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-7A Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-7A Mission Overview

The Communication (Military) mission, ISROs GSAT-7A, was planned to address specific operational and technological goals.The GSAT-7A mission was designed to operate in Geostationary Orbit.

• ISRO selected the GSLV-F11 to carry the GSAT-7A mission.
• The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• The main aim of GSAT-7A centered on the need to Communication services for Indian Air Force.
• GSAT-7A had several secondary objectives, including efforts to Interlinking IAF assets, drone operations.
• Official sources have listed the mission status as Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-7A Mission

• GSAT-7A lifted off from the launch pad on December 19, 2018.

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ISRO GSAT-7A Mission Technical Specifications

As a Communication (Military) mission, GSAT-7A was built around a configuration involving 2250 kg lift-off mass.

• Ku-band were utilized as the primary communication channels for GSAT-7A, ensuring connectivity in Geostationary Orbit.
• GSAT-7A made use of key technologies such as Military communication satellite technology.

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GSAT-7A Launch Information

• On December 19, 2018, GSAT-7A was sent into its designated orbit.
• The launch of GSAT-7A was carried out by the GSLV-F11.
• Liftoff occurred at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, as per mission scheduling.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO, Indian Air Force were involved in various phases of the mission.

• The datasets produced by GSAT-7A, which operated in Geostationary Orbit, are handled according to Classified.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-7A Mission

The mission is remembered for its contribution as Enhanced IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities.The data gathered from GSAT-7A included Secure communication for IAF, supporting multiple domains.

• GSAT-7A holds strategic value as it aligns with national goals such as Enhances IAF communication, network-centric warfare capabilities.
• The success and findings of GSAT-7A are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like Possible future dedicated military communication satellites as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO GSAT-7A Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-7A Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• Questions involving disaster Management, like flood or cyclone monitoring, can be strengthened by citing ISRO’s satellite imagery and forecasting support systems.
• ISRO’s mission culture — defined by simplicity, frugality, and collaboration — embodies many values discussed in the Ethics paper, such as integrity, public service motivation, and accountability.
• In optional papers dealing with Indian economy or policy, ISROs commercial arm NSIL and its growing role in global markets serve as economic case points.

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 primary purpose of the ADITYA-L1 mission?
1. Studying the Mars geological activities
2. Studying the Moon surface phenomena
3. Studying the Earth's atmospheric conditions
4. Studying the Sun's surface phenomena
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Studying the Sun's surface phenomena. ADITYA-L1 will be ISRO's first space observatory dedicated to studying the Sun. It will fly approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth to the L1, or Lagrange point 1, which is one of five favorable spots for observing the Sun. The mission aims to provide regular images and updates on the Sun's surface phenomena and space weather. The Aditya-L1 mission will carry seven different payloads capable of studying various phenomena on the Sun across the electromagnetic spectrum and solar wind. These include seamless measurement of solar radiation from Hard X-ray to Infrared, as well as in-situ measurements of particles in the solar wind and the Sun's magnetic field at the L1 point.

Q2. The ISRO has its Headquarters in
1. Hyderabad
2. Bengaluru
3. Ahmedabad
4. Thiruvananthapuram
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Bengaluru. The headquarters of ISRO is situated in Bengaluru. The Secretariat of DOS and headquarters of ISRO are located at Antariksh Bhavan in Bengaluru. ISRO was formed on 15 August 1969. Dr. S Somanath is the current chairman of ISRO. PSLV-C25, the twenty-fifth flight of PSLV launched the Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft. It was launched from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

Q3. As of November 2023, India set to launch its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite. Which organization will launch this satellite?
1. Defence Research and Development Organisation DRDO
2. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology IIST
3. North-Eastern Space Applications Centre NE-SAC
4. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is set to launch India's first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite XPoSat. The launch aims to explore the polarisation of intense X-ray sources. XPoSat will mark a significant value addition to space-based X-Ray astronomy in India, which has previously focused on imaging, time-domain studies, and spectroscopy. XPoSat will operate from a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of approximately 650 km, with a low inclination of about six degrees. The satellite carries two scientific payloads for simultaneous studies of temporal, spectral, and polarization features of bright X-ray sources. XPoSat's mission life is expected to be around five years. Observations will primarily take place during the spacecraft's transit through the Earth's shadow, i.e., during the eclipse period. POLIX Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays, the primary payload, will measure polarimetry parameters in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV. POLIX was developed by the Raman Research Institute RRI, Bengaluru, with support from various ISRO centres. The secondary payload, XSPECT X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing, will provide spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV and was developed by the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre URSC, ISRO. The satellite will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

Q4. With which agency is ISRO collaborating on the Ramses project to study the asteroid Apophis?
1. NASA
2. ESA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is ESA. The Ramses project is a collaborative mission. ISRO Indian Space Research Organisation is partnering with ESA European Space Agency. The mission focuses on the asteroid Apophis. Apophis is a 375-meter asteroid. It will pass within 32,000 km of Earth in 2029. Ramses is the spacecraft that will approach and monitor Apophis. The objective is to understand any potential threats Apophis may pose to Earth. ISRO's chief for this mission is S Somanath. ESA is the correct agency collaborating with ISRO on this project.

