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 Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Mission Overview

Radar Imaging Satellite-1 was developed by ISRO as part of its efforts in the field of Earth Observation (Radar Imaging).The trajectory and configuration of Radar Imaging Satellite-1 were optimized for operations in Earth.

• The PSLV-C19 was used to deploy Radar Imaging Satellite-1 into space.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.
• Among its key functions, Radar Imaging Satellite-1 was intended to All-weather, day-night land surface monitoring.
• Complementing its main task, Radar Imaging Satellite-1 contributed to Agriculture, disaster management, resource mapping.
• The mission is currently in the stage of Non-operational (failed in 2017).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Mission

• Radar Imaging Satellite-1 lifted off from the launch pad on April 26, 2012.
• The primary mission life of Radar Imaging Satellite-1 is projected to conclude around 2017 (non-operational).

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ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Mission Technical Specifications

As a Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) mission, Radar Imaging Satellite-1 was built around a configuration involving 1858 kg lift-off mass, Indigenous SAR payload.The orbital path—Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~536 km altitude—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

• The Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) mission relied on a set of payloads—namely C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)—to achieve its functional objectives.
• Indigenous C-band SAR technology formed the core technological base for the Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) mission Radar Imaging Satellite-1.

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Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite-1 on April 26, 2012, as per mission planning.
• As part of its launch strategy, Radar Imaging Satellite-1 used PSLV-C19 for orbital insertion.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO participated in the planning and execution of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Mission

The success of Radar Imaging Satellite-1 is often associated with India's first indigenous radar imaging satellite.The mission was designed to collect and deliver Radar imagery for various applications (until 2017), supporting downstream applications.

• Agriculture, disaster management, mapping (all-weather) reflects the broader civilian value of Radar Imaging Satellite-1.
• ISRO positioned Radar Imaging Satellite-1 to contribute toward strategic outcomes like All-weather earth observation, security.
• The success and findings of Radar Imaging Satellite-1 are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like RISAT series (RISAT-2B, -2BR1) as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• Radar Imaging Satellite-1 encountered anomalies such as Became non-operational in 2017 during its operation.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-1 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.
• UPSC often expects candidates to critically evaluate the gaps or opportunities in India’s space sector, where ISROs mission track record provides factual backing.
• 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. Satish Dhawan Space Research Centre is located in which district of Andhra Pradesh?
1. Nellore
2. Tirupati
3. NTR pale Nadu
4. Prakasam
Answer: Tirupati
Solution: The correct answer is Tirupati. Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC formerly Sriharikota Range SHAR is the primary spaceport of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO located in Sriharikota Andhra Pradesh. The Centre currently has two functioning launch pads used for launching Sounding rockets Polar satellites and Geosynchronous satellites. India's Lunar exploration probes Chandrayaan-1 Chandrayaan-2 Chandrayaan-3 Mars Orbiter Mission and solar research mission Aditya-L1 were also launched in SDSC. Originally called Sriharikota Range SHAR the centre was renamed on 5 September 2002 as a tribute to ISRO's former chairman Satish Dhawan with retaining its original acronym and is referred as SDSC-SHAR. It was previously in Nellore. But after district bifurcation it is in Tirupati.

Q2. Consider the following statement about NISAR:
1. It is a microwave remote sensing satellite for Earth observation
2. It is a joint mission of India and USA
3. Its full form is NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
4. It is targeted for launch onboard India’s GSLV
Which of the statement given above is/are correct?
1. Only statement 2 and 4
2. Statement 2 and 3
3. Only statement 1 3 4
4. All are correct
Answer: All are correct
Solution: The correct answer is All are correct. NISAR is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO. NISAR NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and ISRO. Hence statements 2 and 3 are correct. The mission aims to make global measurements of the causes and consequences of land surface changes using advanced radar imaging. NISAR was conceived in response to the National Academy of Science's 2007 survey of Earth observational priorities which identified gaining data and insight in three Earth science domains as a top priority. Hence statement 1 is correct. ISRO's science community showed great interest in the joint radar mission identifying complementary science and applications such as agricultural monitoring landslide studies Himalayan glacier studies and more. NISAR is targeted for launch onboard India’s GSLV. Hence statement 4 is correct. NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies L-band and S-band to measure changes in the Earth's surface less than a centimeter across. The mission is targeted to launch in 2024 with NASA providing the L-band synthetic aperture radar and ISRO providing the spacecraft bus S-band radar launch vehicle and associated launch services.

Q3. Pragyan is associated with
1. Missile Technology
2. Space Research
3. Oceanography
4. Climate
Answer: Space Research
Solution: The correct answer is Space Research. Pragyan is the name given to the rover of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission which was associated with space research and specifically aimed at exploring the Moon. The mission was developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO India's national space agency. The rover was designed to move across the lunar surface and conduct experiments to analyze the moon's soil and rock composition for signs of water and other elements. The mission's objectives were to broaden the understanding of the Moon contributing to lunar scientific studies and demonstrating the capabilities of India in space technology and exploration.

