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 Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Mission Overview

ISRO launched Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 to support objectives related to Technology Demonstrator (Re-entry).The trajectory and configuration of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 were optimized for operations in Low Earth Orbit, then recovery.

• Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 was launched aboard the PSLV-C7.
• The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• The main aim of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 centered on the need to Demonstrate atmospheric re-entry technology.
• The mission also targeted supporting objectives like Test thermal protection, navigation, guidance, control.
• As per ISRO documentation, the mission is Successful.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Mission

• ISRO scheduled the Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 mission for launch on January 10, 2007.
• January 22, 2007 (Splashdown) was recorded as the official date for the flyby/landing phase.
• January 22, 2007 marks the designed end of the mission’s core operational phase.

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ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Mission Technical Specifications

550 kg lift-off mass, capsule design defined the operational capabilities of SRE-1, supporting its deployment into Low Earth Orbit, then recovery.ISRO inserted the satellite into Low Earth Orbit, then re-entry and splashdown, where it could perform its functions related to Demonstrate atmospheric re-entry technology.

• ISRO selected Microgravity experiments (Isothermal heating, Biomimetic) for Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 based on their suitability for deployment in Low Earth Orbit, then recovery.
• ISRO employed Re-entry thermal protection, deceleration, recovery to carry out the mission’s objectives in Low Earth Orbit, then recovery.

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Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Launch Information

• The mission timeline of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 began with its launch on January 10, 2007.
• To execute the launch of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1, the PSLV-C7 was deployed.
• The selected launch site for the operation was Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Key roles in the mission were handled by ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Mission

Among ISRO’s recent efforts, SRE-1 earned distinction for India's first successful re-entry and recovery mission.The mission provided valuable datasets such as Re-entry parameters, microgravity experiment data for scientific and operational use.

• Paved way for reusable launch vehicle development is among the noted policy-level implications of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1.
• The technologies developed under Technology Demonstrator (Re-entry) are relevant for Recoverable satellite tech, material science.
• ISRO launched Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 to address long-term needs such as Re-entry tech, human spaceflight precursor.
• As part of a long-term roadmap, ISRO envisions further efforts related to Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1, which may include targeted missions like SRE-2 (planned), CARE.

ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

ISRO reported Complex re-entry and recovery operations as one of the obstacles addressed during Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1.
Risk management for SRE-1 included actions like Extensive simulations and testing.

• From the outcome of Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1, a major lesson was Validated re-entry technologies.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Space capsule Recovery Experiment-1 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.
• 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. Recently the XPoSat Mission was in news, it is related to which of the following?
1. India’s first Saturn mission
2. India’s first polarimetry mission
3. India’s first Sun mission
4. Earth Observation Satellite
Answer: Option 2
Solution: The correct answer is Option 2. According to ISRO, XPoSat will study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions and will carry two payloads. XPoSat is India’s first and only the world’s second polarimetry mission meant to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. Hence option 2 is correct. The other such major mission is NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) which was launched in 2021. IXPE carries three state-of-the-art space telescopes. Each of the three identical telescopes hosts one lightweight X-ray mirror and one detector unit. These will help observe polarized X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes. By measuring the polarisation of these X-rays, we can study where the light came from and understand the geometry and inner workings of the light source. The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit. The primary payload POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarisation).

Q2. The spacecraft of Chandrayaan 2 was launched from
1. Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
3. U. R. Rao Space Centre
4. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Answer: Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Solution: The correct answer is Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22 July 2019 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The mission of Chandrayaan-2 was lunar exploration. The launch vehicle used was GSLV Mark III-M1. It had:
- Orbiter
- Lander: Vikram
- Rover: Pragyan
Chandrayaan-1 was launched in October 2008. It was India’s first lunar mission. It was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh. The Satellite launching station, Sriharikota, is a Satellite launching station of the Indian Space Research Organisation. It was renamed the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the year 2002. Satish Dhawan was the former Chairman of the ISRO. The first satellite launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre was the Rohini 1A in 1979.

