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-07 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Mission Overview

Among ISRO’s various projects, Earth Observation Satellite-07 mission represents a targeted effort within the domain of Earth Observation, Technology Demonstration.To carry out its objectives, Earth Observation Satellite-07 targeted Low Earth Orbit.

• Earth Observation Satellite-07 lifted off using the SSLV-D2.
• Liftoff occurred at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, as per mission scheduling.
• At its foundation, Earth Observation Satellite-07 was designed to Earth observation, demonstrate SSLV capabilities with multiple satellites.
• Alongside its primary function, Earth Observation Satellite-07 was expected to Validate new technologies for future missions.
• As per ISRO documentation, the mission is Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Mission

• Earth Observation Satellite-07 was launched on February 10, 2023.

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ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Mission Technical Specifications

Approx 1563 kg mass defined the operational capabilities of EOS-07, supporting its deployment into Low Earth Orbit.The orbital path—Circular Low Earth Orbit, 450 km altitude—was selected based on compatibility with the mission’s launch platform and onboard systems.

• The mission architecture included Millimetre-wave humidity sounder, spectrum monitoring payload that would support both operational needs and scientific data acquisition.
• The technical approach for EOS-07 included systems like SSLV launch vehicle, various experimental payloads.

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Earth Observation Satellite-07 Launch Information

• On February 10, 2023, Earth Observation Satellite-07 was sent into its designated orbit.
• The mission was launched using the SSLV-D2, as per the mission plan.
• The vehicle was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission involved contributions from Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• The instrumentation onboard EOS-07 was supported by contributions from Co-passenger Janus-1 (Antaris, USA), AzaadiSAT-2 (Space Kidz India).

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Mission

Successful second developmental flight of SSLV is recorded as a notable outcome of Earth Observation Satellite-07.Earth Observation Satellite-07 generated data outputs including Earth observation data, technology demonstration data.

• Earth Observation Satellite-07 contributed to broader goals by Established SSLV as a viable small satellite launcher.
• The technologies developed under Earth Observation, Technology Demonstration are relevant for Earth observation, resource monitoring, disaster management.
• Earth Observation Satellite-07 supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Data continuity for strategic and civilian applications.
• Continued development of advanced Earth observation satellites represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by Earth Observation Satellite-07, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.

ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Technical documents for Earth Observation Satellite-07 mention Ensuring success after SSLV-D1 failure as a mission-phase concern.
The mission adopted practices like Modifications based on SSLV-D1 lessons to lower operational risks.

• One of the lessons from EOS-07 was Validation of SSLV design and performance.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Earth Observation Satellite-07 Space Mission

• ISRO’s space-based support to agriculture, weather forecasting, navigation, and defence can be potential UPSC Prelims topics under Science and Economy.
• ISROs organizational efficiency, low-cost model, and long-term planning offer useful examples for General Studies answers dealing with public institutions and governance structures.
• ISRO’s space missions offer rich content for UPSC essays on themes like innovation, scientific temper, national self-reliance, or institutional excellence.
• 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 among the following is India's first Human spaceflight programme?
1. Chandrayaan - 1
2. Shukrayaan
3. Mangalyaan
4. Gaganyaan
Answer: Gaganyaan
Solution: The correct answer is Gaganyaan. Mission Gaganyaan has been dubbed as India's maiden human spaceflight program. India is planning to send the astronauts into space. Under the Gaganyaan schedule, three flights will be sent in orbit. Of the three, there will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight. The human space flight program, called the Orbital Module, will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.

Q2. Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced to launch DS-SAR satellite of which of the following countries through PSLV-C56?
1. Israel
2. USA
3. Singapore
4. UAE
Answer: Singapore
Solution: The correct answer is Singapore. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its PSLV-C56 rocket carrying seven Singaporean satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. 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 (SAR) payload which allows it to provide all-weather day and night coverage.

