ISRO IRS-1A Mission Overview – Timeline, Progress & Scientific Aims

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 IRS-1A Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO IRS-1A Mission Overview

IRS-1A, classified as a Earth Observation, was intended to serve specific technical and operational functions.The intended zone of activity for IRS-1A was Earth (Sun-synchronous Orbit).

• IRS-1A was launched aboard the Vostok (Soviet Union).
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Baikanur Cosmodrome Kazakhstan.
• IRS-1A focused primarily on fulfilling the objective of Operational remote sensing for resource management.
• The extended mission scope of IRS-1A included Agriculture, forestry, geology, hydrology applications.
• At this point, the mission remains Successful, Mission completed.

IRS-1A Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	IRS-1A
Mission Abbreviation	N/A
Mission Type	Earth Observation
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Earth (Sun-synchronous Orbit)
Primary Objective	Operational remote sensing for resource management
Secondary Objectives	Agriculture, forestry, geology, hydrology applications
Mission Status	Successful, Mission completed

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO IRS-1A Mission

• On 17/03/1988, IRS-1A was sent into its designated orbit.
• The primary mission life of IRS-1A is projected to conclude around July 1996 (Completed its mission life).

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	17/03/1988
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	July 1996 (Completed its mission life)

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ISRO IRS-1A Mission Technical Specifications

As a Earth Observation mission, IRS-1A was built around a configuration involving Mass 975 kg; Three-axis stabilized.ISRO inserted the satellite into Sun-synchronous, 904 km altitude, 9908° inclination, where it could perform its functions related to Operational remote sensing for resource management.

• The Earth Observation mission relied on a set of payloads—namely LISS-I, LISS-IIA, LISS-IIB imagers—to achieve its functional objectives.
• The frequency bands used in IRS-1A included X-band, S-band, optimized for its orbital path and payload needs.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	Mass 975 kg; Three-axis stabilized
Scientific Payloads	LISS-I, LISS-IIA, LISS-IIB imagers
Orbit Details	Sun-synchronous, 904 km altitude, 9908° inclination
Communication Frequencies / Band	X-band, S-band
Key Technologies Used	First operational Indian remote sensing satellite series

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IRS-1A Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the IRS-1A mission for launch on 17/03/1988.
• Vostok (Soviet Union) served as the launch platform for IRS-1A.
• The launch took place at Baikanur Cosmodrome Kazakhstan.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Vostok (Soviet Union)
Launch Site	Baikanur Cosmodrome Kazakhstan

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO were involved in various phases of the mission.

• The Earth Observation mission IRS-1A included collaboration with Launch by Soviet Union.
• The data collected through IRS-1A is managed under the sharing policy defined by Data available through NRSC for national use.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO
Commercial Partners	N/A
International Partners	Launch by Soviet Union
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	Data available through NRSC for national use

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO IRS-1A Mission

The mission is remembered for its contribution as First operational Indian remote sensing satellite.IRS-1A generated data outputs including Pioneered large-scale remote sensing applications in India.

• The planning of IRS-1A involved efforts to manage Standard satellite decommissioning procedures.
• Data and technologies from IRS-1A support civilian uses such as Resource management, agriculture, forestry, geology.
• The mission’s orientation aligns with national and commercial goals, including Indigenous remote sensing, national development.
• Post-mission phases for IRS-1A may involve scaling up efforts through advanced programs such as IRS-1B, subsequent IRS series, ensuring sustained benefits and impact.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of IRS-1A Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Pioneered large-scale remote sensing applications in India
Major Achievements	First operational Indian remote sensing satellite
Applications in Civilian Life	Resource management, agriculture, forestry, geology
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	Established India as a key player in remote sensing
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	Standard satellite decommissioning procedures
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Indigenous remote sensing, national development
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	IRS-1B, subsequent IRS series
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO IRS-1A Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• Successful operationalization of remote sensing technology formed a part of the technical feedback loop after the mission.

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	Successful operationalization of remote sensing technology

UPSC Relevance of ISRO IRS-1A 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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UPSC Practice Questions on ISRO Space Missions

Q1. Which space organisation has successfully conducted cheapest mars mission?
1. ISRO
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: ISRO was the world's first space agency to find water on the moon and insert a probe into orbit of Mars in its maiden attempt at the cheapest cost. ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation. It operates under the Department of Space which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India while the chairman of ISRO acts as the executive of DOS as well. ISRO is the primary agency in India to perform tasks related to space-based applications, space exploration, and the development of related technologies. It is one of six government space agencies in the world that possess full launch capabilities, deploy cryogenic engines, launch extraterrestrial missions, and operate large fleets of artificial satellites. The headquarters of ISRO is in Bengaluru. The present chairman of ISRO is Shri S. Somanath. Vikram Sarabhai is known as the Father of the Indian Space Program.