Q3. N Valarmathi was recently in news. She was best known for ________.
1. Mission Director of Chandrayaan-3
2. Mission Director of Aditya L1
3. Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
4. None of the above
Answer: Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches
Solution: The correct answer is Voice behind ISRO Mission Launches. N Valarmathi, the voice behind ISRO mission launches, passed away. ISRO scientist N Valarmathi, the voice behind the Indian Space and Research Organisation's rocket countdown launches including Chandrayaan-3 which turned out to be her final one, passed away evening due to a heart attack in Chennai. Dr PV Venkitakrishnan, a former director at ISRO condoled her demise. India became the first country to land on the south pole of the moon in August as Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar surface. It is also the fourth country after the US, China, and Russia to have successfully landed on the moon’s surface. Mission Director of Chandrayaan-3 is P Veeramuthuvel. Nigar Shaji is leading India's first solar mission as project director for Aditya-L1.

Q4. With which space agency has ISRO signed an Implementation Agreement for cooperation in crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan missions?
1. NASA
2. European Space Agency
3. Australian Space Agency
4. Roscosmos
Answer: Australian Space Agency
Solution: The correct answer is Australian Space Agency. ISRO signed an Implementation Agreement with the Australian Space Agency on November 20, 2024, to enhance cooperation in space activities. The purpose of the IA enables collaboration on crew and crew module recovery for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed spaceflight program. It ensures search and rescue support for crew and recovery of crew module in contingency situations, especially during the ascent phase near Australian waters. The agreement was signed by D K Singh, Director of ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre, Bengaluru and Jarrod Powell, General Manager of ASA's Space Capability Branch, Canberra. About the Gaganyaan program aims to demonstrate India's capability for Low Earth Orbit missions. Plans to carry up to three crew members in an Indian Crew Module for up to three days. Includes provisions for the safe recovery of the module post-mission.

Q5. What significant milestone will ISRO achieve with the launch of the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025?
1. Its first interplanetary mission
2. Deployment of the heaviest satellite to date
3. Completion of the NavIC satellite constellation
4. The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Answer: The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Solution: The correct answer is The 100th mission of the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. ISRO is set to launch the NVS-02 satellite in January 2025, marking the 100th mission of ISRO with the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). NVS-02 is part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC, which provides accurate position information services to users in India and the surrounding region. The satellite will enhance the capabilities of NavIC by providing signals in the L1, L5, and S bands, improving accuracy and coverage. NVS-02 follows the successful launch of NVS-01 in May 2023, which was the first in the second generation of navigation satellites and featured an indigenous atomic clock. The GSLV Mk II is a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO, capable of placing satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits; the upcoming launch will be its 100th mission, marking a significant milestone for India's space program.

Q6. The major science objectives of Aditya-L1 mission are
i. Study of Solar upper atmospheric dynamics
ii. To demonstrate Safe and Soft landing on Solar Surface
iii. To demonstrate Rover roving on the sun
1. Only iii
2. Only i and iii
3. Only i
4. All of the above
Answer: Only i
Solution: The correct answer is Only i. Aditya-L1 Mission is India's first solar observatory mission launched by ISRO. The objective is to study the Sun, specifically the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere including the chromosphere and corona. It will be positioned at the Lagrange point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, to continuously observe the Sun without interruptions. Statement ii is incorrect. Aditya-L1 is not designed for a soft landing on the solar surface. It is an observational satellite meant to study the Sun from the L1 point. The Sun is a massive ball of plasma with no solid surface, making landing impossible. Statement iii is also incorrect. No rover can operate on the Sun due to extreme temperatures and radiation. Aditya-L1 is purely for solar observation and not for deploying any landers or rovers.

