UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Books
Government Schemes
Topics
NASA Space Missions
ISRO Space Missions
ISRO GSAT-14 Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes
IMPORTANT LINKS
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 GSAT-14 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.
ISRO GSAT-14 Mission Overview
GSAT-14 was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Communication.GSAT-14 was launched with the aim of conducting operations in Geostationary Orbit.
- As part of its launch strategy, GSAT-14 used GSLV-D5 for orbital insertion.
- The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- Among its key functions, GSAT-14 was intended to Replace GSAT-3, augment in-orbit C, Ku-band capacity.
- Alongside its primary function, GSAT-14 was expected to Tele-education, tele-medicine services.
- Operational describes the current phase of the mission.
GSAT-14 Space Mission Overview for UPSC |
|
Mission Name |
GSAT-14 |
Mission Abbreviation |
N/A |
Mission Type |
Communication |
Target Celestial Body or Orbit |
Geostationary Orbit |
Primary Objective |
Replace GSAT-3, augment in-orbit C, Ku-band capacity |
Secondary Objectives |
Tele-education, tele-medicine services |
Mission Status |
Operational |
Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!
Subjects | PDF Link |
---|---|
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts | Download Link |
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants | Download Link |
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF | Download Link |
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors | Download Link |
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today! | Download Link |
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here | Download Link |
Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-14 Mission
- January 5, 2014 marked the official launch of the GSAT-14 mission.
- 12 years (planned) marks the designed end of the mission’s core operational phase.
Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date
N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date
N/A
Assembly Complete Date
N/A
Launch Date
January 5, 2014
Landing / Flyby Date
N/A
End of Primary Mission Date
12 years (planned)
Timeline & Milestones |
|
Proposal Date |
N/A |
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date |
N/A |
Assembly Complete Date |
N/A |
Launch Date |
January 5, 2014 |
Landing / Flyby Date |
N/A |
End of Primary Mission Date |
12 years (planned) |
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam
ISRO GSAT-14 Mission Technical Specifications
- For data relay and payload monitoring, C-band, Ku-band formed the backbone of the missions communication suite.
Technical Specifications |
|
Spacecraft Technical Specifications |
1982 kg lift-off mass, I-2K bus |
Scientific Payloads |
N/A |
Orbit Details |
Geosynchronous Orbit, 74° East longitude |
Communication Frequencies / Band |
C-band, Ku-band |
Key Technologies Used |
Indigenous cryogenic upper stage (GSLV-D5) |
Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!
GSAT-14 Launch Information
- On January 5, 2014, GSAT-14 was sent into its designated orbit.
- The launch of GSAT-14 was carried out by the GSLV-D5.
- The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Launch Information
Launch Vehicle
GSLV-D5
Launch Site
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Launch Information |
|
Launch Vehicle |
GSLV-D5 |
Launch Site |
Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?
ISRO were involved in various phases of the mission.
Stakeholders & Collaboration |
|
Agencies Involved |
ISRO |
Commercial Partners |
N/A |
International Partners |
N/A |
Payload Contributions by Partners |
N/A |
Data Sharing Policy |
N/A |
Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-14 Mission
GSAT-14 generated data outputs including Communication services data.
- With its technical capabilities, GSAT-14 helps advance sectors such as DTH services, VSAT networks, tele-education, tele-medicine.
- ISRO positioned GSAT-14 to contribute toward strategic outcomes like Ensured continuity of communication services, tested indigenous cryogenic stage.
- Further GSAT satellites for communication needs represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by GSAT-14, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.
Outputs, Applications & Impact of GSAT-14 Mission |
|
Data Outputs and Applications |
Communication services data |
Major Achievements |
First successful GSLV flight with indigenous cryogenic engine |
Applications in Civilian Life |
DTH services, VSAT networks, tele-education, tele-medicine |
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration |
N/A |
Environmental Impact & Sustainability |
N/A |
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment |
Ensured continuity of communication services, tested indigenous cryogenic stage |
Follow-up Missions or Extensions |
Further GSAT satellites for communication needs |
Cost Estimate |
N/A |
ISRO GSAT-14 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Technical documents for GSAT-14 mention Previous GSLV cryogenic stage failures as a mission-phase concern.
ISRO used strategies such as Redesigned cryogenic engine to reduce mission-related uncertainties.
Risks, Failures & Mitigation |
|
Challenges Faced |
Previous GSLV cryogenic stage failures |
Risk Mitigation Measures |
Redesigned cryogenic engine |
Failures or Anomalies |
N/A |
Corrective Actions Taken |
N/A |
Lessons Learned |
Successful indigenous cryogenic engine validation |
UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-14 Space Mission
- ISRO missions are frequently asked in the UPSC Prelims examination, especially under the Science and Technology section, where candidates are expected to know key facts like launch dates, objectives, and agencies involved.
- Questions involving disaster Management, like flood or cyclone monitoring, can be strengthened by citing ISRO’s satellite imagery and forecasting support systems.
- UPSC Essays focused on resilience, long-term vision, or Indias journey in science and technology can be powerfully anchored in examples like Chandrayaan-2’s setback and the recovery through Chandrayaan-3.
