ISRO GSAT-24 Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

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 GSAT-24 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-24 Mission Overview

GSAT-24 was developed by ISRO as part of its efforts in the field of Communication.To carry out its objectives, GSAT-24 targeted Geostationary Orbit.

• For this mission, GSAT-24 was placed into orbit using Ariane 5 VA257.
• The launch took place at Kourou, French Guiana.
• GSAT-24 was mainly intended to Provide DTH application services across India.
• The mission also targeted supporting objectives like Enhance national communication infrastructure.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Operational.

GSAT-24 Space Mission Overview for UPSC
Mission Name	GSAT-24
Mission Abbreviation	GSAT-24
Mission Type	Communication
Target Celestial Body or Orbit	Geostationary Orbit
Primary Objective	Provide DTH application services across India
Secondary Objectives	Enhance national communication infrastructure
Mission Status	Operational

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-24 Mission

• GSAT-24 was launched on June 22, 2022.
• According to available documentation, GSAT-24 has a planned operational life extending to 15 years planned.

Timeline & Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	June 22, 2022
Landing / Flyby Date	N/A
End of Primary Mission Date	15 years planned

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ISRO GSAT-24 Mission Technical Specifications

GSAT-24 adopted a design featuring 4180 kg lift-off mass, I-3K bus, launched successfully via Ariane 5 VA257.The orbital path—Geostationary Orbit—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

• To fulfill its scientific mandate, GSAT-24 carried instruments such as Ku-band transponders.
• GSAT-24 relied on Ku-band to transmit navigation and system data to ground stations.
• High-power Ku-band transponders formed the core technological base for the Communication mission GSAT-24.

Technical Specifications
Spacecraft Technical Specifications	4180 kg lift-off mass, I-3K bus
Scientific Payloads	Ku-band transponders
Orbit Details	Geostationary Orbit
Communication Frequencies / Band	Ku-band
Key Technologies Used	High-power Ku-band transponders

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GSAT-24 Launch Information

• GSAT-24 lifted off from the launch pad on June 22, 2022.
• The launch of GSAT-24 was carried out by the Ariane 5 VA257.
• Kourou, French Guiana hosted the missions launch activities.

Launch Information
Launch Vehicle	Ariane 5 VA257
Launch Site	Kourou, French Guiana

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Mission responsibilities were distributed among ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).The mission involved commercial support from Arianespace (Launch provider), Tata Play (Capacity leased).

• GSAT-24 was carried out with partnership from France/Europe (Launch services) in select mission functions.

Stakeholders & Collaboration
Agencies Involved	ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
Commercial Partners	Arianespace (Launch provider), Tata Play (Capacity leased)
International Partners	France/Europe (Launch services)
Payload Contributions by Partners	N/A
Data Sharing Policy	N/A

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-24 Mission

Among the outcomes of GSAT-24, First demand-driven communication satellite mission by NSIL stands out.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Direct-to-Home (DTH) television broadcast services.

• GSAT-24 contributed to broader goals by Demonstrated NSIL's role in commercial space sector.
• DTH broadcast services, VSAT applications, digital SNG represents one area where mission data finds regular use.
• The mission’s orientation aligns with national and commercial goals, including Dedicated commercial satellite providing services through NSIL.
• ISRO is expected to build upon the foundation laid by GSAT-24 through future initiatives such as More commercial communication satellites based on demand, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this domain.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of GSAT-24 Mission
Data Outputs and Applications	Direct-to-Home (DTH) television broadcast services
Major Achievements	First demand-driven communication satellite mission by NSIL
Applications in Civilian Life	DTH broadcast services, VSAT applications, digital SNG
Impact on Policy & Global Collaboration	Demonstrated NSIL's role in commercial space sector
Environmental Impact & Sustainability	N/A
Strategic Significance & Policy Alignment	Dedicated commercial satellite providing services through NSIL
Follow-up Missions or Extensions	More commercial communication satellites based on demand
Cost Estimate	N/A

ISRO GSAT-24 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• ISRO included Successful execution of commercial satellite mission in its internal review for improving future missions.