Q7. Consider the following information:
1. Chandrayaan-3 - GSLV - First successful soft landing on the Moon’s south pole
2. NVS-02 Mission - LVM3 M4 - 100th launch from Sriharikota (2024)
3. Aditya-L1 - PSLV-C57 - India’s first solar mission
4. Cartosat-2 series (2017) - PSLV-C37 - Launched a record 104 satellites in a single flight
In which of the above rows the given information is correctly matched?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 and 4 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1 and 4 only
Answer: option 2
Solution: The correct answer is option 2. The 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota will be conducted with the GSLV-F15 mission, marking a significant milestone for ISRO. Chandrayaan-3 was launched in 2023, this mission made India the first country to land on the Moon’s south pole successfully. Demonstrated ISRO’s advancements in lunar exploration and soft landing technology. GSLV-F15/NVS-02 mission is scheduled for 2024, carrying an advanced payload. Aditya-L1 is India’s first mission to study the Sun. Launched in 2023, Aditya-L1 is placed in L1 (Lagrange Point 1) orbit for uninterrupted solar observations. Cartosat-2 series (2017) launched in 2017, this mission set a world record for launching 104 satellites in a single flight. This record was later broken by SpaceX Falcon 9 in 2021 with 143 satellites.

Q8. Which cryogenic engine did ISRO successfully test for the Gaganyaan mission?
1. CE7.5
2. Vikas
3. CUS2
4. CE20
Answer: CE20
Solution: The correct answer is CE20. ISRO successfully conducted a vacuum ignition test of the CE20 cryogenic engine on February 7, 2025, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. CE20 engine is used in the upper stage of the LVM-3 rocket and is critical for ISRO’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. The test focused on ignition and restart capabilities using a multi-element igniter under vacuum conditions, simulating real space scenarios. The engine demonstrated thrust levels between 19 to 22 tonnes and is now being tested for multiple restart capability to enhance mission flexibility. ISRO is exploring a bootstrap mode for turbopump initiation to improve restart efficiency over conventional stored gas systems. Successful testing is crucial for Gaganyaan, ensuring engine reliability for sending Indian astronauts into space. ISRO’s rigorous testing approach reinforces confidence in mission success, advancing India’s capabilities in human space exploration.

Q9. RISAT-2BR1 satellite which is related to disaster management, was launched by the Launch Vehicle_______.
1. GSLV-1
2. PSLV-C48
3. GSLV-A1
4. PSLV-C46
Answer: PSLV-C48
Solution: The correct answer is PSLV-C48. RISAT-2BR1 is an Indian radar imaging reconnaissance satellite used for earth observation. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on 11 December 2019. The launch vehicle used for this mission was PSLV-C48, which is part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle series. PSLV-C48 successfully placed RISAT-2BR1 and nine other customer satellites from various countries into a sun-synchronous orbit.

Q10. Which of the following is true for OHRC with respect to the moon?
1. Orientational High Resolving Camera
2. Orbital Highly Resolution Circle
3. Orbiter High Resolution Camera
4. Orbital Height Round Circle
Answer: Orbiter High Resolution Camera
Solution: The correct answer is Orbiter High Resolution Camera. The Orbiter High Resolution Camera (OHRC) is a scientific payload onboard Chandrayaan-2, India's lunar mission. OHRC is designed to capture high-resolution images of the lunar surface, with a spatial resolution of 0.32 meters, making it ideal for detailed mapping. It focuses on imaging specific areas of scientific interest, such as craters, lunar regolith, and potential landing sites. The OHRC operates in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and is mounted on the Orbiter of Chandrayaan-2. Its primary objective is to assist in identifying and analyzing the terrain for future exploration and lunar landings. Chandrayaan-2 was launched by ISRO on July 22, 2019. It consists of three components: Orbiter, Vikram Lander, and Pragyan Rover. The primary objective is to study the lunar surface, analyze the composition, and map the presence of water ice. High-resolution imaging is crucial for identifying geological features, craters, and potential landing sites. It aids in understanding the Moon's evolution and providing data for future missions.