Q3. What is the name of the abort mission that ISRO is scheduled to launch on recently?
1. Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 TV-D1
2. Crew Escape System Test Mission-1 CES-T1
3. Gaganyaan Abort Mission-1 GAM-1
4. Both 1 and 2
Answer: Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 TV-D1
Solution: The correct answer is Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 TV-D1. ISRO is all set to launch the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission TV-D1, a key part of its ambitious human space mission Gaganyaan. The TV-D1 is a single-stage liquid rocket that will carry a crew module and crew escape systems to an altitude of 17 km. The abort sequence will then be executed, with the crew escape systems separating from the rocket and deploying parachutes to bring the crew module safely to the ground. The success of the TV-D1 test flight will be a significant milestone for the Gaganyaan programme, as it will demonstrate the ability of the crew escape system to safely transport astronauts away from a failing rocket. This test flight will be followed by three more tests of the same nature in the coming days. The Gaganyaan mission aims to launch a crew of three Indian astronauts to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth. If successful, India will become the fourth nation to launch a manned spaceflight mission, after the US, Russia, and China.

Q4. Which of the following Indian institution has recently demonstrated a hackproof quantum communication system?
1. IIT, Madras
2. ISRO
3. DRDO
4. C-DAC
Answer: ISRO
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO. The Indian Space Research Organisation has a strong interest in developing technologies for secure satellite communication, which includes the potential for quantum communication to ensure security against eavesdropping and hacking attempts. ISRO's involvement in space and satellite technologies makes it a likely candidate for deploying and testing quantum communication systems.

Q5. By which year is ISRO planning to have the Indian Space Station Bharatiya Antariksha Station ready?
1. 2025
2. 2026
3. 2027
4. 2028
Answer: 2028
Solution: The correct answer is 2028. India plans to build its own space station by 2035, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2028. ISRO is currently designing the space station, with detailed engineering completed for launch by 2028 using the LVM3 rocket. The space station's early phase will focus on robotic activities to build operational capability and confidence. While focusing on independent space activities, India remains open to collaboration with other countries on joint missions and space station efforts.

Q6. What name has ISRO given to the Rover sent along with Chandrayaan-3 Mission?
1. Pragyan
2. Shiv-Shakti
3. Vikram
4. Mission Mangal
Answer: Pragyan
Solution: The correct answer is Pragyan. Pragyan is the name given to the rover that was part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The word Pragyan means wisdom in Sanskrit, symbolizing the rover's mission to gather knowledge about the lunar surface. The rover Pragyan is equipped with scientific instruments designed to study the composition of the lunar surface and analyze soil and rock samples. Pragyan operates on solar power and is expected to function for a lunar day, which is equivalent to about 14 Earth days.

Q7. NISAR satellite is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the Earth's most complex processes. It is a:
1. project of Canadian space agency
2. project of ISRO alone
3. joint project between ISRO and NASA
4. project of NASA alone
Answer: joint project between ISRO and NASA
Solution: The correct answer is joint project between ISRO and NASA. The NISAR satellite is a collaborative project between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The primary objective of the NISAR mission is to observe and take detailed measurements of some of the Earth's most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.

Q8. The number of scientific payloads on Aditya L - 1 mission for systematic study of Sun is
1. 9
2. 6
3. 7
4. 5
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. Aditya-L1 is India's first space-based solar observatory, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. It is designed for a systematic study of the Sun from the Lagrange Point 1 L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth. The mission carries 7 scientific payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona of the Sun in multiple wavelengths.

Q9. Aditya-L1 is a landmark Indian mission aimed at understanding solar phenomena. What specific celestial target is Aditya-L1 focused on studying from the Lagrangian point L1?
1. Moon
2. Mars
3. Venus
4. Sun
Answer: Sun
Solution: The correct answer is Sun. Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun. It is designed to provide insights into the solar atmosphere and its impact on the interplanetary space environment. The mission is named after the Sun god Aditya in Hindu mythology and L1 denotes its placement at the Lagrange point 1 L1, which is about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth towards the Sun. The L1 point is a strategic location for continuous solar observations because objects at this point maintain a stable position relative to the Earth and the Sun.

Q10. What is the name of India's first Solar mission which was launched by ISRO in September, 2023?
1. Aditya-L1
2. Aditya-S1
3. Aditya-P1
4. Aditya-M1
Answer: Aditya-L1
Solution: The correct answer is Aditya-L1. Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023. The spacecraft is designed to study the Sun's corona, chromosphere, and solar wind dynamics. Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L1, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. The mission aims to collect data to understand solar activities and their effect on space weather. Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads, including instruments for imaging the Sun and analyzing magnetic fields and plasma.