Q4. In which year was India's first interplanetary mission to planet Mars launched successfully?
1. 2013
2. 2012
3. 2016
4. 2015
Answer: 2013
Solution: The correct answer is 2013. India's First Interplanetary Mission to Mars The Mars Orbiter Mission MOM also called Mangalyaan was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on November 5 2013. Hence option 1 is correct. Mission Objective The primary objective was to develop the technologies required for interplanetary missions. The secondary objective was to explore Mars' surface features morphology mineralogy and atmosphere. Significance Mangalyaan made India the first country to successfully reach Mars on its first attempt and the fourth space agency in the world to do so following NASA the Soviet space program and the European Space Agency.

Q5. How many operational satellites does India have in Low Earth Orbit LEO as of December 2023?
1. 10
2. 22
3. 30
4. 50
Answer: 22 operational satellites
Solution: The correct answer is 22 operational satellites. India has 22 operational satellites in Low Earth Orbit LEO as of December 2023. Low Earth Orbit LEO is an orbit around Earth with an altitude between 160 kilometers and 2000 kilometers. These satellites serve various purposes including communication earth observation and scientific research. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is responsible for the launch and maintenance of these satellites. LEO satellites are crucial for applications that require low latency and high bandwidth such as imaging and real-time data communication.

Q6. In ISRO project Chandrayaan-3 what is the name of half-humanoid robot for artificial intelligence?
1. Vyom - chitra
2. Vyom - putra
3. Vyom - pitra
4. Vyommitra
Answer: Vyommitra
Solution: The correct answer is Vyommitra. Vyommitra is the name of the half-humanoid robot developed by ISRO for the Chandrayaan-3 project. Vyommitra is designed to simulate human functions in space providing data and feedback on various conditions and experiments during the mission. This half-humanoid robot can perform multiple tasks including operating equipment and will help in enhancing the efficiency of the mission. Vyommitra is part of ISRO's efforts to advance in space exploration and technology focusing on safety and reducing the risks associated with human space travel.

Q7. Recently which mission received the 2024 John L. Jack Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration?
1. Chandrayaan-3 Mission
2. Mars Orbiter Mission
3. Gaganyaan Mission
4. Chandrayaan-2 Mission
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Solution: The correct answer is Chandrayaan-3 Mission. Chandrayaan-3 Mission received the 2024 John L Jack Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration. The award is presented by the Space Foundation to recognize extraordinary accomplishments in the field of space exploration. Chandrayaan-3 is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO aimed at landing on the moon. It follows the Chandrayaan-2 Mission and aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The mission includes a lander and a rover but does not have an orbiter as the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is still functioning and can relay data to Earth.

Q8. What is the name of the satellite launched into space by ISRO recently for observing the sun?
1. Aditya-L1
2. Aditya-M1
3. Chandrayaan-3
4. EOS-7
Answer: Aditya-L1
Solution: The correct answer is Aditya-L1. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO recently launched Aditya-L1 India's first space-based mission dedicated to studying the Sun. The spacecraft was launched on September 2 2023 aboard the PSLV-C57 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Aditya-L1 is positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 L1 of the Sun-Earth system approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This strategic location allows continuous observation of the Sun without any occultation or eclipses providing real-time data on solar activities and their effects on space weather. The mission carries seven payloads designed to study various aspects of the Sun including the photosphere chromosphere and the outermost layers the corona. These instruments will help in understanding solar phenomena such as solar flares coronal mass ejections and their impact on the Earth's climate and environment. Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics and contributing valuable data to the global scientific community.

Q9. The launch date of Indian Satellite Kalamsat - V2 is -
1. 12 January 2018
2. 24 January 2019
3. 22 May 2019
4. 22 July 2019
Answer: 24 January 2019
Solution: The correct answer is 24 January 2019. Kalamsat-V2 is a payload developed by students and was launched by ISRO. It was launched on 24 January 2019 aboard the PSLV-C44 mission. Kalamsat-V2 is named after former Indian President and scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. The satellite was developed by students from Space Kidz India a Chennai-based organization. Kalamsat-V2 is the world's lightest satellite weighing just 1.26 kg.

Q10. When was India's first satellite launched?
1. 21st May 1960
2. 25th January 1950
3. 13th July 1990
4. 19th April 1975
Answer: 19th April 1975
Solution: The correct answer is 19th April 1975. India's first satellite Aryabhata was launched on 19th April 1975. The satellite was named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. Aryabhata was launched into space using a Soviet rocket called Intercosmos as India did not have its own satellite launch vehicle at the time. This marked India's entry into the era of space exploration and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO as a global player in space technology.