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

ISRO Megha-Tropiques Mission Overview

The Indian space program included Megha-Tropiques space mission as part of its ongoing focus on Atmospheric Studies, Climate Research applications.ISRO selected Earth (Tropical Atmosphere) as the functional environment for the Megha-Tropiques mission.

• The mission was launched using the PSLV-C18, as per the mission plan.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.
• At its foundation, Megha-Tropiques was designed to Study tropical weather, climate, water cycle.
• ISRO also designed Megha-Tropiques to support additional goals such as Energy budget, atmospheric convection studies.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is Partially operational/Ended.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Megha-Tropiques Mission

• The mission timeline of Megha-Tropiques began with its launch on October 12, 2011.
• Mission planning documents suggest an operational window lasting until November 2021 (SAPHIR, ScaRaB issues).

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ISRO Megha-Tropiques Mission Technical Specifications

ISRO engineered the spacecraft using 1000 kg lift-off mass, IRS-series bus, in line with the objectives defined for Atmospheric Studies, Climate Research.Low Earth Orbit, 867 km altitude, 20° inclination was the target operational environment for Megha-Tropiques, enabling precise function delivery.

• For this Atmospheric Studies, Climate Research effort, the scientific payloads onboard included MADRAS, SAPHIR, ScaRaB, GPS-ROS, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.

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Megha-Tropiques Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the Megha-Tropiques mission for launch on October 12, 2011.
• The launch of Megha-Tropiques was carried out by the PSLV-C18.
• The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Mission responsibilities were distributed among ISRO, CNES (France).

• The Atmospheric Studies, Climate Research mission Megha-Tropiques included collaboration with Indo-French joint mission.
• The scientific payloads on Megha-Tropiques, designed to operate in Earth (Tropical Atmosphere), were partially contributed by SAPHIR, ScaRaB by CNES.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Megha-Tropiques Mission

Megha-Tropiques is recognized for achieving Unique insights into tropical weather systems.The mission was designed to collect and deliver Tropical atmospheric water vapor, radiation budget data, supporting downstream applications.

• Climate research, weather forecasting, tropical study reflects the broader civilian value of Megha-Tropiques.
• Indo-French cooperation, climate change studies highlights the role of Megha-Tropiques in India’s strategic space program.
• Continued climate observation missions represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by Megha-Tropiques, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.

ISRO Megha-Tropiques Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Payload anomalies towards end of life was identified as a key challenge in the course of the Atmospheric Studies, Climate Research mission.

• Mission performance assessments showed that SAPHIR, ScaRaB instruments faced issues occurred.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Megha-Tropiques Space Mission

• Regular updates from sources like PIB, ISRO press releases, and current affairs magazines help aspirants stay updated on mission statuses for accurate UPSC Prelims preparation.
• ISRO missions are highly relevant to UPSC Mains, particularly in GS Paper III, where candidates must understand the role of space technology in development, disaster management, communication, and governance.
• Case studies on transparent communication during mission failures or ISROs non-militaristic space stance fit well into discussions on ethical decision-making.
• Optional subjects like Political Science can reference ISRO to highlight the role of strategic autonomy and scientific sovereignty in shaping foreign policy.

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 PSLV-C55 mission was launched on April 22, 2023. It carried two Singaporean satellites: TeLEOS-2, a synthetic aperture radar satellite, and Lumelite-4, a technology demonstration satellite. The PSLV is known for its reliability and versatility in launching various types of satellites into different orbits.

Q2. India's Mars rover will help in getting information about which planet?
1. Mars
2. Mercury
3. Jupiter
4. Venus
Answer: Mars
Solution: ISRO launched its Mars Orbiter Mission on 5th November 2013, which was India's maiden interplanetary mission. It successfully entered Martian orbit on 24th September 2014 and has been used to explore and observe Mars' surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and atmosphere.

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 HS200 is designed for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program. The static test was conducted to validate its performance and ensure safety for human-rated missions. The HS200 is one of the largest boosters built by ISRO, with a diameter of 3.2 meters and a length of 20 meters.

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: NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations) is a program run by the United States. It simulates space mission conditions in underwater habitats, providing astronauts with experience in extreme and isolated environments similar to space.

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: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn; it is a mission to Venus. The primary objective is to study Venus's surface and atmosphere. However, it is indeed 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: CARTOSAT-I was launched on May 5, 2005, and was the first Indian satellite dedicated to cartographic applications and mapping purposes. It was equipped with two panchromatic cameras that provided stereo imaging for creating detailed maps.

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: Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission aimed at sending astronauts into space and ensuring their safe return. It is being developed by ISRO and is expected to enhance India's capabilities in human spaceflight.

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: CMS-01 is indeed a communication satellite. Mission EOS-03 was unsuccessful due to a technical anomaly. However, GAST-6A is a communication satellite, not an Earth observation satellite, and INS-1C is not a navigation satellite.

Q9. 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, under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It was established to harness space technology for national development and to pursue space science research.

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 Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV is a new generation rocket developed by ISRO to meet the demand for small satellite launches. On February 10, 2023, ISRO successfully launched the SSLV-D2 mission, marking its first operational flight.