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 Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Mission Overview

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A mission aligns with ISRO’s objectives in Navigation, contributing to mission-specific capabilities and outcomes.Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A was placed in Geosynchronous Orbit to perform its mission-specific functions.

• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A was launched aboard the PSLV-C22.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.
• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A focused primarily on fulfilling the objective of Provide regional navigation services.
• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A was further expected to aid in Timing, messaging, disaster management support.
• As per ISRO documentation, the mission is Not in service (clocks failed).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Mission

• ISRO scheduled the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A mission for launch on July 1, 2013.
• According to available documentation, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A has a planned operational life extending to Atomic clock failures shortened life.

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ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Mission Technical Specifications

The design of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A was based on technical parameters like 1425 kg lift-off mass, I-1K bus, ensuring alignment with its Navigation goals.Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A was placed into Geosynchronous, 29° inclination, 55° East, chosen to suit its Navigation mission requirements.

• The payload configuration of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A featured Navigation payload, C-band transponder, Rubidium atomic clocks, tailored to meet mission-specific technical requirements.
• Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A relied on L5-band, S-band to transmit navigation and system data to ground stations.
• ISRO employed Regional navigation satellite system to carry out the mission’s objectives in Geosynchronous Orbit.

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Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Launch Information

• The mission timeline of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A began with its launch on July 1, 2013.
• The PSLV-C22 was used to deploy Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A into space.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Mission responsibilities were distributed among ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Mission

Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A is recognized for achieving First satellite of NavIC constellation.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Navigation signals (initially).

• The technologies developed under Navigation are relevant for Navigation, timing, disaster management, tracking.
• The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including Independent navigation, national security.
• Planned missions including IRNSS constellation (NavIC), more satellites are anticipated to carry forward the objectives and advancements initiated during IRNSS-1A.

ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

On-board atomic clock failures affected the early or post-launch phases of Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A.
Risk management for IRNSS-1A included actions like Redundant clocks (some also failed).

• Mission performance assessments showed that Failures of all three Rubidium atomic clocks occurred.
• ISRO addressed the anomaly through follow-up actions, including Replaced by newer NavIC satellites.
• ISRO included Importance of robust atomic clock technology in its internal review for improving future missions.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System-1A 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.
• ISRO missions are highly relevant to UPSC Mains, particularly in GS Paper III, where candidates must understand the role of space technology in development, disaster management, communication, and governance.
• ISRO’s mission culture — defined by simplicity, frugality, and collaboration — embodies many values discussed in the Ethics paper, such as integrity, public service motivation, and accountability.
• ISRO’s satellite missions are highly relevant to Geography optional, especially under topics like remote sensing, resource mapping, and environmental monitoring.

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 statement is incorrect regarding ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network ISTRAC system?
1. The major objectives of the center is providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command TTC services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit.
2. ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications.
3. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India only.
4. ISTRAC has been mandated to provide space operations support for Deep Space Missions of ISRO.
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India and in other countries, including Brunei, Indonesia, and Mauritius.

Q2. Consider the following statements about various lunar missions:
1. The United States is the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon.
2. The Chang'e 4 mission, conducted by China, successfully achieved the ambitious goal of collecting lunar samples from the Moon's surface and returning them to Earth.
3. LUNA and VIPER are a series of missions including orbiters, landers, and rovers sent by Russia to study the Moon.
How many of the statements are correct?
1. only one
2. only two
3. All are correct
4. None is correct
Answer: only one
Solution: The correct answer is only one. The United States is the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon. The Chang'e 4 mission did not collect lunar samples and return them to Earth, and LUNA and VIPER are not missions sent by Russia.

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Megha-Tropiques-1 MT-1 satellite:
1. It was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011.
2. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023.
3. This action aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. All three statements are correct. Megha-Tropiques-1 was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011, and ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry in March 2023, aligning with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding POEM-3:
1. It is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024.
2. Used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, ISRO had POEM orbit the earth as a stabilized platform to perform in-orbit scientific experiments with various payloads.
3. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC as an inexpensive space platform, POEM uses the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. All three statements are correct. POEM-3 is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, was used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission, and was developed by VSSC.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO's efforts to mitigate space debris:
1. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission of ISRO has achieved a zero orbital debris milestone by transforming the last stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 POEM-3, which was later made to re-enter Earth's atmosphere.
2. POEM-3 served as an orbital platform for in-orbit scientific experiments and was powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery, with a dedicated navigation, guidance, and control system.
3. ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its assets from collisions with space debris and has been proactive in the development of technologies for in-space refueling, de-orbiting of old satellites, and satellite life extension through start-up initiatives like Manastu Space.
How many of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. All of the above
Answer: Option 4
Solution: The correct answer is Option 4. All statements are correct. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission achieved a zero orbital debris milestone, POEM-3 served as an orbital platform, and ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre.

Q6. Consider the following statements about Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment MOXIE:
1. It is developed by ISRO.
2. It can generate oxygen in Mars.
3. It was one of the payload of Mangalyaan mission.
How many of the statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: option 1
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. Only one statement is correct. MOXIE can generate oxygen on Mars, but it was developed by MIT and is not part of the Mangalyaan mission.

Q7. Consider the following statements about the humanoid's skull for the Gaganyaan mission:
1. The humanoid's skull is designed and developed by experts at the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit IISU, Thiruvananthapuram.
2. The skull weighs 800 grams and measures 200 mm x 220 mm.
3. It is made from a high-strength aluminum alloy to withstand pressure and vibration.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 only
3. None
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: option 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. None of the statements are incorrect. All statements about the humanoid's skull are correct.

Q8. Which of the following are key objectives of ISRO's Analog Space Mission in Ladakh?
1. Simulating conditions for an interplanetary habitat to test life-support systems.
2. Testing the feasibility of sustainable extraterrestrial bases for future Mars and Moon missions.
3. Studying the impact of high-altitude environments on space-grade materials and equipment.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: 1, 2, and 3
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3. All statements are key objectives of ISRO's Analog Space Mission in Ladakh.

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight, particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission:
1. The Crew Escape System CES on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction, using solid fuel engines.
2. The Gaganyaan crew module, in orbit, will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent.
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station.
How many of the above statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. All three statements are correct regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight for the Gaganyaan mission.

Q10. The term Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4, recently seen in the news, refers to:
1. NASA's latest crewed lunar landing mission under the Artemis program
2. The fourth government-backed Indian astronaut training program conducted by ISRO
3. A private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries
4. An EU-sponsored deep space telescope launch under ESA's Cosmic Vision 2050
Answer: option 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. Axiom Mission 4 is a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries.