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 Oceansat-2 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Oceansat-2 Mission Overview

Oceansat-2 was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Earth Observation (Oceanography).The trajectory and configuration of Oceansat-2 were optimized for operations in Earth (Oceans).

• To execute the launch of Oceansat-2, the PSLV-C14 was deployed.
• The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Oceansat-2 focused primarily on fulfilling the objective of Ocean colour, sea state monitoring, continuity.
• Alongside its primary function, Oceansat-2 was expected to Fishery forecasting, climate studies.
• According to available records, the mission status is Partially operational/Ended.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Oceansat-2 Mission

• On September 23, 2009, Oceansat-2 was sent into its designated orbit.
• The baseline duration for Oceansat-2 is scheduled through August 2016 (SCAT non-operational).

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ISRO Oceansat-2 Mission Technical Specifications

To accommodate its scientific payloads and orbit profile, the spacecraft was configured with 960 kg lift-off mass, IRS-series bus.For Oceansat-2, mission planners determined Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~720 km altitude to be optimal based on the payload configuration and coverage zone.

• For this Earth Observation (Oceanography) effort, the scientific payloads onboard included OCM, Ku-Band Scatterometer (SCAT), ROSA, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.
• The technical approach for IRS-P4 Follow-on included systems like Ocean Color Monitor, Scatterometer.

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Oceansat-2 Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the Oceansat-2 mission for launch on September 23, 2009.
• For this mission, Oceansat-2 was placed into orbit using PSLV-C14.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota hosted the missions launch activities.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO were involved in various phases of the mission.

• Collaboration with ROSA payload from ASI (Italy) added a global dimension to the objectives of Oceansat-2.
• ROSA by Italian Space Agency were involved in building or supplying key instruments for IRS-P4 Follow-on.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Oceansat-2 Mission

ISRO marked Provided vital ocean data for many years through the successful execution of Oceansat-2.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Oceanographic data for various applications.

• Oceanography, fishery zones, sea state represents one area where mission data finds regular use.
• One of the key policy-aligned outcomes of Oceansat-2 is Maritime awareness, climate research.
• The success and findings of Oceansat-2 are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like Oceansat-3, SCATSAT-1 as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO Oceansat-2 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Technical documents for Oceansat-2 mention Scatterometer became non-operational as a mission-phase concern.

• Post-launch updates revealed that Oceansat-2 faced Ku-Band Scatterometer stopped functioning in 2016.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Oceansat-2 Space Mission

• Static topics like types of orbits and remote sensing applications are often linked to dynamic ISRO events, which creates integrated questions.
• 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.
• Essays discussing India’s transformation or global leadership in science benefit from factual, yet inspirational, references to space milestones.
• 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. Which among the following is India's first Human spaceflight programme?
1. Chandrayaan - 1
2. Shukrayaan
3. Mangalyaan
4. Gaganyaan
Answer: Gaganyaan
Solution: The correct answer is Gaganyaan. Mission Gaganyaan has been dubbed as India's maiden human spaceflight program. India is planning to send the astronauts into space. Under the Gaganyaan schedule, three flights will be sent in orbit. Of the three, there will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight. The human space flight program, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.

Q2. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO has announced to launch DS-SAR satellite of which of the following countries through PSLV-C56?
1. Israel
2. USA
3. Singapore
4. UAE
Answer: Singapore
Solution: The correct answer is Singapore. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO successfully launched its PSLV-C56 rocket carrying seven Singaporean satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. DS-SAR, a radar imaging earth observation satellite is a primary satellite for the mission. It was developed under a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Agency representing the government of Singapore and ST Engineering. According to ISRO, DS-SAR carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR payload which allows it to provide all-weather day and night coverage.

Q3. 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: To ignite the interest of school students in space technology
Solution: The correct answer is To ignite the interest of school students in space technology. AIM and ISRO launch National Space Innovation Challenge 2023. NSIC 2023 is a National-level campaign designed to ignite next generation space enthusiasts to understand and contribute towards growing Indian space economy and future space workforce. It is a National platform to get inspired by industry leaders, seek opportunities for exploration and showcase one's innovation to the world. 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.

