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-12 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO GSAT-12 Mission Overview

As a Communication initiative, ISROs GSAT-12 contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.ISRO positioned GSAT-12 in Geostationary Orbit to meet its operational goals.

• ISRO selected the PSLV-C17 to carry the GSAT-12 mission.
• The spacecraft was sent into orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• GSAT-12 focused primarily on fulfilling the objective of Augment transponder capacity, replace INSAT-3B services.
• GSAT-12 was further expected to aid in Tele-education, tele-medicine, disaster management support.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Decommissioned.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO GSAT-12 Mission

• ISRO scheduled the GSAT-12 mission for launch on July 15, 2011.
• According to available documentation, GSAT-12 has a planned operational life extending to Around 7 years.

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ISRO GSAT-12 Mission Technical Specifications

Following its launch on July 15, 2011 via PSLV-C17, the spacecraft was deployed into Geosynchronous Orbit, 83° East longitude.

• GSAT-12 relied on Extended C-band to transmit navigation and system data to ground stations.
• GSAT-12 made use of key technologies such as Communication satellite technology.

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GSAT-12 Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of GSAT-12 on July 15, 2011, as per mission planning.
• As part of its launch strategy, GSAT-12 used PSLV-C17 for orbital insertion.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO participated in the planning and execution of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO GSAT-12 Mission

GSAT-12 is recognized for achieving Ensured continuity of communication services.Communication services (VSAT, DTH) were derived from payloads aboard GSAT-12.

• Outputs from GSAT-12 are used in civilian domains, particularly in Tele-education, tele-medicine, VSAT services.
• The mission was conceptualized in line with broader policy directions, including Communication services, societal applications.

ISRO GSAT-12 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO GSAT-12 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.
• Missions like RISAT, Cartosat, and Oceansat illustrate how space technology supports internal security, agriculture, coastal monitoring, and environmental protection, all of which are topics in General Studies papers.
• 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. Which among the following is a recent scientific mission of ISRO comprehensive study of the Sun
1. Aditya - L1
2. Bhaskara - L2
3. Solar Mission - L1
4. Solar Orbiter
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Aditya L1 is India's first scientific expedition to study the Sun. Hence, Option 1 is correct. It will be ISRO's second space-based astronomy mission after AstroSat, which was launched in 2015. L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1, one of 5 points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system. ISRO categorizes Aditya L1 as a 400kg-class satellite that will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in XL configuration. It will be inserted in a halo orbit around the L1 which is 1.5 million km from the Earth.

Q2. In reference to Mangalyaan launched by ISRO, consider the following statements
Statement I: It is also called as the Mars Orbiter Mission
Statement II: It was launched on November 2013
Select the correct answer using the code given below
1. Neither I nor II
2. Both I and II
3. Only I
4. Only II
Answer: Option 2
Solution: Mangalyaan is the popular name for India's Mars Orbiter Mission. The mission's official name is indeed Mars Orbiter Mission. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Mangalyaan was launched on November 5, 2013. Hence, Statement 2 is correct.

Q3. When will PSLV-C56 carrying DS-SAR satellite be launched from Singapore
1. October 23
2. September 23
3. July 23
4. August 23
Answer: July 23
Solution: The PSLV-C56 mission is scheduled to launch in July 2023. The primary satellite on this mission is the DS-SAR satellite from Singapore. PSLV-C56 is part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle series, operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation. This mission aims to strengthen the cooperation between India and Singapore in the field of space technology and satellite applications.

Q4. Which team of Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO won the Vigyan Team award in 2024
1. Chandrayaan-2 Team
2. XPoSat Team
3. Aditya-L1 Team
4. Chandrayaan-3 Team
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 Team
Solution: The Chandrayaan-3 Team of ISRO was awarded the Vigyan Team award in 2024. Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation. The mission aims to demonstrate the capability of soft-landing on the lunar surface and operate a rover. Chandrayaan-3 was built upon the experience gained from the Chandrayaan-2 mission.

Q5. ISRO recently achieved its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC in Sriharikota. Choose the correct statement regarding this launch
1. ISRO's 100th launch took place from Sriharikota, Tamilnadu
2. ISRO's 100th launch took place using the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite
3. NVS-02 is the 2nd satellite in the series of 2nd generation satellites of the Navigation with Indian Constellation NavIC
4. The GSLV-F15 is the 20th GSLV flight
1. Only statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct
2. Only statements 2, 3 and 4 are correct
3. Only statements 1 and 3 are correct
4. Only statements 2 and 3 are correct
Answer: Only statements 2 and 3 are correct
Solution: ISRO achieved its 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC, Sriharikota, using the GSLV-F15 rocket. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. ISRO's 100th launch took place using the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite. Hence statement 2 is correct. The mission successfully deployed the NVS-02 satellite, which is part of the second-generation NavIC constellation. Hence statement 3 is correct. GSLV-F15 marks the 17th flight of the GSLV rocket and the 11th mission using an Indigenous Cryogenic Stage. Hence statement 4 is incorrect.

Q6. Which is India's first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory
1. XPoSat
2. AstroSat
3. Aditya-L1
4. Chandrayaan-2
Answer: AstroSat
Solution: AstroSat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space telescope. AstroSat is India's first multi-wavelength space observatory, which aims to study the universe in multiple wavelengths such as visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays. It is designed to observe celestial sources in different wavelengths of light to help scientists understand the universe's various phenomena better.

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO's Kulasekarapattinam spaceport
Statement 1: It is located in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
Statement 2: This spaceport will focus on critical advancements in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management
Statement 3: It is India's 2nd spaceport after Satish Dhawan Space Center
Which of the above statements is/are correct
1. 1 and 2
2. 1 and 3
3. 2 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Statement 2 and Statement 3
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect because the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport is located in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu, not Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. This spaceport will serve as ISRO's second launch complex, and its strategic location in Tamil Nadu is expected to enhance India's satellite launch capabilities. Statement 2 is correct as the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will focus on advancements in spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal management. Statement 3 is correct because Kulasekarapattinam is indeed India's second spaceport. The first spaceport is the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Q8. What is the name of India's first privately developed rocket
1. Bazoomq
2. Prarambh
3. Vikram-S
4. Skyroot
Answer: Vikram-S
Solution: Vikram-S is India's first privately developed rocket, designed and built by the Hyderabad-based startup Skyroot Aerospace. It was successfully launched on November 18, 2022, from the Indian Space Research Organisation facility at Sriharikota. The mission, named Prarambh (The Beginning), marked a historic milestone for India's private space sector. Vikram-S is a single-stage, sub-orbital rocket powered by solid fuel and advanced composite materials, and it reached a peak altitude of 89.5 km.

Q9. Consider the following space missions
I. Axiom-4
II. SpaDeX
III. Gaganyaan
How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All the three
4. None
Answer: The Correct answer is Option 3
Solution: Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4 is a private space mission organized by Axiom Space, launched to the International Space Station ISS. The ISS is a microgravity laboratory where astronauts conduct a variety of experiments in medicine, physics, biology, and materials science. Therefore, Axiom-4 enables microgravity research. SpaDeX is an Indian space mission by ISRO designed to demonstrate autonomous docking technology between satellites. The mission is expected to include studies and hardware testing in microgravity conditions since autonomous docking must function in orbit under such conditions. As such, SpaDeX contributes to microgravity-related R&D and technology validation. Gaganyaan is India's first crewed space mission being developed by ISRO. It aims to send humans into low Earth orbit LEO, where microgravity conditions prevail. The crewed module will be used to conduct microgravity experiments related to biological sciences, physical sciences, and space medicine. Thus, all three missions encourage and support microgravity research.