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

ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Mission Overview

As a Lunar Orbiter, Impactor initiative, ISROs Chandrayaan-1 contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.The operational profile of Chandrayaan-1 was tailored for Moon.

• Chandrayaan-1 was launched aboard the PSLV-C11.
• The vehicle was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• The key mission goal of Chandrayaan-1 was to Lunar remote sensing, map lunar surface composition.
• Alongside its primary function, Chandrayaan-1 was expected to Test technologies for future planetary missions.
• Mission completed prematurely describes the current phase of the mission.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Mission

• The scheduled launch date for Chandrayaan-1 was October 22, 2008.
• Chandrayaan-1 originated from a project proposal filed on November 2003 (approved).
• November 14, 2008 (MIP impact) was recorded as the official date for the flyby/landing phase.

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ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Mission Technical Specifications

Chandrayaan-1 adopted a design featuring 1380 kg lift-off mass, I-1K bus, launched successfully via PSLV-C11.The orbital profile—Lunar polar orbit, ~100 km altitude (initially)—was selected to support the execution of both primary and secondary goals of the mission.

• For this Lunar Orbiter, Impactor effort, the scientific payloads onboard included TMC, HySI, LLRI, HEX, C1XS, SARA, M3, SIR-2, Mini-SAR, RADOM, MIP, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.
• The mission made use of S-band, X-band, which are standard for applications in Lunar Orbiter, Impactor operations.
• The mission adopted Lunar orbiter, impactor probe, deep space network to meet its operational and scientific requirements.

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Chandrayaan-1 Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the Chandrayaan-1 mission for launch on October 22, 2008.
• ISRO selected the PSLV-C11 to carry the Chandrayaan-1 mission.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

• International coordination with Payloads from USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Bulgaria helped advance some of the secondary goals of Chandrayaan-1.
• Payload responsibilities in Chandrayaan-1 were shared with partners including M3 (NASA), SIR-2 (ESA/MPG), SARA (ESA/IRF), C1XS (ESA/RAL), Mini-SAR (NASA), RADOM (BAS).

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Mission

Chandrayaan-1, launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, accomplished India's first lunar mission, discovery of water molecules on Moon.Chandrayaan-1 contributed to the national space data repository by providing Lunar surface maps, evidence of water ice.

• The mission was completed with a financial outlay of ₹386 crore (approx $76 million USD).
• Chandrayaan-1 contributed to broader goals by Boosted India's planetary exploration program.
• With its technical capabilities, Chandrayaan-1 helps advance sectors such as Lunar science, mineral mapping, water-ice discovery.
• ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1 to address long-term needs such as Planetary exploration, science, international collaboration.
• ISRO is expected to build upon the foundation laid by Chandrayaan-1 through future initiatives such as Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this domain.

ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• The mission experienced a technical issue where Communication lost prematurely, star sensor failed.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Chandrayaan-1 Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• ISROs organizational efficiency, low-cost model, and long-term planning offer useful examples for General Studies answers dealing with public institutions and governance structures.
• Missions like Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission), which combined low-cost execution with high-impact outcomes, reflect the ethical dimensions of responsible innovation.
• Students with PSIR, Sociology, or Public Administration optionals can use ISRO case studies to demonstrate state capacity, institutional success, or public sector innovation.

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 ISRO's PSLV-C56 rocket in the DS-SAR mission?
1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 7. ISRO launches PSLV-C56 rocket carrying 7 Singaporean satellites. DS-SAR, a radar imaging earth observation satellite, is a primary satellite for the mission. It was developed under a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Agency representing the government of Singapore and ST Engineering. According to ISRO, DS-SAR carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload which allows it to provide all-weather day and night coverage.

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, ISRO's 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: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. Hence 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, the Indian Space Research Organisation's 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. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's 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: 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. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's 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: Optimus is the satellite scheduled for launch by SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). The launch is part of the first dedicated commercial mission of SSLV. Optimus is designed and built by Australia-based Space Machines Company. It weighs 450 kilograms, making it the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date.

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: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025, marking India's first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Aditya-L1 mission:
1. Aditya-L1 is India's first mission to study the Sun and is placed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1.
2. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph 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 Moon's 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: Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based solar mission, launched by ISRO in September 2023. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is one of the payloads aboard Aditya-L1. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The mission aims to study coronal mass ejections, which are powerful explosions on the sun. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. The Aditya-L1 mission is stationed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1, providing an uninterrupted view of the sun. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Q7. The experiment will involve two spacecraft flying in precise formation to produce artificial solar eclipses for studying the Sun's 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 PROBA-3. The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully launched the European Space Agency's PROBA-3 mission aboard the PSLV-C59 rocket. PROBA-3 is ESA's first mission dedicated to precision formation flying, involving two satellites designed to create artificial solar eclipses to study the Sun's corona.

Q8. What is the name of the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, a collaboration with Japan's JAXA which was approved by India's National Space Commission in October 2024?
1. Lupex
2. Mopex
3. SpaceX
4. Moonet
Answer: 1
Solution: The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex) is a collaborative effort between India's ISRO and Japan's JAXA. This mission aims to explore the lunar south pole region, which is of significant interest due to its potential for water ice and other resources. The mission was approved by India's National Space Commission in October 2024.

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 the Indian Space Research Organisation on 5 May 2017. It was specifically designed to provide various communication applications in the South Asia region, except for Pakistan which opted out of the project.

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. The launch took place from the Kapustin Yar rocket launch and development site. The satellite was named after the famous Indian astronomer and mathematician, Aryabhata.