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 INSAT-2D Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO INSAT-2D Mission Overview

INSAT-2D Space Mission falls under the category of Communication missions undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation.INSAT-2D was configured for deployment in Geostationary Orbit, based on mission requirements.

• Ariane-44L served as the launch platform for INSAT-2D.
• Kourou, French Guiana hosted the missions launch activities.
• Among its key functions, INSAT-2D was intended to Augment INSAT capacity; similar to INSAT-2C.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Failed in orbit.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO INSAT-2D Mission

• The scheduled launch date for INSAT-2D was 04/06/1997.
• The baseline duration for INSAT-2D is scheduled through October 1997 (failed in orbit).

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ISRO INSAT-2D Mission Technical Specifications

Key subsystems and architecture of INSAT-2D were built around Mass 2079 kg.The choice of Geostationary (intended 935° E longitude) aligned with the mission’s overall strategy for scientific observation and technical validation.

• The Communication mission relied on a set of payloads—namely Communication transponders—to achieve its functional objectives.
• Indigenous communication satellite technology formed the core technological base for the Communication mission INSAT-2D.

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INSAT-2D Launch Information

• INSAT-2D lifted off from the launch pad on 04/06/1997.
• The launch of INSAT-2D was carried out by the Ariane-44L.
• The vehicle was launched from Kourou, French Guiana.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO participated in the planning and execution of the mission.

• International coordination with Launch by Arianespace helped advance some of the secondary goals of INSAT-2D.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO INSAT-2D Mission

Among its contributions, INSAT-2D delivered information on Limited service before failure.

• Environmental considerations included Satellite became space debris earlier than planned in the context of INSAT-2D.
• The mission contributes to everyday life through applications like Communication, broadcasting (intended).
• ISRO is expected to build upon the foundation laid by INSAT-2D through future initiatives such as Subsequent INSATs replaced capability, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this domain.

ISRO INSAT-2D Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Managing On-orbit power system failure was part of the broader mission operations strategy.

• The mission experienced a technical issue where Became inoperable due to power bus short circuit.
• Investigation into failure mode contributed to refining the systems used in subsequent missions.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO INSAT-2D Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims aspirants benefit from tracking ISRO developments, as topics like launch vehicles, mission objectives, and payload types are common in factual and concept-based questions.
• The collaborative nature of missions with international agencies such as NASA, ESA, or CNES can also be used in GS Paper II under international relations and science diplomacy.
• The ethical use of space for peaceful purposes, as consistently upheld by ISRO, resonates with values-based questions in GS Paper IV.
• In International Relations, India’s space diplomacy — including satellite launches for SAARC nations or bilateral cooperation with ESA and NASA — provides a solid example.

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. How many Singaporean satellites were launched by ISROs PSLV-C56 rocket in the DS-SAR mission?
1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 7. ISRO launches PSLV-C56 rocket carrying 7 Singaporean satellites. DS-SAR, a radar imaging earth observation satellite is a primary satellite for the mission. It was developed under a partnership between the Defence Science and Technology Agency representing the government of Singapore and ST Engineering. According to ISRO, DS-SAR carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar payload which allows it to provide all-weather day and night coverage.

Q2. Which of the following country has become first country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moons south pole?
1. India
2. Russia
3. China
4. US
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is India. India has become first country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moons south pole. After a 40-day journey starting from the Sathish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, the Indian Space Research Organisations Chandrayaan-3 mission has landed successfully. The Vikram lander made a soft lunar landing. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is the follow-up to the Chandrayaan-2 mission of 2019, when the Vikram lander crashed into the lunar surface. The primary objective of the mission is simple showcase the space agencys capability to complete a soft-landing on the Moon. With the mission, India has joined a small and exclusive club of countries that have managed to soft land on the Moon. So far, the club has three members the United States, the Soviet Union and China. Scientists have a particular interest in water ice, as it could be used for fuel, oxygen, and drinking water with the mission laying the groundwork for a potential permanent base.

Q3. What is the name of the satellite to be launched by the SSLV under the commercial mission named Space MAITRI?
1. Janus
2. Artemis
3. Sirius
4. Optimus
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Optimus. Optimus is the satellite scheduled for launch by SSLV Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. The launch is part of the first dedicated commercial mission of SSLV. Optimus is designed and built by Australia-based Space Machines Company. It weighs 450 kilograms, making it the largest Australian-designed and built spacecraft to date. ISROs commercial arm NSIL said that its newest rocket the SSLV will have its first dedicated commercial launch when it puts into orbit the Optimus. This mission, named Space MAITRI, signifies a strategic partnership between Australia and India in the space domain. The partnership aims to enhance space collaboration between commercial, institutional, and government space organizations of both nations. Optimus mission includes a focus on sustainability and debris management in space operations.

