ISRO GSAT-30 Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

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-30 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-30 Mission Overview

GSAT-30 mission aligns with ISRO’s objectives in Communication, contributing to mission-specific capabilities and outcomes.ISRO selected Geostationary Orbit as the functional environment for the GSAT-30 mission.

• The Ariane-5 VA-251 was used to deploy GSAT-30 into space.
• The mission was initiated from Kourou, French Guiana.
• Among its key functions, GSAT-30 was intended to Replacement for INSAT-4A, enhanced coverage.
• Complementing its main task, GSAT-30 contributed to DTH, VSAT, TV uplink services.
• The mission is currently in the stage of Operational.

GSAT-30 Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	GSAT-30
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Communication
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Geostationary Orbit
Primary Objective	Replacement for INSAT-4A, enhanced coverage
Secondary Objectives	DTH, VSAT, TV uplink services
Mission Status	Operational

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-30 Mission

• ISRO conducted the launch of GSAT-30 on January 17, 2020, as per mission planning.
• The mission is expected to complete its intended operations by More than 15 years.

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	January 17, 2020
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	More than 15 years

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ISRO GSAT-30 Mission Technical Specifications

The orbital path—Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO)—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

• C-band, Ku-band were utilized as the primary communication channels for GSAT-30, ensuring connectivity in Geostationary Orbit.
• The design and execution of GSAT-30 incorporated features like Enhanced I-3K bus structure.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	3357 kg lift-off mass, I-3K bus
Scientific Payloads	N/A
Orbit Details	Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO)
Communication Frequencies / Band	C-band, Ku-band
Key Technologies Used	Enhanced I-3K bus structure

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GSAT-30 Launch Information

• GSAT-30 was successfully launched on January 17, 2020 by ISRO.
• To execute the launch of GSAT-30, the Ariane-5 VA-251 was deployed.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Kourou, French Guiana.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Ariane-5 VA-251
Launch Site	Kourou, French Guiana

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Mission responsibilities were distributed among ISRO.The mission involved commercial support from Arianespace (Launch).

• International coordination with Launch by European company helped advance some of the secondary goals of GSAT-30.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	Arianespace (Launch)
International Partners	Launch by European company
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-30 Mission

GSAT-30, launched from Kourou, French Guiana, accomplished Ensured continuity of communication services.Communication services across India, Asia, Australia were derived from payloads aboard GSAT-30.

• With its technical capabilities, GSAT-30 helps advance sectors such as DTH television, VSAT, television uplinking, digital SNG.
• GSAT-30 supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Replacement for INSAT-4A, ensures continuity of communication services.
• Future GSAT series satellites for enhanced capacity represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by GSAT-30, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of GSAT-30 Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Communication services across India, Asia, Australia
Major Achievements	Ensured continuity of communication services
Applications in Civilian Life	DTH television, VSAT, television uplinking, digital SNG
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	N/A
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	N/A
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Replacement for INSAT-4A, ensures continuity of communication services
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	Future GSAT series satellites for enhanced capacity
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO GSAT-30 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	N/A

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-30 Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• Incorporating current ISRO developments into GS answers can elevate them from generic to analytical, showing depth in understanding and real-world application.
• 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.
• In International Relations, India’s space diplomacy — including satellite launches for SAARC nations or bilateral cooperation with ESA and NASA — provides a solid example.

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. Where did ISRO conduct the first ignition trial for the SCE-200 semi-cryogenic engine?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
3. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
4. Hyderabad, Telangana
Answer: Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
Solution: ISRO conducted the first ignition trial for the SCE-200 semi-cryogenic engine at its facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine developed by ISRO for its future launch vehicles. This engine uses a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene as propellants, which are more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional solid or liquid engines. The successful ignition trial marks a significant milestone in India's space program, enhancing its capabilities for heavier payloads.

Q2. In the context of Chandrayan - 3, the names of Lander and Rover respectively are -
1. Vikram and Pragyan
2. Vikram and Aditya
3. Aditya and Vikram
4. Pragyan and Aditya
Answer: Vikram and Pragyan
Solution: Vikram is the name of the lander used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Pragyan is the name of the rover used in the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Vikram is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program. Pragyan means wisdom in Sanskrit, symbolizing the rover's role in conducting scientific experiments. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, aiming to demonstrate the ability to soft-land on the lunar surface and operate a rover.

