its ASAT missile under Mission Shakti on March 27, 2019. The test involved shooting down a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 300 km. The successful test made India the fourth country to possess such a capability, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China.

    Q6. When is GAGANYAAN, the manned project of ISRO, proposed to launch?
    1. December 2021
    2. November 2021
    3. October 2021
    4. September 2021
    Answer: December 2021
    Solution: Gaganyaan is India's first manned mission to space. The mission aims to send a three-member crew to space for a minimum of seven days. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. Gaganyaan is expected to be launched in December 2021, as proposed by ISRO.

    Q7. Who is the project director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3?
    1. Vikram Sarabhai
    2. S. Somnath
    3. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
    4. P. Veeramuthuvel
    Answer: P. Veeramuthuvel
    Solution: P. Veeramuthuvel is the Project Director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3. Chandrayaan 3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation. The mission aims to demonstrate the capability for a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan 3 consists of a lander and rover configuration, similar to its predecessor Chandrayaan 2.

    Q8. The Aditya L1 (first space-based observatory-class solar mission) was launched on?
    1. September 2, 2023
    2. September 9, 2023
    3. September 2, 2022
    4. October 2, 2023
    Answer: September 2, 2023
    Solution: The Aditya L1 mission is India's first space-based observatory-class solar mission. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation on September 2, 2023. The primary objective of Aditya L1 is to study the Sun's outermost layers, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The mission aims to understand the dynamics of solar activities and their impact on space weather.

    Q9. Who has been appointed as the new Chief of ISRO?
    1. S. Somanath
    2. Dr. V. Narayanan
    3. K. Sivan
    4. A.S. Kiran Kumar
    Answer: Dr. V. Narayanan
    Solution: Dr. V. Narayanan is a renowned scientist who has contributed significantly to ISRO's propulsion systems. He has played an integral role in the development of cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems used in India's space missions. Dr. Narayanan has been instrumental in advancing ISRO's capabilities in launching heavy payloads into geostationary orbit.

    Q10. Which one of the following PSLVs, launched by ISRO, is not correctly matched with their Missions?
    1. a
    2. b
    3. c
    4. d
    Answer: PSLV C57 - DS-SAR
    Solution: PSLV C57 was launched by ISRO to deploy the DS-SAR satellite, a synthetic aperture radar satellite developed collaboratively by Singapore and Israel. DS-SAR is not associated with the Indian Space Research Organization's primary mission portfolio as ISRO frequently launches satellites for various nations. The matching of PSLV C57 with DS-SAR is incorrect in terms of ISRO's internal mission objectives.

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