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 IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Mission Overview

As a Navigation initiative, ISROs IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.To carry out its objectives, IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite targeted Earth.

• As part of its launch strategy, IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite used PSLV-C32 for orbital insertion.
• Liftoff occurred at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, as per mission scheduling.
• ISRO developed IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite with the core goal of Regional navigation services.
• ISRO also designed IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite to support additional goals such as Augment NavIC constellation.
• According to available records, the mission status is Partially Operational (atomic clock anomalies detected).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Mission

• March 10, 2016 marked the official launch of the IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite mission.
• Around March 2026 (10-year design life) was set as the end-of-life marker for the mission’s primary phase.

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ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Mission Technical Specifications

The satellite’s technical blueprint included I-1K bus, Rubidium atomic clocks, allowing for stability and performance in space.The orbital profile—Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO)—was selected to support the execution of both primary and secondary goals of the mission.

• For this Navigation effort, the scientific payloads onboard included Navigation and ranging payloads, ensuring compatibility with its planned orbit.
• For data relay and payload monitoring, L5-band, S-band formed the backbone of the missions communication suite.
• The mission adopted Satellite navigation technology to meet its operational and scientific requirements.

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IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Launch Information

• IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite lifted off from the launch pad on March 10, 2016.
• PSLV-C32 served as the launch platform for IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO were involved in various phases of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Mission

Mission documentation identifies Sixth satellite in NavIC constellation as a milestone in the Navigation program.The mission was designed to collect and deliver Navigation and timing data, supporting downstream applications.

• Outputs from IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite are used in civilian domains, particularly in Navigation services, vehicle tracking, disaster management support.
• Augmented NavIC constellation, enhancing regional navigation autonomy highlights the role of IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite in India’s strategic space program.
• As part of a long-term roadmap, ISRO envisions further efforts related to IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite, which may include targeted missions like Further NavIC satellites (NVS series) for system robustness.

ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• As part of post-mission analysis, Satellite utilized for messaging services despite navigation signal degradation was initiated.
• Engineering evaluations highlighted Importance of redundant and robust atomic clock systems; improved quality control for future clock procurements for future applications.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO IRNSS-1F Navigation Satellite Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• 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.
• ISRO’s consistent success under public scrutiny and budget limitations can be used to discuss institutional discipline and public accountability.
• 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. Satellites TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were launched in April 23 from Sriharikota by the launcher
1. SSLV-D2
2. LVM3-M4
3. PSLV-C55
4. GSLV-F12
Answer: Option 3
Solution: The satellites TeLEOS-2 and Lumelite-4 were launched on April 23, 2023, from Sriharikota by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C55. The PSLV-C55 mission was conducted by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO and carried two Singaporean satellites. The PSLV is known for its reliability and versatility in launching various types of satellites into different orbits.

Q2. India's Mars rover will help in getting information about which planet?
1. Mars
2. Mercury
3. Jupiter
4. Venus
Answer: Mars
Solution: The Mars rover is part of India's Mars Orbiter Mission which was launched on November 5, 2013. It aims to explore and observe Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy, and the Martian atmosphere. India is the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit and the first nation in the world to achieve this in its maiden attempt.

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. 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 ISRO, aiming to demonstrate the capability of soft-landing on the lunar surface and operate a rover.

Q5. 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 and observatory, designed to study the universe in multiple wavelengths such as visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays. It allows for a detailed study of different cosmic events like black holes, neutron stars, supernovae, and distant galaxies.

Q6. 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. 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 after the Satish Dhawan Space Center.

Q7. In February 2023, ISRO carried out the first successful launch using its new rocket.
1. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle
2. Geo Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
3. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
4. Scramjet Engine-TD
Answer: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV
Solution: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle SSLV is a new generation rocket developed by ISRO to meet the rising demand for small satellite launches. On February 10, 2023, ISRO successfully launched the SSLV-D2 mission, marking the first operational flight of the SSLV.

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, marking a historic milestone for India's private space sector.

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: All three missions Axiom-4, SpaDeX, and Gaganyaan encourage and support microgravity research. Axiom-4 is a private mission to the ISS, SpaDeX is designed to demonstrate autonomous docking technology in microgravity, and Gaganyaan aims to send humans into low Earth orbit where microgravity conditions prevail.