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

ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Mission Overview

Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Space Mission falls under the category of Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) missions undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation.Radar Imaging Satellite-2B was launched with the aim of conducting operations in Earth.

• The PSLV-C46 was used to deploy Radar Imaging Satellite-2B into space.
• The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Radar Imaging Satellite-2B focused primarily on fulfilling the objective of All-weather, day-night earth observation.
• Radar Imaging Satellite-2B was further expected to aid in Agriculture, forestry, disaster management.
• The mission has reached the stage classified as Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Mission

• The launch of Radar Imaging Satellite-2B took place on May 22, 2019.
• Mission planning documents suggest an operational window lasting until 5 years.

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ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Mission Technical Specifications

ISRO engineered the spacecraft using 615 kg lift-off mass, in line with the objectives defined for Earth Observation (Radar Imaging).ISRO confirmed that LEO, 555 km altitude, 37° inclination would allow RISAT-2B to fulfill its planned data collection and signal transmission roles.

• The spacecraft for Radar Imaging Satellite-2B carried scientific payloads such as X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), supporting its role as a Earth Observation (Radar Imaging) mission.
• ISRO employed Synthetic Aperture Radar to carry out the mission’s objectives in Earth.

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Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of Radar Imaging Satellite-2B on May 22, 2019, as per mission planning.
• PSLV-C46 served as the launch platform for Radar Imaging Satellite-2B.
• The selected launch site for the operation was Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Mission

ISRO marked Enhanced India's radar imaging capability through the successful execution of Radar Imaging Satellite-2B.ISRO reported that Radar imagery for various applications were among the primary outputs from RISAT-2B.

• The mission’s outcome supports national needs through civilian applications like Agriculture, forestry, disaster management, reconnaissance.
• All-weather Earth observation, enhances surveillance capabilities highlights the role of Radar Imaging Satellite-2B in India’s strategic space program.
• Planned missions including RISAT-2BR1, other RISAT series satellites are anticipated to carry forward the objectives and advancements initiated during RISAT-2B.

ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Radar Imaging Satellite-2B Space Mission

• Static topics like types of orbits and remote sensing applications are often linked to dynamic ISRO events, which creates integrated questions.
• Writing effective GS answers often involves citing ISRO’s missions as examples of indigenous technological advancement, innovation, and self-reliance under programs like ‘Make in India’ or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
• Case studies on transparent communication during mission failures or ISROs non-militaristic space stance fit well into discussions on ethical decision-making.
• 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. Satellites TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were launched in April 23 from Sriharikota by the launcher
1. SSLV-D2
2. LVM3-M4
3. PSLV-C55
4. GSLV-F12
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The PSLV-C55 mission was launched on April 22, 2023, from Sriharikota. It carried two Singaporean satellites, TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PSLV-C55 is a mission conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Q2. India's Mars rover will help in getting information about which planet?
1. Mars
2. Mercury
3. Jupiter
4. Venus
Answer: Mars
Solution: ISRO launched its Mars Orbiter Mission on November 5, 2013. It was the maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO and successfully entered Martian orbit on September 24, 2014, in its first attempt. The mission aimed to explore and observe Mars' surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere.

Q3. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO has successfully carried out the static test of which solid rocket booster, which is human rated version of the S 200 rocket booster of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII?
1. HS200
2. LS200
3. NS400
4. KS400
Answer: HS200
Solution: The HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 solid rocket booster used in the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII. It is designed for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program. The static test of HS200 was successfully conducted by ISRO to validate its performance and ensure safety for human-rated missions.

Q4. The NEEMO program, which conducts analog space missions in underwater environments, is an initiative of which country?
1. Japan
2. Russia
3. Germany
4. United States
Answer: Option 4
Solution: NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) is a program run by the United States. It is conducted by NASA in underwater habitats to simulate space mission conditions, providing astronauts with experience in extreme and isolated environments similar to space.

Q5. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere. The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above
Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn, but rather a mission to Venus. The primary objective of Shukrayaan-I is to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus. It is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.

Q6. What is the name of the first mapping satellite of India?
1. EDUSAT
2. CARTOSAT-I
3. ARYABHATTA
4. APOLLO-9
Answer: CARTOSAT-I
Solution: CARTOSAT-I was the first Indian satellite dedicated to cartographic applications and mapping purposes. It was launched by ISRO on May 5, 2005, using the PSLV-C6 launch vehicle from the Sriharikota spaceport.

Q7. In 2024, India unveiled four Air Force pilots shortlisted for its maiden Gaganyaan mission. What is the primary objective of the mission?
1. To land on the Moon
2. To send a satellite into orbit
3. To send astronauts into space and bring them back
4. To establish a space station
Answer: To send astronauts into space and bring them back
Solution: Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission. The mission aims to send astronauts into space and bring them back safely. It is being developed by ISRO and is expected to enhance India's capabilities in human spaceflight.

Q8. Which of the following statements regarding Satellites launched by ISRO is/are correct?
1) CMS-01 is a Communication Satellite.
2) GAST-6A is an Earth Observation Satellite.
3) Mission EOS-03 was Unsuccessful.
4) INS-1C is a Navigation Satellite.
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Only 1 and 3
4. Only 2 and 4
Answer: Only 1 and 3
Solution: CMS-01 is a communication satellite launched by ISRO. Mission EOS-03 aimed at Earth observation was unsuccessful due to a technical anomaly. GAST-6A is a communication satellite, and INS-1C is not a navigation satellite.

Q9. Indian Space Research Organization, formed in the year
1. 1962
2. 1960
3. 1969
4. 1966
Answer: 1969
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) was founded on August 15, 1969, under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It was established to harness space technology for national development.

Q10. In February 2023, ISRO carried out the first successful launch using its new rocket.
1. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
2. Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
3. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
4. Scramjet Engine-TD
Answer: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
Solution: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a new generation rocket developed by ISRO to meet the demand for small satellite launches. On February 10, 2023, ISRO successfully launched the SSLV-D2 mission, marking the first operational flight of the SSLV.