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-03 (GISAT-1) Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Mission Overview

ISRO launched Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) to support objectives related to Earth Observation (Geostationary Imaging).The Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) mission was designed to operate in Geostationary Orbit.

• The mission was launched using the GSLV-F10, as per the mission plan.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• At its foundation, Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) was designed to Real-time observation of Indian subcontinent, disaster monitoring.
• Supporting long-term development, Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) worked toward Cloud burst, cyclone warning, water bodies monitoring in addition to its main objective.
• Reports indicate that the mission stands at Launch Failure.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Mission

• ISRO scheduled the Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) mission for launch on August 12, 2021.

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ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Mission Technical Specifications

Approx 2268 kg mass defined the operational capabilities of EOS-03, supporting its deployment into Geostationary Orbit.For Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1), mission planners determined Intended Geostationary Orbit; launch failure to be optimal based on the payload configuration and coverage zone.

• The mission architecture included Multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imagers that would support both operational needs and scientific data acquisition.
• The design and execution of Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) incorporated features like Geostationary imaging payloads.

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Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) on August 12, 2021, as per mission planning.
• Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) was launched aboard the GSLV-F10.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Mission

• Earth Observation (Geostationary Imaging) missions like Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) contribute to awareness of Debris generated from launch failure.
• Outputs from Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) are used in civilian domains, particularly in Planned for real-time Earth imaging, disaster monitoring.
• The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including Aimed for rapid monitoring of natural disasters.
• With an eye on technological expansion and operational coverage, ISRO’s roadmap after EOS-03 includes proposals like Future advanced geo-imaging satellites (mission failed).

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

The execution of EOS-03 required solutions for handling GSLV cryogenic upper stage ignition issue.

• An incident recorded for Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) involved Cryogenic Upper Stage did not ignite due to technical anomaly.
• The resolution process for Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) included steps like Post-failure analysis and improvements for future GSLV flights.
• ISRO noted Criticality of cryogenic stage performance parameters during the post-flight analysis of EOS-03.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-03 (GISAT-1) Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• ISRO missions are highly relevant to UPSC Mains, particularly in GS Paper III, where candidates must understand the role of space technology in development, disaster management, communication, and governance.
• 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 project is associated with ISRO earned Mylswamy Annadurai, who has joined the Board of Directors at SS Innovations?
1. Mangalyaan-1 Mission
2. Gaganyaan Mission
3. Chandrayaan-1 Mission
4. AstroSat Mission
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Chandrayaan-1 Mission. Mylswamy Annadurai, an esteemed scientist known for his contributions to ISRO's Chandrayaan-1 mission, has joined the Board of Directors at SS Innovations. His expertise spans new-age technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and sophisticated engineering projects, which are expected to benefit SS Innovations.

Q2. Consider the following about Astrosat:
1. It is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.
2. Recently it has successfully detected its 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB), an event named GRB 231122B.
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: 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. Astrosat is indeed India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, and it has successfully detected its 600th Gamma-ray Burst, named GRB 231122B. This mission has significantly contributed to our understanding of high-energy processes in the universe.

Q3. Who received Kalam Award from Madhya Pradesh?
1. Vivaan Gupta
2. Manohar Sharma
3. Ajay Rawat
4. K. Mohammad
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Vivaan Gupta. He received the Kalam Award from Madhya Pradesh for setting a world record by solving the maximum number of questions in 1 minute and 23 seconds. He will be honored for creating Chandrayaan Mission's GSLV Mk III rocket and ISRO Model Rover in the shortest time.

Q4. Who is not in the four astronaut-designates selected for India's Gaganyaan mission as revealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Feb 2024?
1. P Balakrishnan Nair
2. Ajit Krishnan
3. Angad Pratap
4. Rajneesh Kumar
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Rajneesh Kumar. He is not among the four astronaut-designates selected for India's Gaganyaan mission. The selected astronauts underwent a year-long training course in Russia and are now familiarizing themselves with the mission's intricacies at ISRO.

Q5. When was Chandrayaan-1 launched?
1. 22 October 2018
2. 22 October 2006
3. 22 October 2008
4. 22 October 2010
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 22 October 2008. ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft in 2008, marking India's first mission to the moon, which was equipped to confirm the presence of solid ice on the moon.

Q6. Which among the following institutions recently tested CE-20 Cryogenic Engine?
1. PRL (Physics Research Laboratory)
2. HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
3. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization)
4. DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization)
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). ISRO accomplished a major milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine that powers the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan missions.

Q7. Consider the following statements about India's upcoming Venus Orbiter Mission:
1. It will be India's first interplanetary mission after the Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2013.
2. The mission aims to land on the surface of Venus to conduct experiments.
3. The mission will use aero-braking to lower the orbiter's altitude for conducting scientific experiments.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. The Venus Orbiter Mission will be India's second interplanetary mission after the Mars Orbiter Mission. It is designed to study Venus from orbit and will use aero-braking to reduce the orbiter's altitude for conducting scientific experiments.

Q8. When was the Indian Satellite Earth Observation Satellite-3 (EOS-3) which is a remote sensing satellite, launched?
1. 28th February, 2021
2. 3rd March, 2021
3. 12th August, 2021
4. 11th December, 2020
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 12th August, 2021. The Earth Observation Satellite-3 (EOS-3) was developed by ISRO to provide real-time images of the country's landmass and monitor natural disasters.

Q9. Which statement is correct about the RISAT-2BRI?
1. This is the 60th flight of PSLV
2. PSLV successfully launched RISAT-2BR1 along with commercial satellites of 6 other countries
3. The satellite was injected in the orbit on the republic day
4. Satellite will provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Satellite will provide services in the field of Agriculture, Forestry and Disaster Management. RISAT-2BR1 is a radar imaging earth observation satellite developed by ISRO, providing high-resolution images in all weather conditions.

Q10. The term AlSi10Mg, recently seen in the news, refers to:
1. A lightweight, heat-resistant aluminium alloy used in aerospace and space robotics
2. A new propulsion fuel blend for reusable launch vehicles
3. An experimental high-speed communication satellite developed by ISRO
4. A lithium-based energy storage material used in electric spacecraft systems
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is A lightweight, heat-resistant aluminium alloy used in aerospace and space robotics. ISRO recently used AlSi10Mg alloy to finalize the skull design for Vyomitra, a female half-humanoid for its uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.