Q2. Vyommitra, recently seen in news is best described by which of the following statement:
1. Vyommitra is an amphibian frog species discovered in the forests of Nilgiri hills.
2. Vyommitra is a female robot astronaut scheduled to be launched into space as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan project.
3. Vyommitra is a method of encryption used in cyber security systems for protecting sensitive data.
4. Vyommitra is the name for a lunar crater located by Chandrayaan on the far side of the moon.
Answer: Option 2
Solution: India is set to launch Vyommitra, a female robot astronaut, into space as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan project. She is half-humanoid and her body stops at the torso and has no legs. She is capable of switching panel operations, performing Environment Control and Life Support Systems functions, conversations with the astronauts, recognizing them and solving their queries. The humanoid can detect and give out warnings if the environment changes within the cabin. The humanoid has been developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram. The Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member crew to space for five to seven days.

Q3. With the success of Chandrayan Mission India has become the ____ country in the world to achieve soft landing on moon.
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
Answer: Fourth
Solution: India has become the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the moon with the success of the Chandrayaan mission. The other three countries that have achieved this feat before India are the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Soft landing on the moon is a significant milestone in space exploration, highlighting a country's technological and scientific prowess. Chandrayaan mission has propelled India into an elite group of nations with advanced space capabilities. This mission has opened new avenues for lunar research and exploration for India.

Q4. PSLV is a:
1. satellite of India
2. space mission of India
3. satellite launch vehicle of India
4. satellite launch centre of India
Answer: satellite launch vehicle of India
Solution: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation. PSLV was first launched on 20th September 1993 and has since become the primary launch vehicle for ISRO. It is known for its reliability and versatility, having successfully launched numerous satellites into various orbits, including the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and Low Earth Orbit. The PSLV has been instrumental in launching India's notable missions such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, and various other satellite missions.

Q5. Which of the following statements is true about India’s Chandrayaan –3 mission?
1. It was launched using GSLV
2. RAMBHA and ChaSTE were amongst its rover payloads
3. Propulsion Module placed the lander module in 100 km lunar orbit
4. LISA and LRA were amongst its lander payloads
Answer: It was launched using GSLV
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation. The mission aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission consists of a lander and rover configuration, without an orbiter. The mission's primary objective is to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface, especially near the lunar south pole. It builds on the success of Chandrayaan-2, which was partially successful with its orbiter functioning well but the lander failing to achieve a soft landing.

Q6. Who has assumed charge as the Chairman of ISRO in January 2022?
1. KM Rao
2. K Sivan
3. P Muralidhar
4. S Somanath
Answer: S Somanath
Solution: S Somanath assumed charge as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation in January 2022. Prior to this role, he was the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. S Somanath succeeded K Sivan, who served as ISRO Chairman from January 2018 to January 2022. S Somanath has a strong background in aerospace engineering, particularly in the area of launch vehicle design and development. He has been associated with ISRO since 1985 and has contributed significantly to various space missions, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Q7. Who is the current Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation?
1. G. Madhavan Nair
2. U. R. Rao
3. S. Somnath
4. K. Sivan
Answer: Option 3
Solution: S. Somnath Before becoming the Chairman of ISRO, S. Somnath was the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Hence, option 3 is correct. He is known for his contributions to the development of launch vehicles, particularly the GSLV Mk III, which played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Somnath's leadership is focused on continuing ISRO's expansion and technological advancements, including the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space.

Q8. Chandrayaan-2 was a mixture of success and set-back. Which of the following statements are applicable to Chandrayaan-2 mission?
1. (i) only
2. (ii) only
3. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
4. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Answer: Option 4
Solution: Chandrayaan-2 aimed to explore the south pole of the moon. This region is of particular interest because it is thought to contain water ice and other minerals. The mission was designed to build on the evidence of water molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1. A key objective was to soft-land the Vikram lander on the lunar surface. Despite the crash landing of Vikram, its location was later identified. NASA and ISRO worked to locate the crash site, providing valuable data for future missions.

Q9. The Artemis Accords seek to establish peaceful and cooperative norms for lunar and space exploration. In 2023, which major space-faring country became the 27th signatory and also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the ISS?
1. China
2. Russia
3. France
4. India
Answer: India
Solution: The Artemis Accords are an international agreement spearheaded by NASA, aiming to establish a framework for peaceful and cooperative exploration of the Moon and beyond. In 2023, India became the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords. This step underscores India's growing role in the global space community and its commitment to peaceful space exploration. India's participation aligns with its own ambitious space programs, including missions to the Moon and Mars. India also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the International Space Station. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the India-U.S. space relationship, fostering greater cooperation and technological exchange.

Q10. As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO developed a digital support tool to assist astronauts in various tasks such as communication and health tracking. What is the name of this application?
1. CHAKRA
2. YATRI
3. SPANDAN
4. SAKHI
Answer: SAKHI
Solution: As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has developed a digital support tool called SAKHI – Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction. Purpose of SAKHI: Assists astronauts with communication, health monitoring, data access, and mission support tasks. Functions as a smart onboard assistant, enhancing safety and efficiency during human spaceflight.

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