Indian Space Program for UPSC
Mars Orbiter Mission: This mission marked India's first interplanetary venture to Mars. You can learn more about the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) on the linked page.
AstroSat: Astrosat is India's first dedicated astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources across X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands. You can read about Astrosat – India’s First Multi Wavelength Space Observatory on the linked page.
Chandrayaan-1: This was India's first mission to the Moon, with the spacecraft orbiting at an altitude of 100 km from the lunar surface for mineralogical, chemical, and photo-geologic mapping. You can learn more about Chandrayaan 1 on the linked page.
Chandrayaan-2: This mission is an advanced version of Chandrayaan-1, consisting of a Lander Craft (LC) and Orbiter Craft (OC) module that carries the Rover. You can find more details about Chandrayaan 2 on the linked page.
- Communication Satellites
The INSAT (Indian National Satellite) system was established in 1983 with the commissioning of INSAT-1B. You can find more information on INSAT – 1B on the linked page. This system has been instrumental in revolutionizing India's communication sector. Currently, it's one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region with nine operational communication satellites in the Geo-stationary orbit.
The INSAT system, with over 200 transponders in the C, Extended C, and Ku-bands, provides services for:
- Television broadcasting,
- Telecommunications
- Satellite newsgathering
- Weather forecasting
- Disaster warning
- Search and Rescue operations
- Earth Observation Satellites
ISRO launched its first earth observation satellite-IRS-1A in 1988. Since then, it has launched numerous operational remote sensing satellites. Today, India boasts one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation. You can learn more about IRS-1A – First Indigenous Remote Sensing Satellite on the linked page.
- Navigation Satellites
Satellite Navigation is an emerging service with commercial and strategic applications. ISRO is committed to providing satellite-based Navigation services to meet the growing demands of Civil Aviation and other user requirements. The ISRO and the Airport Authority of India are jointly working on the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. Additionally, ISRO has developed the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) to cater to the needs of positioning, navigation, and timing services based on an indigenous system.
- Small Satellites
The small satellite mission aims to provide a platform for stand-alone payloads for earth imaging and science missions within a short time frame. The Indian Mini Satellite -1 (IMS-1) and Indian Mini Satellite -2 (IMS-2) Bus are the main missions in this category.
- Experimental Satellites
ISRO has launched several small satellites primarily for experimental purposes. These experiments include Orbit Controls, Remote Sensing, Payload Development, Atmospheric Studies, and Recovery technology, among others.
- Student Satellites
ISRO has been inspiring educational institutions through its innovative activities. It invites the ideas of Indian youth for technological advancement. Competent Universities and institutions can venture into space technology on-orbit under the supervision and support of ISRO.