Risks, Failures & Mitigation
Challenges Faced	N/A
Risk Mitigation Measures	N/A
Failures or Anomalies	N/A
Corrective Actions Taken	N/A
Lessons Learned	Successful execution of commercial satellite mission

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-24 Space Mission

• Candidates should be able to identify which ISRO mission belongs to which application area, such as communication, meteorology, navigation, or planetary exploration.
• Writing effective GS answers often involves citing ISRO’s missions as examples of indigenous technological advancement, innovation, and self-reliance under programs like ‘Make in India’ or ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
• ISRO’s space missions offer rich content for UPSC essays on themes like innovation, scientific temper, national self-reliance, or institutional excellence.
• In optional papers dealing with Indian economy or policy, ISROs commercial arm NSIL and its growing role in global markets serve as economic case points.

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 October 2022, ISRO chairman announced expected launch year of Chandrayaan 3 in ______.
1. 2030
2. 2027
3. 2025
4. 2023
Answer: 2023
Solution: ISRO chairman announced that Chandrayaan 3 is expected to be launched in 2023, which is two years later than its initial planned launch year of 2021. Chandrayaan 3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. It is aimed at conducting further studies on the Moon's surface, particularly in the south polar region, where water molecules have been detected. Option 1, i.e., 2030, is incorrect as it is too far away from the expected launch year. Option 2, i.e., 2027, and option 3, i.e., 2025, are also incorrect as they are not the exact launch year announced by the ISRO chairman.

Q2. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Nabhmitra device, recently in the news?
1. It is a satellite-based communication system developed by the DRDO for the safety of fishermen.
2. It is a satellite-based communication system developed by the ISRO for the safety of fishermen.
3. It is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the ISRO for the safety of fishermen.
4. It is a satellite-based navigation system developed by the DRDO for the safety of fishermen.
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Nabhmitra device is a satellite-based communication system developed by the ISRO-Space Applications Centre for the safety of fishermen. ISRO-Space Applications Centre Ahmedabad is one of the major centres of ISRO that deals with space technology applications for societal benefits. The device was successfully tested at Neendakara recently, which is a coastal town in Kerala that is known for its fishing harbour and fish market. Key features of the Nabhmitra device include the use of satellites, two-way messaging, early warning, distress messages, and real-time field information.

Q3. Choose the correct code of the payloads from the mentioned below which were launched by PSLV-C55?
A. TeLEOS-2
B. POEM-2
C. LUMILITE-4
D. EOS-07
1. A, C and D
2. B, C and D
3. A, B and C
4. A, B and D
Answer: A, B and C
Solution: PSLV-C55/TeLEOS-2 was launched successfully on April 22, 2023, at 14:19 hours IST from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. This is a dedicated commercial mission through NSIL with TeLEOS-2 as the primary satellite and Lumelite-4 as a co-passenger satellite. The satellites weigh about 741 kg and 16 kg, respectively. Both belong to Singapore. They are intended to be launched into an Eastward low inclination orbit. TeLEOS-2 is developed under a partnership between DSTA representing the Government of Singapore and ST Engineering. LUMILITE-4 is an advanced 12U satellite designed for technological demonstrations.

Q4. Which of the following is not the satellite launched by India?
1. Explorer
2. APPLE
3. Bhaskar
4. INSAT
Answer: Explorer
Solution: APPLE was India's first three-axis stabilized experimental geostationary communication satellite. It was launched on June 19, 1981, by an Ariane launch vehicle of the European Space Agency from Centre Spatial Guyanais near Kourou in French Guiana. Bhaskara-I was launched on 7 June 1979 and was an early Indian endeavor in the field of remote sensing from space. The Indian National Satellite System INSAT is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites launched by ISRO. Explorer 1, launched on January 31, 1958, was the United States' first satellite.