- Missions like Cartosat or Resourcesat allow candidates to bring satellite-based data into answers dealing with urban planning, hydrology, and land-use studies.
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.
Enroll in our UPSC Civil Services Exam (Prelims) 2026 Mock Test Series for targeted practice, realistic exam simulation, and strategic insights.
UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions
Q1. In January 2022, S Somanath has been appointed as the tenth chairman of ________.
1. RBI
2. DRDO
3. ISRO
4. SEBI
Answer: ISRO
Solution: In January 2022, S Somanath has been appointed as the tenth chairman of ISRO. S Somanath is an Indian space scientist who has been associated with ISRO for over three decades. He has played a key role in the development of India's space program and has been instrumental in the success of several missions. As the chairman of ISRO, Somanath will be responsible for overseeing the organization's activities, including the development and launch of satellites, space research, and exploration. Somanath takes over from K Sivan, who served as the chairman of ISRO from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, Sivan oversaw several successful missions, including the Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission and the launch of the PSLV-C51 rocket.
Q2. Consider the following questions regarding Aditya L1 Mission:
1. Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun.
2. Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, is about 150 million km from the Earth.
3. It will be launched by Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Only one
Solution:
1. Aditya L1 is the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. Hence statement 1 is correct.
2. The Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, not 150 million km. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
3. The Aditya L1 mission will be launched by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), not LVM-3. Hence statement 3 is also incorrect.
Q3. N Valarmathi was recently in news. She was best known for ________.
1. Mission Director of Chandrayaan-3
2. Mission Director of Aditya L1
3. Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
4. None of the above
Answer: Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
Solution: N Valarmathi, the voice behind ISRO mission launches, passed away. ISRO scientist N Valarmathi, the voice behind the Indian Space and Research Organisation's rocket countdown launches including Chandrayaan-3 which turned out to be her final one, passed away evening due to a heart attack in Chennai.
Q4. Which agency has recently launched Juice mission?
1. ISRO
2. European Space Agency (ESA)
3. Chinese Space Agency
4. NASA
Answer: European Space Agency (ESA)
Solution: Recently, the European Space Agency is set to launch the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (Juice) mission to explore Jupiter and its icy moons, namely Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. Tossed from French Guiana on an Ariane 5 launcher, the mission is set to reach Jupiter in 2031.
Q5. Who was awarded the prestigious International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award for the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
1. K. Sivan
2. A. S. Kiran Kumar
3. Dr. S. Somnath
4. G. Madhavan Nair
Answer: Dr. S. Somnath
Solution: ISRO Chairman S. Somanath received the prestigious IAF World Space Award for Chandrayaan-3's success. The award was presented during a ceremony in Milan, Italy, recognizing India's excellence in space exploration.
Q6. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Docking is essential for servicing satellites, extending their operational life, and supporting future space missions.
Statement-II: It allows spacefaring components to be launched separately and assembled in space to form a larger module.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true, but Statement-II is not the correct explanation of Statement-I.
3. Statement-I is true, but Statement-II is false.
4. Statement-I is false, but Statement-II is true.
Answer: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are true, and Statement-II is the correct explanation of Statement-I.
Solution: Docking enables in-orbit assembly of large modules by allowing smaller components to be launched individually, reducing payload constraints. This is crucial for constructing space stations or modular spacecraft. Docking technology also allows servicing, refueling, and maintaining satellites, which extends their operational lifespan.
Q7. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to conduct its 100th rocket launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 29. What is the name of the 100th rocket launch satellite by ISRO?
1. NVS-02
2. GSAT-19
3. Cartosat-3
4. IRNSS-1I
Answer: NVS-02
Solution: On January 29, 2025, ISRO successfully launched its 100th mission, a historic achievement. The GSLV-F15 rocket, carrying the NVS-02 satellite, lifted off from Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 AM IST. The NVS-02 satellite is the second in the NavIC series, aimed at providing navigation services across India and surrounding regions.
Q8. In which of the above rows the given information is correctly matched?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 4 only
Answer: 3 and 4 only
Solution: The 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota will be conducted with the GSLV-F15 mission, marking a significant milestone for ISRO. Chandrayaan-3 was launched successfully, making India the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole.
Q9. The Aditya-L1 mission is aimed at studying:
1. The atmosphere of Venus
2. The surface of the Moon
3. The Sun’s outermost layers
4. The asteroid belt
Answer: The Sun’s outermost layers
Solution: The Aditya-L1 mission is India’s first solar mission launched by ISRO. It is specifically designed to study the outermost layers of the Sun, also known as the corona. The mission aims to provide crucial information about the solar atmosphere, magnetic field dynamics, and the impact of solar activities on the Earth's climate.
Q10. When did ISRO launch a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads designed for environmental monitoring, disaster management and remote sensing applications?
1. 16 September 2024
2. 16 August 2024
3. 8 August 2024
4. 8 September 2024
Answer: 16 August 2024
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads on 16 August 2024. The satellite is designed for environmental monitoring, disaster management, and remote sensing applications. This launch aligns with ISRO's commitment to leveraging space technology for socio-economic development and sustainable resource management.
Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions |
|