Q5. Group Captains and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS.
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Shubhanshu Shukla. India has selected two Indian Air Force IAF pilots, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS. The selected pilots will begin their training in the first week of August 2024. ISRO has signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space for this mission. The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. The mission will enhance India's Human Space Program and strengthen cooperation between ISRO and NASA. This mission follows a state visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he announced plans for an Indian astronaut to visit the ISS. Shukla and Nair are also among the four astronaut-designates selected for India's Gaganyaan mission, India's first crewed spaceflight. The IAF emphasized the historic nature of the mission, celebrating India's entry into space exploration.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian lunar lander that successfully touched down on the lunar surface:
A. Its name was Chandrayaan-2.
B. It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 14th July, 2023.
C. A lunar touchdown occurred on 23rd August, 2023 just after 6:00 PM IST.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. A and C only
2. B and C only
3. A and B only
4. C only
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Option 2. Statement A is incorrect. The name of the Indian lunar lander that successfully touched down on the lunar surface is Chandrayaan-3, not Chandrayaan-2. Statement B is correct. Chandrayaan-3 was indeed launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 14th July, 2023. Statement C is correct. A lunar touchdown occurred on 23rd August, 2023 just after 6:00 PM IST. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. Chandrayaan-3 aims to demonstrate the capability of safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-2, the previous mission, was partially successful as its orbiter is still operational and providing valuable data, but its lander failed to achieve a soft landing.

Q7. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission LUPEX is a planned collaborative lunar mission involving which two space agencies?
1. ISRO and JAXA
2. JAXA and CNSA
3. ISRO and NASA
4. NASA and ESA
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO and JAXA. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission LUPEX is a collaborative lunar mission planned by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. LUPEX aims to explore the south pole region of the Moon to assess the presence of water and other resources. The mission will include a lunar rover and a lander, with ISRO providing the lander and JAXA providing the rover. LUPEX is part of broader international efforts to explore and utilize lunar resources to support future human and robotic missions.

Q8. What was the total mass of Chandrayaan - 3?
1. 2800 Kg
2. 3100 Kg
3. 3900 Kg
4. 4110 Kg
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 3900 Kg. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The total mass of Chandrayaan-3 was around 3900 Kg. The mission includes a lander and a rover similar to Chandrayaan-2 but does not have an orbiter. The primary objective of Chandrayaan-3 is to demonstrate the capability to safely land and operate on the lunar surface.

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding GSAT-N2:
I. It is the first demand driven satellite mission that is fully funded and owned by New Space India Limited NSIL.
II. GSAT-N2 satellite will be lifted by using SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket and is scheduled in the 2nd quarter of 2025.
III. The collaboration of NSIL with SpaceX was made due to the current limitation of India's rockets, which are lacking in the capacity to lift large communication satellites.
Which among the above given statements are correct?
1. I and II
2. II and III
3. I and III
4. I, II and III
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. GSAT-N2 is a significant satellite in India's space program, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. New Space India Limited NSIL is the first demand-driven satellite mission that is fully funded and owned by NSIL, an entity under the Department of Space. Due to the current limitations of India's rockets, which lack the capacity to lift large communication satellites, NSIL has collaborated with SpaceX for the launch of GSAT-N2 using Falcon-9. The GSAT-N2 satellite is scheduled to be lifted by SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding PS4-Orbital Experiment Module POEM-4:
1. POEM-4 provides an opportunity for the scientific community to carry out certain in-orbit microgravity experiments for an extended duration of up to three months.
2. POEM-4 uses the spent fourth stage PS4 of the PSLV rocket as an experimental platform for space research.
3. The PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission is the fourth POEM mission in the series POEM-4.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is option 4. POEM-4, developed by ISRO, recently completed its mission with a safe atmospheric re-entry, reinforcing India's commitment to a sustainable space environment. POEM-4 offers the scientific community a platform to conduct in-orbit microgravity experiments for up to three months, preventing immediate transformation into space debris after deployment of primary payloads. POEM-4 uses the spent fourth stage PS4 of the PSLV-C60 rocket as an experimental platform to host various scientific payloads and technology demonstrations. PSLV-C60 SpaDeX mission is indeed the fourth deployment in the POEM series, known as POEM-4, and carried 24 payloads, including contributions from ISRO, academic institutions, and startups.