Q5. In which year is the Indian Venus Orbiter Mission scheduled to be launched?
1. 2026
2. 2027
3. 2028
4. 2029
Answer: 2028
Solution: The Venus Orbiter Mission VOM, approved by the Union Cabinet, marks a significant step in India's planetary exploration endeavors. The mission is scheduled for launch in March 2028. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO will lead the development and launch of the spacecraft, with the aim of studying Venus's atmosphere, surface, and subsurface conditions. The mission will help scientists gain insights into the evolutionary paths of both Venus and Earth, contributing valuable data to planetary science.

Q6. In Feb, 2021, ISRO launched a satellite Amazonia-1 of ______ on board PSLV-C51 rocket from Sriharikota.
1. Argentina
2. Srilanka
3. Brazil
4. Peru
Answer: Brazil
Solution: ISRO is going to launch the Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on 28 February 2021. Along with Amazonia-1, 18 other co-passenger satellites will also be onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C51. PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited NSIL, a GoI company under the Space Department.

Q7. What is the primary objective of ISRO's SpaDeX mission launched on December 30, 2024?
1. To deploy communication satellites into geostationary orbit.
2. To demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft.
3. To test a new heavy-lift launch vehicle for future missions.
4. To conduct experiments related to human spaceflight in low-Earth orbit.
Answer: To demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft.
Solution: ISRO launched the SpaDeX mission on December 30, 2024, aiming to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 Chaser and SDX02 Target. The mission involves intricate docking maneuvers between two spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, showcasing India's growing expertise in space technologies. Successful demonstration of in-space docking is crucial for future human spaceflight and satellite servicing missions, enhancing India's capabilities in space exploration.

Q8. Who succeeded S. Somanath as the Chairman of ISRO starting January 14, 2025?
1. A. S. Kiran Kumar
2. V. Narayanan
3. Meena Ganesh
4. Dr. Shailesh Nayak
Answer: V. Narayanan
Solution: V. Narayanan took over as the Chairman of ISRO on January 14, 2025, succeeding S. Somanath. Dr. Narayanan is a noted rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert. He has been heading ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre LPSC since January 2018. His tenure as Chairman will include overseeing significant projects like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4 missions. He will also assume the role of Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman of the Space Commission, effective from January 14, 2025.

Q9. Which of the following sentences are FALSE about Chandrayaan 2 mission?
1. It was a highly complex mission which aimed at exploring the North Pole of the Moon.
2. The GSLV MK-III carried Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit.
3. GSLV MK-III is India's most powerful launcher till date which is capable of launching satellite to Geo Synchronous Transfer Unit GTO.
4. The Moon Impact Probe ejected from Chandrayaan 2 and crashed near the lunar South Pole.
1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4
4. 1 and 4
Answer: option 4
Solution: Chandrayaan 2 was indeed a highly complex mission but it aimed at exploring the South Pole of the Moon. The GSLV MK-III carried Chandrayaan 2 to its designated orbit, which is correct. GSLV MK-III is indeed India's most powerful launcher till date and is capable of launching satellites to Geo Synchronous Transfer Orbit GTO. The statement that the Moon Impact Probe ejected from Chandrayaan 2 and crashed near the lunar South Pole is false. This event actually occurred during the Chandrayaan 1 mission, not Chandrayaan 2.

Q10. Which Indian satellite was launched on 27th November, 2019 by ISRO from the Sriharikota centre for the purpose of geographical research and studies?
1. GSAT-7A
2. RISAT-2B
3. CARTOSAT-3
4. GSAT-29
Answer: CARTOSAT-3
Solution: CARTOSAT-3 is an advanced satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO for Earth observation. The satellite was successfully launched on 27th November 2019 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. It is equipped with a high-resolution imaging capability, with a resolution of up to 25 cm, making it one of the most advanced imaging satellites in the world. The satellite will primarily be used for geographical research, urban planning, rural resource management, and disaster management support.

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