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 Earth Observation Satellite-02 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 Mission Overview

ISRO launched Earth Observation Satellite-02 to support objectives related to Earth Observation (Microsatellite).Earth Observation Satellite-02 was placed in Low Earth Orbit to perform its mission-specific functions.

• To execute the launch of Earth Observation Satellite-02, the SSLV-D1 was deployed.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota hosted the missions launch activities.
• ISRO developed Earth Observation Satellite-02 with the core goal of Earth observation with new microsatellite bus.
• In addition to its main goal, Earth Observation Satellite-02 also aimed to Provide imagery for various applications.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is Launch Failure (Satellites injected into wrong orbit).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 Mission

• Earth Observation Satellite-02 was successfully launched on August 7, 2022 by ISRO.

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ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 Mission Technical Specifications

The mission hardware integrated Approx 135 kg mass, supporting operations from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.Following its launch on August 7, 2022 via SSLV-D1, the spacecraft was deployed into Intended LEO, ~356 km circular; achieved unstable orbit.

• The spacecraft for Earth Observation Satellite-02 carried scientific payloads such as Infrared camera with high resolution, supporting its role as a Earth Observation (Microsatellite) mission.
• New SSLV launch vehicle, microsatellite bus were implemented as part of the engineering design of Earth Observation Satellite-02.

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Earth Observation Satellite-02 Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the Earth Observation Satellite-02 mission for launch on August 7, 2022.
• SSLV-D1 served as the launch platform for Earth Observation Satellite-02.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) were involved in various phases of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 Mission

• As part of its planning, EOS-02 addressed Satellites re-entered atmosphere shortly after launch.
• The mission contributes to everyday life through applications like Earth observation, particularly for agriculture, forestry, disaster management.
• High-resolution imaging for various national needs highlights the role of Earth Observation Satellite-02 in India’s strategic space program.
• The success and findings of Earth Observation Satellite-02 are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like Further EOS satellites for improved revisit and resolution as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Operational phases of Earth Observation Satellite-02 required attention to issues like SSLV maiden flight issues.

• Mission performance assessments showed that SSLV upper stage malfunction, sensor failure, incorrect orbit injection occurred.
• ISRO addressed the anomaly through follow-up actions, including Post-failure analysis led to SSLV design improvements.
• Importance of robust sensor systems, stage separation dynamics formed a part of the technical feedback loop after the mission.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-02 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.
• Missions like RISAT, Cartosat, and Oceansat illustrate how space technology supports internal security, agriculture, coastal monitoring, and environmental protection, all of which are topics in General Studies papers.
• ISRO’s space missions offer rich content for UPSC essays on themes like innovation, scientific temper, national self-reliance, or institutional excellence.
• 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.

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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 India's 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 of studying the Moon's 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: 1
Solution: Statement B is incorrect because Agni-III is not India's 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 India's 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.

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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: 4
Solution: The correct answer is S Somanath. 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.

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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: 1
Solution: The incorrect statement is Only 1. ISRO to launch weather satellite INSAT-3DS. INSAT-3D is 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.

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Q4. Consider the following statements about Agnibaan SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator (SOrTeD):
1. Agnibaan SOrTeD is fully developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation alone, without any support from other organizations.
2. The rocket is powered by the Agnilet engine, which is notable for being the world's 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: 2
Solution: Chennai-based space startup Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited is set to launch its first rocket, the Agnibaan Suborbital Technology Demonstrator. 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. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

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Q5. What is the main goal of India's 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: 2
Solution: The correct answer is To collect samples on the Moon. ISRO's Chandrayaan-4 mission is positioned as a crucial step toward India's ambitious goal to land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.

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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 is 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
Solution: The correct answer is 2 Only. 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 mission is scheduled for launch in early 2024, and 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.

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

Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Axiom-4. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025, marking India's first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission.

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Q8. Consider the following statements about Vikram-S:
I. It is India's 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: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Option 1: I, II and III only. Vikram-S is India's 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.

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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: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Space research. Space research is generally managed at the national level, typically by government agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation. 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.

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

Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Sulphur. 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 instrument onboard the Pragyan Rover. The finding of sulphur is significant as it provides insights into the Moon's geological composition and helps understand its volcanic history.