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 GSAT-4 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-4 Mission Overview

GSAT-4 Space Mission falls under the category of Communication, Technology Demonstrator missions undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation.GSAT-4 was placed in Geostationary Orbit (intended) to perform its mission-specific functions.

• To execute the launch of GSAT-4, the GSLV-D3 was deployed.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.
• ISRO developed GSAT-4 with the core goal of Test indigenous cryogenic stage, Ka-band transponders.
• GSAT-4 had several secondary objectives, including efforts to Demonstrate satellite-based navigation (GAGAN payload).
• Reports indicate that the mission stands at Launch Failure.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-4 Mission

• GSAT-4 was launched on April 15, 2010.

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ISRO GSAT-4 Mission Technical Specifications

The design of GSAT-4 was based on technical parameters like 2212 kg lift-off mass, I-2K bus, ensuring alignment with its Communication, Technology Demonstrator goals.The mission trajectory for HealthSat was designed around Failed to reach orbit, aligned with its objectives.

• The spacecraft for GSAT-4 carried scientific payloads such as WBI, CBB, Ka-band Antenna, GAGAN payload, supporting its role as a Communication, Technology Demonstrator mission.
• Depending on the altitude and operational coverage of GSAT-4, the mission employed Ka-band, C-band, L1 & L5 (GAGAN) to ensure seamless communication flow.
• The design and execution of GSAT-4 incorporated features like Indigenous cryogenic engine, Ka-band tech.

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GSAT-4 Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of GSAT-4 on April 15, 2010, as per mission planning.
• For this mission, GSAT-4 was placed into orbit using GSLV-D3.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota hosted the missions launch activities.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Key roles in the mission were handled by ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-4 Mission

• Outputs from GSAT-4 are used in civilian domains, particularly in Communication, navigation, Ka-band tests (intended).
• GSAT-4 holds strategic value as it aligns with national goals such as Technology demo, advanced communication (intended).
• As part of a long-term roadmap, ISRO envisions further efforts related to GSAT-4, which may include targeted missions like Subsequent GSAT, GAGAN missions.

ISRO GSAT-4 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Failure of indigenous cryogenic upper stage was identified as a key challenge in the course of the Communication, Technology Demonstrator mission.

• According to official updates, the mission faced issues including Cryogenic stage did not ignite.
• As part of post-mission analysis, Analysis and redesign of cryogenic stage was initiated.
• Challenges in cryogenic engine development was identified as a key takeaway from GSAT-4.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-4 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.
• 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.
• Students with PSIR, Sociology, or Public Administration optionals can use ISRO case studies to demonstrate state capacity, institutional success, or public sector innovation.

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. The PSLV C34 rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota to put 22 satellites into orbit. This has happened for the first time in the history of _______.
1. NASA
2. Roskasmas
3. ISRO
4. CSA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO.

Q2. In which district, the road leading to Karrahi from Barra Bypass has been named after ISRO Chairman S Somnath?
1. Lucknow
2. Kanpur
3. Varanasi
4. Agra
Answer: Kanpur
Solution: The correct answer is Kanpur. The road from Baira to Karrahi in Kanpur has been named after ISRO President S Somnath.

Q3. Young scientist Ayush Jha, who was part of the ISRO team from the creation of Chandrayaan-3 to its launch, is a resident of?
1. Jamshedpur (East Singhbhum)
2. Jharia (Dhanbad)
3. Mandar (Ranchi)
4. Chakradharpur (West Singhbhum)
Answer: Chakradharpur (West Singhbhum)
Solution: The correct answer is Chakradharpur (West Singhbhum). Ayush Jha is a young scientist who was part of the Indian Space Research Organization's team that programmed the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon's South Pole in 2023. Prior to the launching, Ayush was part of the radar development team of the Chandrayaan-3, and later, he was made part of the landing team. He is also working on the reusable launch vehicle mission of the ISRO. After completing his graduation, Ayush joined ISRO in 2016.

Q4. In 2017, which Satellite Launch Vehicle of ISRO successfully launched 104 satellites in a single flight?
1. INSAT-3DR
2. PSLV-C55
3. GSLV-F12
4. PSLV-C37
Answer: Option 4
Solution: The correct answer is Option 4. PSLV-C37: This satellite launch vehicle of ISRO successfully launched 104 satellites in a single flight on February 15, 2017, setting a world record. Hence, option 4 is correct. INSAT-3DR: This is an Indian weather satellite launched by ISRO but not related to the record of launching 104 satellites. PSLV-C55: This is another mission of ISRO's PSLV series, but it did not achieve the record of launching 104 satellites. GSLV-F12: This is part of the GSLV missions, which are different from the PSLV missions.

Q5. In which year did Rakesh Sharma go to space in a Russian rocket?
1. 1980
2. 1982
3. 1984
4. 1986
Answer: 1984
Solution: The correct answer is 1984. Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian citizen to travel to space. He flew aboard the Soyuz T-11, a Russian spacecraft, on April 2, 1984. Sharma's mission was part of a joint program between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Soviet Intercosmos space program. He spent eight days aboard the Salyut 7 space station, conducting scientific and technical studies.

Q6. With which country has ISRO collaborated for the Gaganyaan mission's crew and module recovery?
1. Russia
2. Australia
3. United States
4. Japan
Answer: Australia
Solution: The correct answer is Australia. ISRO has signed an agreement with the Australian Space Agency to enhance cooperation on India's Gaganyaan mission. The agreement focuses on crew and module recovery, specifically providing support for search and rescue operations in Australian waters. This partnership is critical for ensuring the safety of India's first crewed spaceflight program.

Q7. By which year is the Venus mission Shukrayaan slated for launch?
1. 2026
2. 2027
3. 2028
4. 2029
Answer: 2028
Solution: The correct answer is 2028. ISRO's Venus mission, Shukrayaan, has been approved by the Indian government and is slated for launch in 2028. The mission is part of ISRO's ongoing exploration initiatives, including Chandrayaan 4 and Mars exploration plans.

Q8. What is the name of the half humanoid robot that India is planning to launch in space before the actual human mission Gaganyaan to test flight criticalities?
1. Nabhmitra
2. Antariksha vicharak
3. Gaganmaitri
4. Vyommitra
Answer: Vyommitra
Solution: The correct answer is Vyommitra. Vyommitra is a half-humanoid robot developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is designed to function as a preliminary test robot for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight mission. The name Vyommitra is derived from two Sanskrit words: Vyoma meaning space and Mitra meaning friend. Vyommitra is capable of performing multiple functions such as operating switches, monitoring module parameters, and giving environmental condition updates.

Q9. What is the primary goal of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR mission?
1. Climate action
2. Defense satellites
3. Space tourism
4. Trade monitoring
Answer: Climate action
Solution: The correct answer is Climate action. NISAR is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation. The primary goal of NISAR is to monitor and measure changes in the Earth's surface, including ice sheets, forests, and agricultural lands, in order to understand climate change impacts.

Q10. Which organisation recently sent the Indian tricolour flag to the edge of space on a balloon?
1. ISSC
2. ISRO
3. Space Kidz India
4. Skyroot Aerospace
Answer: Space Kidz India
Solution: The correct answer is Space Kidz India. Space Kidz India is a Chennai-based organization that promotes space education and exploration among young students in India. It specializes in creating opportunities for students to participate in innovative space-related projects, including satellite launches and experiments. Recently, Space Kidz India sent the Indian tricolour flag to the edge of space using a high-altitude balloon.