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 APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Mission Overview

The Indian space program included APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) space mission as part of its ongoing focus on Communication, Experimental applications.The intended zone of activity for APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was Geostationary Orbit.

• To execute the launch of APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment), the Ariane-1 (V3) was deployed.
• The launch took place at Kourou, French Guiana.
• The main aim of APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) centered on the need to Experimental geostationary communication satellite; gain GEO tech experience.
• ISRO also designed APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) to support additional goals such as Test indigenous communication payloads.
• As per ISRO documentation, the mission is Successful (despite one anomaly).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Mission

• APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was successfully launched on 19/06/1981 by ISRO.
• According to available documentation, APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) has a planned operational life extending to 19 September 1983 (Deactivated after 2 years).

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ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Mission Technical Specifications

Key subsystems and architecture of APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) were built around Mass 670 kg; Three-axis stabilized.APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was placed into GSO (Geosynchronous Orbit), 102° E longitude, chosen to suit its Communication, Experimental mission requirements.

• The spacecraft for APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) carried scientific payloads such as C-band transponders, supporting its role as a Communication, Experimental mission.
• To support telemetry, tracking, and command operations, APPLE used C-band.
• Technologies used in the mission included India's first three-axis stabilized GEO communication satellite, supporting onboard operations and analysis.

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APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Launch Information

• On 19/06/1981, APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was sent into its designated orbit.
• Ariane-1 (V3) served as the launch platform for APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment).
• Kourou, French Guiana served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Key roles in the mission were handled by ISRO.

• APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment), which targeted Geostationary Orbit, benefited from cooperation with Launch by ESA (Arianespace).

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Mission

Among ISRO’s recent efforts, APPLE earned distinction for India's first experimental geostationary communication satellite; milestone.Used for various communication experiments were derived from payloads aboard APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment).

• Communication, Experimental missions like APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) are significant as they Paved way for operational INSAT system.
• As part of its planning, APPLE addressed Standard satellite decommissioning procedures.
• Data and technologies from APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) support civilian uses such as Experimental geostationary communication, TV relay.
• The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including Indigenous geostationary satellite tech demo.
• Planned missions including INSAT program are anticipated to carry forward the objectives and advancements initiated during APPLE.

ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Technical documents for APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) mention One solar panel failed to deploy as a mission-phase concern.

• The mission’s progress was affected by events such as One solar panel jammed; mission reconfigured and completed.
• Post-launch review of APPLE led to actions such as Ingenious mission management to operate with one panel.
• Operational challenges during APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) underlined Valuable experience in GEO satellite operations and anomaly handling.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) 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.
• Missions like RISAT, Cartosat, and Oceansat illustrate how space technology supports internal security, agriculture, coastal monitoring, and environmental protection, all of which are topics in General Studies papers.
• Essays discussing India’s transformation or global leadership in science benefit from factual, yet inspirational, references to space milestones.
• Optional subjects like Political Science can reference ISRO to highlight the role of strategic autonomy and scientific sovereignty in shaping foreign policy.

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. How many Singaporean satellites were launched by ISROs PSLV-C56 rocket in the DS-SAR mission?
1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 7.

Q2. Consider the following statements about Gaganyaan mission:
1. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
2. The spacecraft is being designed to carry 4 people.
3. In its maiden crewed mission, ISROs largely autonomous capsule will orbit the Earth at 400 km altitude for up to seven days.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. Statement 1 is correct. The Gaganyaan spacecraft is being designed to carry 3 crew members, not 4. Hence statement 2 is incorrect. In its maiden crewed mission, ISROs largely autonomous capsule will orbit the Earth at 400 km altitude for up to 3 days with a 3 crew on board. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the NISAR mission:
1. NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission.
2. NISARs advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earths land and ice surfaces every 24 days.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission. Hence, statement 1 is correct. NISARs advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earths land and ice surfaces every 12 days. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Q4. What is the name of the satellite to be launched by the SSLV under the commercial mission named Space MAITRI?
1. Janus
2. Artemis
3. Sirius
4. Optimus
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Optimus. Optimus is the satellite scheduled for launch by SSLV. The launch is part of the first dedicated commercial mission of SSLV.

Q5. Which Group Captain of the Indian Air Force is set to become the first Indian astronaut to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025?
1. Ajit Krishnan
2. Shubhanshu Shukla
3. Anant Agrahari
4. Angad Prathap
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Shubhanshu Shukla. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Aditya-L1 mission:
1. Aditya-L1 is Indias first mission to study the Sun and is placed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1.
2. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard Aditya-L1 was developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, to observe coronal mass ejections.
3. The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Moons surface and understand lunar geology.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 2 and 3 only
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 3 only. Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is correct. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Aditya-L1 mission does not aim to study the Moons surface.

Q7. The experiment will involve two spacecraft flying in precise formation to produce artificial solar eclipses for studying the Suns corona. The experiment in question refers to:
1. Voyager-2
2. New Horizons
3. LISA Pathfinder
4. PROBA-3
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Option 4. PROBA-3 is ESA's first mission dedicated to precision formation flying, involving two satellites designed to create artificial solar eclipses to study the Suns corona.

Q8. What is the name of the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, a collaboration with Japans JAXA which was approved by Indias National Space Commission in October 2024?
1. Lupex
2. Mopex
3. SpaceX
4. Moonet
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Lupex. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex) is a collaborative effort between Indias ISRO and Japans JAXA.

Q9. Which of the following is the South Asia satellite launched by India for the benefit of SAARC countries except Pakistan?
1. GSAT-7
2. GSAT-8
3. GSAT-9
4. GSAT-9A
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is GSAT-9. GSAT-9 is a communication satellite launched by ISRO on 5 May 2017, specifically designed to provide various communication applications in the South Asia region, except for Pakistan.

Q10. Which cosmodrome launched Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite?
1. American
2. German
3. Soviet
4. French
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Soviet. Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite, was launched by the Soviet Union on April 19, 1975, from the Kapustin Yar rocket launch and development site.