Q4. Which Group Captain of the Indian Air Force is set to become the first Indian astronaut to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025?
1. Ajit Krishnan
2. Shubhanshu Shukla
3. Anant Agrahari
4. Angad Prathap
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Shubhanshu Shukla. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 Ax-4 mission to the International Space Station in 2025, marking Indias first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharmas 1984 mission. This mission is a collaboration between India and the United States, following an agreement between ISRO and Axiom Space, announced during Prime Minister Modis state visit to the US. Shukla, an experienced test pilot from the Indian Air Force, will be joined by fellow IAF astronaut and backup pilot Group Captain Prashanth Nair, with the mission commanded by renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson. As pilot, Shukla will assist with spacecraft operations, navigation, and docking, while also preparing for emergencies and conducting critical system checks. He will support scientific research by managing microgravity experiments aboard the ISS. The Ax-4 mission is pivotal for advancing Indias space capabilities, particularly in preparation for the Gaganyaan project, Indias upcoming crewed mission. Shukla is expected to conduct five experiments during his time on the ISS.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Aditya-L1 mission:
1. Aditya-L1 is Indias first mission to study the Sun and is placed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 L1.
2. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph VELC aboard Aditya-L1 was developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics IIAp, Bengaluru, to observe coronal mass ejections CMEs.
3. The Aditya-L1 mission aims to study the Moons surface and understand lunar geology.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
1. 1 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 2 and 3 only
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 3 only. Aditya-L1 is Indias first space-based solar mission, launched by ISRO in September 2023. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph VELC developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics is one of the payloads aboard Aditya-L1. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. The mission aims to study coronal mass ejections CMEs, which are powerful explosions on the sun. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. The Aditya-L1 mission is stationed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 L1, providing an uninterrupted view of the sun. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to study different solar phenomena, including solar wind, the corona, and solar flares. The missions primary objective is to understand coronal heating, solar wind acceleration, and space weather.

Q6. The experiment will involve two spacecraft flying in precise formation to produce artificial solar eclipses for studying the Suns corona. The experiment in question refers to:
1. Voyager-2
2. New Horizons
3. LISA Pathfinder
4. PROBA-3
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Option 4. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO successfully launched the European Space Agencys ESA PROBA-3 mission aboard the PSLV-C59 rocket. PROBA-3 Mission is ESAs first mission dedicated to precision formation flying, involving two satellites designed to create artificial solar eclipses to study the Suns corona. Hence, option 4 is correct. The twin satellites will fly in formation to block the Suns direct light, allowing detailed observation of the corona, which is typically obscured by the Suns brightness. Understanding the corona is crucial for insights into solar phenomena like coronal mass ejections and solar wind origins, which can impact space weather and Earths technological systems. This launch marks a significant step in international space collaboration, being ESAs first mission launched from India since PROBA-1 in 2001.

Q7. What is the name of the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, a collaboration with Japans JAXA which was approved by Indias National Space Commission in October 2024?
1. Lupex
2. Mopex
3. SpaceX
4. Moonet
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Lupex. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission Lupex is a collaborative effort between Indias ISRO and Japans JAXA. This mission aims to explore the lunar south pole region, which is of significant interest due to its potential for water ice and other resources. The mission was approved by Indias National Space Commission in October 2024. Lupex is designed to carry out detailed scientific studies and experiments to better understand the lunar environment and its potential for future human exploration. This mission is part of a broader effort by both countries to expand their capabilities in space exploration and to foster international cooperation in the field.

Q8. What is the name acronym of the software developed by ISRO, through its Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC, a Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD tool aimed at facilitating aerodynamic design and analysis for aerospace vehicles?
1. PraVaHa
2. PraNaMa
3. PraYoGa
4. PraViNa
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is PraVaHa. PraVaHa is the acronym for the Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD software developed by ISRO. The software was developed at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC. PraVaHa is aimed at facilitating aerodynamic design and analysis for aerospace vehicles. This tool enhances the capabilities of ISRO in the field of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. It supports the development and optimization of various aerospace vehicles including rockets and satellites.

Q9. Which of the following is the South Asia satellite launched by India for the benefit of SAARC countries except Pakistan?
1. GSAT-7
2. GSAT-8
3. GSAT-9
4. GSAT-9A
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is GSAT-9. GSAT-9 is a communication satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on 5 May 2017. It was specifically designed to provide various communication applications in the South Asia region, except for Pakistan which opted out of the project. The satellite is also known as the South Asia Satellite and was first announced by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, during the 2014 SAARC summit. The satellite aims to improve telecommunication, broadcasting, and internet services and provides crucial information on natural resources, disaster response, and weather forecasting.

Q10. Which cosmodrome launched Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite?
1. American
2. German
3. Soviet
4. French
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Soviet. Aryabhatta, the first Indian satellite, was launched by the Soviet Union on April 19, 1975. The launch took place from the Kapustin Yar rocket launch and development site. The satellite was named after the famous Indian astronomer and mathematician, Aryabhata. The satellite was designed and assembled by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO.