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

ISRO INSAT-1D Mission Overview

INSAT-1D mission aligns with ISRO’s objectives in Communication, Meteorology, contributing to mission-specific capabilities and outcomes.To carry out its objectives, INSAT-1D targeted Geostationary Orbit.

• As part of its launch strategy, INSAT-1D used Delta 4925 (USA) for orbital insertion.
• Cape Canaveral, USA served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.
• INSAT-1D aimed to accomplish the primary task of Telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology; replacement for INSAT-1C.
• Complementing its main task, INSAT-1D contributed to Disaster warning services.
• Official sources have listed the mission status as Successful, Mission completed.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO INSAT-1D Mission

• The mission timeline of INSAT-1D began with its launch on 12/06/1990.
• August 2002 (Operated for over 12 years) marks the designed end of the mission’s core operational phase.

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ISRO INSAT-1D Mission Technical Specifications

ISRO engineered the spacecraft using Mass 1190 kg (at launch, Ford Aerospace built), in line with the objectives defined for Communication, Meteorology.

• The mission architecture included Transponders (C-band, S-band), VHRR that would support both operational needs and scientific data acquisition.
• The frequency bands used in INSAT-1D included C-band, S-band, optimized for its orbital path and payload needs.

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INSAT-1D Launch Information

• INSAT-1D was launched on 12/06/1990.
• Delta 4925 (USA) served as the launch platform for INSAT-1D.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from Cape Canaveral, USA.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Key roles in the mission were handled by ISRO (Operator), Ford Aerospace (Manufacturer).

• Launch by USA participated in INSAT-1D to support specific components related to Communication, Meteorology objectives.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO INSAT-1D Mission

Ensured continuity of INSAT services after INSAT-1C partial failure is recorded as a notable outcome of INSAT-1D.The mission supported both research and practical applications through its data, including Provided crucial communication and meteorological services.

• ISRO has noted that INSAT-1D contributes to public services including Communication, broadcasting, meteorology, search & rescue.
• Operational multipurpose satellite (1C replacement) highlights the role of INSAT-1D in India’s strategic space program.
• Post-mission phases for INSAT-1D may involve scaling up efforts through advanced programs such as INSAT-2 series, ensuring sustained benefits and impact.

ISRO INSAT-1D Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO INSAT-1D Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims aspirants benefit from tracking ISRO developments, as topics like launch vehicles, mission objectives, and payload types are common in factual and concept-based questions.
• The collaborative nature of missions with international agencies such as NASA, ESA, or CNES can also be used in GS Paper II under international relations and science diplomacy.
• Essays discussing India’s transformation or global leadership in science benefit from factual, yet inspirational, references to space milestones.
• Environmental Science and Geography papers can benefit from examples of ISRO’s contributions to disaster management, glacier mapping, and crop estimation.

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. Satellites TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were launched in April 23 from Sriharikota by the launcher
1. SSLV-D2
2. LVM3-M4
3. PSLV-C55
4. GSLV-F12
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The correct answer is Option 3. The satellites TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were launched on April 23, 2023, from Sriharikota using the PSLV-C55 launcher.

Q2. India's Mars rover will help in getting information about which planet?
1. Mars
2. Mercury
3. Jupiter
4. Venus
Answer: Mars
Solution: The correct answer is Mars. The Mars rover is designed to gather information about Mars.

Q3. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO has successfully carried out the static test of which solid rocket booster, which is human rated version of the S 200 rocket booster of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII?
1. HS200
2. LS200
3. NS400
4. KS400
Answer: HS200
Solution: The correct answer is HS200. The HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 solid rocket booster used in the GSLV MkIII.

Q4. The NEEMO program, which conducts analog space missions in underwater environments, is an initiative of which country?
1. Japan
2. Russia
3. Germany
4. United States
Answer: Option 4
Solution: The correct answer is Option 4. NEEMO is a program run by the United States.

Q5. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere. The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above
Answer: None of the above
Solution: The correct answer is None of the above. Shukrayaan-I is not a mission to Saturn but to Venus, and it is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.

Q6. What is the name of the first mapping satellite of India?
1. EDUSAT
2. CARTOSAT-I
3. ARYABHATTA
4. APOLLO-9
Answer: CARTOSAT-I
Solution: The correct answer is CARTOSAT-I. It was the first Indian satellite dedicated to cartographic applications and mapping purposes.

Q7. In 2024, India unveiled four Air Force pilots shortlisted for its maiden Gaganyaan mission. What is the primary objective of the mission?
1. To land on the Moon
2. To send a satellite into orbit
3. To send astronauts into space and bring them back
4. To establish a space station
Answer: To send astronauts into space and bring them back
Solution: The correct answer is to send astronauts into space and bring them back. Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission.

Q8. Which of the following statements regarding Satellites launched by ISRO is/are correct?
1) CMS-01 is a Communication Satellite.
2) GAST-6A is an Earth Observation Satellite.
3) Mission EOS-03 was Unsuccessful.
4) INS-1C is a Navigation Satellite.
1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Only 1 and 3
4. Only 2 and 4
Answer: Only 1 and 3
Solution: The correct answer is Only 1 and 3. CMS-01 is a communication satellite, and Mission EOS-03 was unsuccessful.

Q9. Indian Space Research Organization, formed in the year
1. 1962
2. 1960
3. 1969
4. 1966
Answer: 1969
Solution: The correct answer is 1969. ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969.

Q10. In February 2023, ISRO carried out the first successful launch using its new rocket.
1. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
2. Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
3. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
4. Scramjet Engine-TD
Answer: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV
Solution: The correct answer is Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV. ISRO successfully launched the SSLV-D2 mission on February 10, 2023.