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 Earth Observation Satellite-01 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 Mission Overview

Earth Observation Satellite-01 was designed and executed with the primary aim of supporting advancements in Earth Observation (Radar Imaging).The operational profile of Earth Observation Satellite-01 was tailored for Earth.

• The launch of Earth Observation Satellite-01 was carried out by the PSLV-C49.
• The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• At its foundation, Earth Observation Satellite-01 was designed to All-weather, day-night earth observation.
• Earth Observation Satellite-01 had several secondary objectives, including efforts to Agriculture, forestry, disaster management support.
• The mission has reached the stage classified as Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 Mission

• The mission timeline of Earth Observation Satellite-01 began with its launch on November 7, 2020.

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ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 Mission Technical Specifications

Following its launch on November 7, 2020 via PSLV-C49, the spacecraft was deployed into Low Earth Orbit.

• ISRO selected X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for Earth Observation Satellite-01 based on their suitability for deployment in Earth.
• ISRO employed Synthetic Aperture Radar to carry out the mission’s objectives in Earth.

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Earth Observation Satellite-01 Launch Information

• ISRO conducted the launch of Earth Observation Satellite-01 on November 7, 2020, as per mission planning.
• To execute the launch of Earth Observation Satellite-01, the PSLV-C49 was deployed.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota hosted the missions launch activities.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO worked together to deliver the mission objectives.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 Mission

ISRO marked Continuity of RISAT services through the successful execution of Earth Observation Satellite-01.The mission was designed to collect and deliver Radar imagery for various applications, supporting downstream applications.

• The mission’s outcome supports national needs through civilian applications like Agriculture, forestry, disaster management support.
• All-weather Earth imaging, strategic surveillance reflects the larger purpose behind EOS-01 (RISAT-2BR2).
• As part of a long-term roadmap, ISRO envisions further efforts related to Earth Observation Satellite-01, which may include targeted missions like RISAT series continuity, more advanced radar satellites.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-01 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.
• Space missions contribute to economic and social development, and their applications in resource mapping, weather data, and rural connectivity are valid points in UPSC Mains writing.
• Case studies on transparent communication during mission failures or ISROs non-militaristic space stance fit well into discussions on ethical decision-making.
• Missions like Cartosat or Resourcesat allow candidates to bring satellite-based data into answers dealing with urban planning, hydrology, and land-use studies.

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 of the following statement is incorrect regarding ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network ISTRAC system
1. The major objectives of the center is providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command TTC services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit
2. ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications
3. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India only
4. ISTRAC has been mandated to provide space operations support for Deep Space Missions of ISRO
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The major objectives of the center are providing Telemetry, Tracking and Command services from launch vehicle lift-off till injection of satellite into orbit and ISTRAC is responsible for developing radar systems for launch vehicle tracking and meteorological applications. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is correct. ISTRAC has a network of ground stations located across India and in other countries including Brunei, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect. ISTRAC has been mandated to provide space operations support for Deep Space Missions of ISRO. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Q2. How many of the statements regarding various lunar missions are correct
1. The United States is the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon
2. The Chang'e 4 mission conducted by China successfully achieved the ambitious goal of collecting lunar samples from the Moon's surface and returning them to Earth
3. LUNA and VIPER are a series of missions including orbiters, landers, and rovers sent by Russia to study the Moon
1. only one
2. only two
3. All are correct
4. None is correct
Answer: only one
Solution: The United States is indeed the only country that has successfully landed humans on the Moon. The Chang'e 4 mission did not collect lunar samples and return them to Earth; it was a successful soft landing on the far side of the Moon. LUNA and VIPER are not missions sent by Russia; LUNA was a series of Soviet missions, and VIPER is a NASA mission. Hence, only the first statement is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Megha-Tropiques-1 MT-1 satellite
1. It was a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011
2. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023
3. This action aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris
How many of the statements given above is are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. Megha-Tropiques-1 was indeed a joint Indo-French mission launched in 2011. ISRO conducted a controlled re-entry of the satellite in March 2023, which aligns with UN guidelines for minimizing space debris.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding POEM-3
1. It is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024
2. Used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission in June 2022, ISRO had POEM orbit the earth as a stabilised platform to perform in-orbit scientific experiments with various payloads
3. Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre VSSC as an inexpensive space platform, POEM uses the spent fourth stage of a PSLV rocket as an orbital platform
How many of the statements given above is are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. POEM-3 is a space platform that uses the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle. It was used for the first time in the PSLV-C53 mission to perform in-orbit scientific experiments. It was developed by VSSC as an inexpensive space platform.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO's efforts to mitigate space debris
1. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission of ISRO has achieved a zero orbital debris milestone by transforming the last stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 POEM-3, which was later made to re-enter Earth's atmosphere
2. POEM-3 served as an orbital platform for in-orbit scientific experiments and was powered by solar panels and a lithium-ion battery, with a dedicated navigation, guidance, and control system
3. ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its assets from collisions with space debris and has been proactive in the development of technologies for in-space refueling, de-orbiting of old satellites, and satellite life extension through start-up initiatives like Manastu Space
How many of the statements given above is are correct
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. All of the above
Answer: Option 4
Solution: All statements are correct. The PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission achieved a zero orbital debris milestone, POEM-3 served as an orbital platform for experiments, and ISRO has established the Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its assets.

Q6. Consider the following statements about Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment MOXIE
1. It is developed by ISRO
2. It can generate oxygen in Mars
3. It was one of the payload of Mangalyaan mission
How many of the statements are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: option 1
Solution: Only the second statement is correct. MOXIE was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT and is capable of generating oxygen from Mars' atmosphere. It was not part of the Mangalyaan mission.

Q7. Consider the following statements about the humanoid's skull for the Gaganyaan mission
1. The humanoid's skull is designed and developed by experts at the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit IISU, Thiruvananthapuram
2. The skull weighs 800 grams and measures 200 mm x 220 mm
3. It is made from a high-strength aluminum alloy to withstand pressure and vibration
Which of the statements given above is are incorrect
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 only
3. None
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: option 3
Solution: All statements are correct. The humanoid's skull is designed by ISRO experts, weighs 800 grams, and is made from a high-strength aluminum alloy.

Q8. Which of the following are key objectives of ISRO's Analog Space Mission in Ladakh
1. Simulating conditions for an interplanetary habitat to test life-support systems
2. Testing the feasibility of sustainable extraterrestrial bases for future Mars and Moon missions
3. Studying the impact of high-altitude environments on space-grade materials and equipment
Select the correct answer using the code given below
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: 1, 2, and 3
Solution: All statements are correct. The mission aims to simulate conditions for an interplanetary habitat, test sustainable extraterrestrial bases, and study the impact of high-altitude environments on materials.

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight, particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission
1. The Crew Escape System CES on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction, using solid fuel engines
2. The Gaganyaan crew module, in orbit, will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station
How many of the above statements are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Crew Escape System is designed to pull the crew module away in case of malfunction, the crew module can use onboard thrusters for reentry, and it serves as a lifeboat after docking.

Q10. The term Axiom Mission 4 Ax-4, recently seen in the news, refers to
1. NASA's latest crewed lunar landing mission under the Artemis program
2. The fourth government-backed Indian astronaut training program conducted by ISRO
3. A private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries
4. An EU-sponsored deep space telescope launch under ESA's Cosmic Vision 2050
Answer: option 3
Solution: Axiom Mission 4 is a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station involving India and other countries, promoting international collaboration in human spaceflight.