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-6 Communication Satellite Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Mission Overview

GSAT-6 Communication Satellite was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Communication.The GSAT-6 Communication Satellite mission was designed to operate in Earth.

• ISRO selected the GSLV-D6 to carry the GSAT-6 Communication Satellite mission.
• The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
• GSAT-6 Communication Satellite was mainly intended to S-band satellite communication services.
• Supporting long-term development, GSAT-6 Communication Satellite worked toward Strategic and societal applications in addition to its main objective.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Mission

• ISRO scheduled the GSAT-6 Communication Satellite mission for launch on August 27, 2015.
• The primary mission life of GSAT-6 Communication Satellite is projected to conclude around Around August 2024 (9-year design life).

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ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Mission Technical Specifications

The mission hardware integrated I-2K bus, 6m unfurlable antenna, supporting operations from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.The choice of Geostationary Orbit (GSO) aligned with the mission’s overall strategy for scientific observation and technical validation.

• To fulfill its scientific mandate, GSAT-6 carried instruments such as S-band transponders, C-band transponder.
• For data relay and payload monitoring, S-band, C-band formed the backbone of the missions communication suite.
• GSAT-6 Communication Satellite relied on Unfurlable antenna, indigenous cryogenic stage to fulfill its technical goals.

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GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Launch Information

• GSAT-6 Communication Satellite was launched on August 27, 2015.
• As part of its launch strategy, GSAT-6 Communication Satellite used GSLV-D6 for orbital insertion.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission team was composed of personnel from ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Mission

Among the outcomes of GSAT-6, Successful flight with indigenous cryogenic stage stands out.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Communication services.

• Outputs from GSAT-6 Communication Satellite are used in civilian domains, particularly in Mobile communication services, S-band connectivity.
• The mission’s orientation aligns with national and commercial goals, including Communication for strategic users, societal applications.
• The success and findings of GSAT-6 Communication Satellite are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like GSAT-6A (failed), potential future S-band satellites as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-6 Communication Satellite Space Mission

• Regular updates from sources like PIB, ISRO press releases, and current affairs magazines help aspirants stay updated on mission statuses for accurate UPSC Prelims preparation.
• Questions involving disaster Management, like flood or cyclone monitoring, can be strengthened by citing ISRO’s satellite imagery and forecasting support systems.
• ISRO’s space missions offer rich content for UPSC essays on themes like innovation, scientific temper, national self-reliance, or institutional excellence.
• For Physics or Engineering-based optionals, ISRO’s propulsion systems, orbital mechanics, or sensor technologies offer real-world illustrations of core theories.

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. What is the main objective of the National Space Innovation Challenge NSIC 2023?
1. To explore new methods of space travel
2. To showcase Indian space achievements
3. To ignite the interest of school students in space technology
4. To develop advanced space research projects
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is To ignite the interest of school students in space technology.
AIM and ISRO launched National Space Innovation Challenge 2023. NSIC 2023 is a National-level campaign designed to ignite next generation space enthusiast to understand and contribute towards growing Indian space economy and future space workforce. It’s a National platform to get inspired by industry leaders, seek opportunities for exploration and showcase ones innovation to the world. With the goal of fostering innovation and curiosity among school students across the nation, the Atal Innovation Mission is proud to announce National Space Innovation Challenge NSIC open for all the school students across the country. NSIC offers integrated content from Industry mentor videos, resources and challenges for Junior Scientists Grade 5-8 and Senior Scientists Grade 9 -12 which the students can use to ideate and submit a short research report on a solution across diverse topics like Space Junk Collection Robot, Reusable Rocket Design, Satellite Design, Indian Spaceship Design for Mars, and more.

Q2. 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: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Chakradharpur West Singhbhum. Ayush Jha is a young scientist who was part of the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO 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.

Q3. 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: 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 Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle missions, which are different from the PSLV missions.

Q4. What is the serial number of GSAT-30 of ISRO in the list of communication satellites?
1. 41st
2. 42nd
3. 43rd
4. 40th
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 42nd. GSAT-30 is the 42nd communication satellite launched by ISRO. The satellite was launched on 17th January 2020 from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. GSAT-30 is designed to replace the INSAT-4A satellite and provide continuity of services on operational satellites in C-band, extended C-band, and Ku-band. It is intended to provide high-quality television, telecommunications, and broadcasting services. The satellite is equipped with 12 C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders to provide coverage over India, Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries, and Australia.

Q5. In which year did Rakesh Sharma go to space in a Russian rocket?
1. 1980
2. 1982
3. 1984
4. 1986
Answer: 3
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 ISRO 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: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Australia. ISRO has signed an agreement with the Australian Space Agency ASA 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. Australia's expertise in search and rescue operations will play a vital role in the successful execution of the Gaganyaan mission.

Q7. By which year is the Venus mission Shukrayaan slated for launch?
1. 2026
2. 2027
3. 2028
4. 2029
Answer: 3
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. ISRO is also working on enhancing weather and communication systems with new technologies for better global advancements.

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: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Vyommitra. Vyommitra is a half-humanoid robot developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. 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. It aims to ensure that the systems and conditions in the space module are suitable for human astronauts. Vyommitra can also simulate human behavior and interact with the control room, providing valuable data on the mission's safety and feasibility.

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: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Climate action. NISAR is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. 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. It aims to provide crucial data for managing natural resources and hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The NISAR satellite will use advanced radar imaging to observe Earth's land and ice masses in unprecedented detail, with a focus on the dynamics of the planet's surface. This mission is expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of Earth's carbon cycle and ecosystem changes, which are vital for climate action.

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: 3
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. This initiative was part of the celebration of India's 75th Independence Day and aimed to inspire patriotism and scientific curiosity among the youth. The flag was carried to an altitude of over 30 km, showcasing the organization's technological capabilities in space exploration.