Q4. Which of the following Indian institution has recently demonstrated a hackproof quantum communication system?
1. IIT, Madras
2. ISRO
3. DRDO
4. C-DAC
Answer: ISRO
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO. IIT Madras is renowned for its engineering, technology, and research contributions. ISRO has a strong interest in developing technologies for secure satellite communication, which includes the potential for quantum communication to ensure security against eavesdropping and hacking attempts. DRDO focuses on military technology development, including secure communication systems for defense purposes. C-DAC is involved in various areas of information technology and computing, including cybersecurity. Without current updates beyond September 2021, it is challenging to point definitively to which institution demonstrated a hackproof quantum communication system recently. However, ISRO has the space technology infrastructure that aligns well with the deployment of quantum communication systems. Quantum communication is considered potentially hackproof because it is based on the principles of quantum mechanics. Any attempt to eavesdrop on quantum communication would disturb the quantum states involved, alerting the communicating parties.

Q5. By which year is ISRO planning to have the Indian Space Station Bharatiya Antariksha Station ready?
1. 2025
2. 2026
3. 2027
4. 2028
Answer: 2028
Solution: The correct answer is 2028. India plans to build its own space station by 2035, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2028. ISRO is currently designing the space station, with detailed engineering completed for launch by 2028 using the LVM3 rocket. The space station's early phase will focus on robotic activities to build operational capability and confidence. While focusing on independent space activities, India remains open to collaboration with other countries on joint missions and space station efforts. ISRO acknowledges challenges in decommissioning the International Space Station ISS and plans to stay focused on its own space initiatives. The Indian space station project aligns with India's human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, slated for operations. ISRO aims for long-term space operations and is prepared to adapt plans based on global developments in space infrastructure.

Q6. 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: 42nd
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.

Q7. What name has ISRO given to the Rover sent along with Chandrayaan-3 Mission?
1. Pragyan
2. Shiv-Shakti
3. Vikram
4. Mission Mangal
Answer: Pragyan
Solution: The correct answer is Pragyan. Pragyan is the name given to the rover that was part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The word Pragyan means wisdom in Sanskrit, symbolizing the rover's mission to gather knowledge about the lunar surface. The rover Pragyan is equipped with scientific instruments designed to study the composition of the lunar surface and analyze soil and rock samples. Pragyan operates on solar power and is expected to function for a lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. It aims to demonstrate the end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The mission includes a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan. Chandrayaan-3 does not include an orbiter, as it relies on the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 for communication.

Q8. NISAR satellite is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the Earth's most complex processes. It is a:
1. project of Canadian space agency
2. project of ISRO alone
3. joint project between ISRO and NASA
4. project of NASA alone
Answer: joint project between ISRO and NASA
Solution: The correct answer is joint project between ISRO and NASA. The NISAR satellite is a collaborative project between the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA. The primary objective of the NISAR mission is to observe and take detailed measurements of some of the Earth's most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, emphasizing the synergy between the two space agencies. The satellite will utilize advanced radar imaging to provide high-resolution data that will be beneficial for scientific research and practical applications in disaster management and climate change monitoring.

Q9. The number of scientific payloads on Aditya L - 1 mission for systematic study of Sun is
1. 9
2. 6
3. 7
4. 5
Answer: option 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based solar observatory, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. It is designed for a systematic study of the Sun from the Lagrange Point 1 L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth. The mission carries 7 scientific payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona of the Sun in multiple wavelengths. Hence, option 3 is correct.

Q10. What is the name of India's first Solar mission which was launched by ISRO in September, 2023?
1. Aditya-L1
2. Aditya-S1
3. Aditya-P1
4. Aditya-M1
Answer: Aditya-L1
Solution: The correct answer is Aditya-L1. Aditya-L1 is India's first solar mission launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. The spacecraft is designed to study the Sun's corona, chromosphere, and solar wind dynamics. Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. The mission aims to collect data to understand solar activities and their effect on space weather. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads, including instruments for imaging the Sun and analyzing magnetic fields and plasma.