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 IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Mission Overview

IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite, classified as a Navigation, was intended to serve specific technical and operational functions.The IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite mission was designed to operate in Earth.

• The launch of IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite was carried out by the PSLV-C33.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre hosted the missions launch activities.
• Among its key functions, IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite was intended to Regional navigation services.
• Supporting long-term development, IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite worked toward Complete the 7-satellite NavIC constellation in addition to its main objective.
• Operational (atomic clock failed later) describes the current phase of the mission.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Mission

• The scheduled launch date for IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite was April 28, 2016.

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ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Mission Technical Specifications

As a Navigation mission, IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite was built around a configuration involving I-1K bus, Rubidium atomic clocks.ISRO inserted the satellite into Geostationary Orbit (GEO), where it could perform its functions related to Regional navigation services.

• To fulfill its scientific mandate, IRNSS-1G carried instruments such as Navigation and ranging payloads.
• The mission made use of L5-band, S-band, which are standard for applications in Navigation operations.
• Satellite navigation technology formed the core technological base for the Navigation mission IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite.

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IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite on April 28, 2016, as per mission planning.
• For this mission, IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite was placed into orbit using PSLV-C33.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

According to official information, ISRO were associated with the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Mission

The mission is remembered for its contribution as Completed the initial NavIC constellation.The data gathered from IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite included Navigation and timing data, supporting multiple domains.

• Navigation, tracking, disaster management, timing, fleet management are among the key civilian benefits derived from IRNSS-1G.
• IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Completed NavIC constellation, reducing reliance on foreign systems.
• The strategic vision behind IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite includes future missions like IRNSS-1I (replacement for 1A), NVS series satellites, designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite encountered challenges such as Atomic clock failure during its execution.

• Post-launch updates revealed that IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite faced Atomic clock failure.
• Used for messaging services was taken after reviewing the anomalies during IRNSS-1G.
• Engineering evaluations highlighted Importance of robust clock systems for future applications.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO IRNSS-1G Navigation Satellite Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• UPSC often expects candidates to critically evaluate the gaps or opportunities in India’s space sector, where ISROs mission track record provides factual backing.
• ISRO’s consistent success under public scrutiny and budget limitations can be used to discuss institutional discipline and public accountability.
• 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. In ISRO project Chandrayaan-3, what is the name of half-humanoid robot for artificial intelligence?
1. Vyom - chitra
2. Vyom - putra
3. Vyom - pitra
4. Vyommitra
Answer: Vyommitra
Solution: Vyommitra is the name of the half-humanoid robot developed by ISRO for the Chandrayaan-3 project. Vyommitra is designed to simulate human functions in space, providing data and feedback on various conditions and experiments during the mission. This half-humanoid robot can perform multiple tasks, including operating equipment, and will help in enhancing the efficiency of the mission. Vyommitra is part of ISRO's efforts to advance in space exploration and technology, focusing on safety and reducing the risks associated with human space travel.

Q2. Recently, which mission received the 2024 John L. Jack Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration?
1. Chandrayaan-3 Mission
2. Mars Orbiter Mission
3. Gaganyaan Mission
4. Chandrayaan-2 Mission
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 Mission received the 2024 John L. Jack Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration. The award is presented by the Space Foundation to recognize extraordinary accomplishments in the field of space exploration. Chandrayaan-3 is a mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO aimed at landing on the moon. It follows the Chandrayaan-2 Mission and aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The mission includes a lander and a rover but does not have an orbiter, as the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter is still functioning and can relay data to Earth.

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: HS200 is the human-rated version of the S200 solid rocket booster used in the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkIII GSLV MkIII, which is now also called LVM3. This booster is specially designed for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program. The static test of HS200 was successfully conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO to validate its performance and ensure safety for human-rated missions. The HS200 has a diameter of 3.2 meters, a length of 20 meters, and uses 200 tons of solid propellant, making it one of the largest boosters built by ISRO. Its development marks a critical step toward ensuring the reliability and safety of the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts Gagannauts into space.

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: United States
Solution: NEEMO NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations is a program run by the United States. It is conducted by NASA in underwater habitats to simulate space mission conditions, providing astronauts with experience in extreme and isolated environments similar to space. ISRO has launched India's first analog space mission in Leh Ladakh to plan lunar mission experiments. It has been developed by joint collaboration of ISRO's Human Spaceflight Center, AAKA space studio, university of Ladakh and IIT Bombay. Analog space missions are field tests done in locations that have physical similarities to that of the extreme space environments. It may include testing of new technologies, robotic systems, vehicles, study of behavioral effects isolation and confinement.

Q5. What is the name of the satellite launched into space by ISRO recently for observing the sun?
1. Aditya-L1
2. Aditya-M1
3. Chandrayaan-3
4. EOS-7
Answer: Aditya-L1
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO recently launched Aditya-L1, India's first space-based mission dedicated to studying the Sun. The spacecraft was launched on September 2, 2023, aboard the PSLV-C57 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Aditya-L1 is positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 L1 of the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This strategic location allows continuous observation of the Sun without any occultation or eclipses, providing real-time data on solar activities and their effects on space weather. The mission carries seven payloads designed to study various aspects of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers, the corona. These instruments will help in understanding solar phenomena such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their impact on the Earth's climate and environment. Aditya-L1 marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration efforts, enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics and contributing valuable data to the global scientific community.

Q6. 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: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn, but rather a mission to Venus. The primary objective of Shukrayaan-I is to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus, not Saturn. Shukrayaan-I is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.

Q7. 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: CARTOSAT-I was the first Indian satellite dedicated to cartographic applications and mapping purposes. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on May 5, 2005, using the PSLV-C6 launch vehicle from the Sriharikota spaceport. The satellite was equipped with two panchromatic cameras that provided stereo imaging, which was instrumental in creating 3D terrain models and detailed maps. CARTOSAT-I was primarily used for urban and rural development planning, infrastructure management, land use mapping, and disaster management support.

Q8. 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: Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission. The mission aims to send astronauts into space and bring them back safely. It is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. Four Indian Air Force pilots have been shortlisted for the mission. The mission is expected to enhance India's capabilities in human spaceflight.

Q9. 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: CMS-01 is a communication satellite launched by ISRO. CMS-01 is designed to provide extended coverage for communication services, particularly in the Indian mainland and islands. Mission EOS-03 aimed at Earth observation was unsuccessful. The failure was attributed to a technical anomaly that resulted in the satellite not reaching its planned orbit. GAST-6A is not an Earth Observation Satellite. It is a communication satellite launched by ISRO to improve communication capabilities. INS-1C is not a Navigation Satellite. It is a small satellite developed by ISRO for carrying payloads and conducting experiments in space.

Q10. Indian Space Research Organization, formed in the year
1. 1962
2. 1960
3. 1969
4. 1966
Answer: 1969
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organization ISRO was founded on August 15, 1969. ISRO was established under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, regarded as the father of the Indian space program. The organization was formed to harness space technology for national development while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration. ISRO replaced the Indian National Committee for Space Research INCOSPAR, which was established in 1962.