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 Microsat-R Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Microsat-R Mission Overview

The Indian space program included Microsat-R space mission as part of its ongoing focus on Military Earth Observation applications.ISRO positioned Microsat-R in Earth to meet its operational goals.

• The mission was launched using the PSLV-C44, as per the mission plan.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre was the designated launch complex for this mission.
• The key mission goal of Microsat-R was to Military imaging.
• Official sources have listed the mission status as Destroyed by ASAT test.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Microsat-R Mission

• Microsat-R lifted off from the launch pad on January 24, 2019.
• ISRO has estimated the primary service duration for Microsat-R to last until Microsat-R was destroyed during India's ASAT test (Mission Shakti) on March 27, 2019.

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ISRO Microsat-R Mission Technical Specifications

Key subsystems and architecture of Microsat-R were built around Small satellite, 740 kg.Following its launch on January 24, 2019 via PSLV-C44, the spacecraft was deployed into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

• To fulfill its scientific mandate, Microsat-R carried instruments such as Imaging payload.
• Critical systems used in Microsat-R were based on Small satellite technology.

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Microsat-R Launch Information

• On January 24, 2019, Microsat-R was sent into its designated orbit.
• Microsat-R was launched aboard the PSLV-C44.
• Liftoff occurred at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, as per mission scheduling.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO, DRDO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

• DRDO played a role in equipping the spacecraft with mission-relevant payloads.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Microsat-R Mission

Mission documentation identifies Successfully launched, served as ASAT target as a milestone in the Military Earth Observation program.The mission provided valuable datasets such as Military imaging, ASAT test for scientific and operational use.

• Demonstrated ASAT capability reflects the broader value of Microsat-R beyond technical results.
• ISROs documentation of Microsat-R highlights Contributed to space debris as an important parameter.
• The mission’s outcome supports national needs through civilian applications like Varied based on payload: Earth observation, technology demonstration.
• The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including Cost-effective platform for experimentation and specific observations.
• Continued development of microsatellites for various needs represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by Microsat-R, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.

ISRO Microsat-R Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Microsat-R Space Mission

• Understanding the basic structure of ISRO, its launch centres, and satellite series (such as GSAT, INSAT, or CARTOSAT) is crucial for tackling Prelims questions with precision.
• Space missions contribute to economic and social development, and their applications in resource mapping, weather data, and rural connectivity are valid points in UPSC Mains writing.
• The ethical use of space for peaceful purposes, as consistently upheld by ISRO, resonates with values-based questions in GS Paper IV.
• Questions on governance, planning, or policy effectiveness can refer to ISRO’s mission execution timelines and success rates.

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 of the following statements is true regarding the Nabhmitra device, recently in the news?
1. It is a satellite-based communication system developed by the DRDO for the safety of fishermen.
2. It is a satellite-based communication system developed by the ISRO for the safety of fishermen.
3. It is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the ISRO for the safety of fishermen.
4. It is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the DRDO for the safety of fishermen.

Answer: Option 2
Solution: The Nabhmitra device is a satellite-based communication system developed by the ISRO-Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad) for the safety of fishermen. The device was successfully tested at Neendakara recently, which is a coastal town in Kerala that is known for its fishing harbour and fish market. Key features of the Nabhmitra device include the use of satellites, two-way messaging, early warning, distress messages, and real-time field information.

Q2. Choose the correct code of the payloads from the mentioned below which were launched by PSLV-C55?
A. TeLEOS-2
B. POEM-2
C. LUMILITE-4
D. EOS-07
1. A, C and D
2. B, C and D
3. A, B and C
4. A, B and D

Answer: A, B and C
Solution: PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 was launched successfully on April 22, 2023. This was a dedicated commercial mission through NSIL with TeLEOS-2 as the primary satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite. The satellites weigh about 741 kg and 16 kg, respectively. They are intended to be launched into an Eastward low inclination orbit.

Q3. Which of the following is not the satellite launched by India?
1. Explorer
2. APPLE
3. Bhaskar
4. INSAT

Answer: Explorer
Solution: APPLE was India's first three-axis stabilized experimental geostationary communication satellite launched on June 19, 1981. Bhaskara-I was launched on June 7, 1979, as an early Indian endeavor in remote sensing from space. INSAT is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO. Explorer 1 was launched by the United States.

Q4. What is the main goal of India's Chandrayaan-4 mission, as announced by ISRO Chief S Somnath, 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: To collect samples on the Moon
Solution: 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. The mission aims to not only land a spacecraft on the Moon but also to collect samples and return them to Earth.

Q5. In which year is the Indian Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) scheduled to be launched?
1. 2026
2. 2027
3. 2028
4. 2029

Answer: 2028
Solution: The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), approved by the Union Cabinet, marks a significant step in India's planetary exploration endeavors. The mission is scheduled for launch in March 2028.

Q6. What is the primary objective of ISRO's SpaDeX mission launched on December 30, 2024?
1. To deploy communication satellites into geostationary orbit.
2. To demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft.
3. To test a new heavy-lift launch vehicle for future missions.
4. To conduct experiments related to human spaceflight in low-Earth orbit.

Answer: To demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft.
Solution: ISRO launched the SpaDeX mission on December 30, 2024, aiming to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

Q7. Who succeeded S. Somanath as the Chairman of ISRO starting January 14, 2025?
1. A. S. Kiran Kumar
2. V. Narayanan
3. Meena Ganesh
4. Dr. Shailesh Nayak

Answer: V. Narayanan
Solution: V. Narayanan took over as the Chairman of ISRO on January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath. He has been heading ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre since January 2018.

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: Option 1: I, II and III only
Solution: 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. However, it was developed by a different space tech startup named Skyroot Aerospace.

Q9. Which of the following sentences are FALSE about Chandrayaan 2 mission?
1. It was a highly complex mission which aimed at exploring the North Pole of the Moon.
2. The GSLV MK-III carried Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit.
3. GSLV MK-III is India's most powerful launcher till date which is capable of launching satellite to Geo Synchronous Transfer Unit (GTO).
4. The Moon Impact Probe ejected from Chandrayaan 2 and crashed near the lunar South Pole.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4
4. 1 and 4

Answer: Option 4
Solution: Chandrayaan 2 was indeed a highly complex mission but it aimed at exploring the South Pole of the Moon. The GSLV MK-III carried Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit, which is correct. GSLV MK-III is indeed India's most powerful launcher till date and is capable of launching satellites to Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The statement that the Moon Impact Probe ejected from Chandrayaan 2 and crashed near the lunar South Pole is false. This event actually occurred during the Chandrayaan 1 mission, not Chandrayaan 2.

Q10. Which Indian satellite was launched on 27th November, 2019 by ISRO from the Sriharikota centre for the purpose of geographical research and studies?
1. GSAT-7A
2. RISAT-2B
3. CARTOSAT-3
4. GSAT-29

Answer: CARTOSAT-3
Solution: CARTOSAT-3 is an advanced satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for Earth observation. The satellite was successfully launched on 27th November 2019 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It is equipped with high-resolution imaging capability, with a resolution of up to 25 cm, making it one of the most advanced imaging satellites in the world.