Q3. Which space organisation has successfully conducted the cheapest mars mission?
1. ISRO
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, which is the cheapest Mars mission ever. Mangalyaan was launched on 5 November 2013, and it successfully entered Mars' orbit on 24 September 2014. The mission's total cost was approximately INR 450 crore, around USD 74 million, making it the most economical Mars mission. ISRO became the fourth space agency in the world to reach Mars, and the first to do so in its maiden attempt.

Q4. Who among the following have been selected to be the astronauts on India's first crewed mission to space?
1. Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla
2. Group Captain P. Balakrishnan Nair
3. Group Captain Pankaj M. Sinha
4. Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
5. Group Captain Angad Pratap
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
1. I, II, III and V
2. I, III, IV and V
3. I, II, III and IV
4. I, II, IV and V
Answer: I, II, IV and V
Solution: Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla, Group Captain P. Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Group Captain Angad Pratap have been selected to be the astronauts for India's first crewed mission to space. Group Captain Pankaj M. Sinha is not selected for this mission. These astronauts will undergo rigorous training for the mission, which includes physical, technical, and psychological training. India's first crewed mission to space is a significant milestone in the country's space exploration efforts, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in space technology.

Q5. A joint programme of DRDO and ISRO, developed highly potent Anti-Satellite Weapons under Mission Shakti.
I. ASAT is a missile-based system to attack moving satellites.
II. India, using ASAT Missile, destroyed a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit.
III. ASAT missile is capable of shooting down targets moving at a speed of 50 km per second at an altitude as high as 2000 km.
Which of the statements regarding ASAT are true?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. I, II and III
4. II and III only
Answer: I and II only
Solution: ASAT, or Anti-Satellite Weapon, is a missile-based system to destroy satellites in orbit, which can degrade the adversary's space capabilities. India successfully tested its ASAT missile under Mission Shakti on March 27, 2019. The test involved shooting down a live satellite in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of around 300 km. The successful test made India the fourth country to possess such a capability, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China.

Q6. When is GAGANYAAN, the manned project of ISRO, proposed to launch?
1. December 2021
2. November 2021
3. October 2021
4. September 2021
Answer: December 2021
Solution: Gaganyaan is India's first manned mission to space. The mission aims to send a three-member crew to space for a minimum of seven days. The spacecraft will be placed in a low earth orbit of 300-400 km. Gaganyaan is expected to be launched in December 2021, as proposed by ISRO.

Q7. Who is the project director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3?
1. Vikram Sarabhai
2. S. Somnath
3. Ritu Karidhal Srivastava
4. P. Veeramuthuvel
Answer: P. Veeramuthuvel
Solution: P. Veeramuthuvel is the Project Director of India's Moon Mission, Chandrayaan 3. Chandrayaan 3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under ISRO. The mission aims to demonstrate the capability for a safe and soft landing on the lunar surface. Chandrayaan 3 consists of a lander and rover configuration, similar to its predecessor Chandrayaan 2.

Q8. The Aditya L1 (first space-based observatory-class solar mission) was launched on?
1. September 2, 2023
2. September 9, 2023
3. September 2, 2022
4. October 2, 2023
Answer: September 2, 2023
Solution: The Aditya L1 mission is India's first space-based observatory-class solar mission. It was launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. The primary objective of Aditya L1 is to study the Sun's outermost layers, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. The mission aims to understand the dynamics of solar activities and their impact on space weather.

Q9. Who has been appointed as the new Chief of ISRO?
1. S. Somanath
2. Dr. V. Narayanan
3. K. Sivan
4. A.S. Kiran Kumar
Answer: Dr. V. Narayanan
Solution: Dr. V. Narayanan is a renowned scientist who has contributed significantly to ISRO's propulsion systems. He has played an integral role in the development of cryogenic and semi-cryogenic propulsion systems used in India's space missions. Dr. Narayanan has been instrumental in advancing ISRO's capabilities in launching heavy payloads into geostationary orbit. His leadership in the propulsion division has resulted in numerous breakthroughs for ISRO's satellite and rocket technologies.

Q10. Which one of the following PSLVs, launched by ISRO, is not correctly matched with their Missions?
1. a
2. b
3. c
4. d
Answer: PSLV C57 - DS-SAR
Solution: PSLV C57 was launched by ISRO to deploy the DS-SAR satellite, a synthetic aperture radar satellite developed collaboratively by Singapore and Israel. DS-SAR is not associated with ISRO's primary mission portfolio as ISRO frequently launches satellites for various nations. PSLV C57 was intended for commercial purposes under ISRO's commercial arm, Antrix Corporation or NSIL. The matching of PSLV C57 with DS-SAR is incorrect in terms of ISRO's internal mission objectives.

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