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 Navigation Satellite-02 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Mission Overview

As a Navigation initiative, ISROs Navigation Satellite-02 contributes to ISRO’s broader programmatic roadmap.To carry out its objectives, Navigation Satellite-02 targeted Regional navigation India and surrounding areas.

• To execute the launch of Navigation Satellite-02, the GSLV-F15 was deployed.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota was the designated launch complex for this mission.
• The core purpose behind Navigation Satellite-02 was to Provide Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services.
• Alongside its primary function, Navigation Satellite-02 was expected to Augment NavIC constellation, enhance accuracy, replace IRNSS-1E.
• Based on mission tracking, the operational state is In elliptical orbit; thruster valve issue prevented orbit raising.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Mission

• The scheduled launch date for Navigation Satellite-02 was January 29, 2025.
• The final technical configuration of Navigation Satellite-02 was approved during the CDR held on Pre-shipment Review completed December 27, 2024.
• Thermovac test Nov-Dec 2024, dynamic test Dec 2024 marked the completion of test and assembly procedures for Navigation Satellite-02.
• The spacecraft was designed with an intended mission life concluding around Designed for over 12-year lifespan.

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ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Mission Technical Specifications

2250 kg lift-off mass, ~3 kW power, I-2K bus defined the operational capabilities of NVS-02, supporting its deployment into Regional navigation India and surrounding areas.The orbital profile—Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), planned 11175°E GEO—was selected to support the execution of both primary and secondary goals of the mission.

• ISRO selected Navigation payload (L1, L5, S bands), C-band ranging for Navigation Satellite-02 based on their suitability for deployment in Regional navigation India and surrounding areas.
• The mission made use of L1, L5, S bands (navigation); C-band (ranging), which are standard for applications in Navigation operations.
• The mission adopted Indigenous atomic clock, L1 band signals, Tri-band antenna to meet its operational and scientific requirements.

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Navigation Satellite-02 Launch Information

• On January 29, 2025, Navigation Satellite-02 was sent into its designated orbit.
• As part of its launch strategy, Navigation Satellite-02 used GSLV-F15 for orbital insertion.
• The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) participated in the planning and execution of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Mission

ISRO's 100th launch from Sriharikota is recorded as a notable outcome of Navigation Satellite-02.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Positioning, navigation, timing data for civilian and military use.

• As per ISRO reports, NVS-02 contributes toward Enhances India's self-reliance in satellite-based navigation systems.
• Navigation, timing services for civilian and commercial use represents one area where mission data finds regular use.
• Enhances NavIC constellation, national navigation self-reliance reflects the larger purpose behind NVS-02.
• ISRO is expected to build upon the foundation laid by Navigation Satellite-02 through future initiatives such as Continued augmentation of NavIC constellation with more NVS satellites, aiming to strengthen capabilities in this domain.

ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

Technical documents for Navigation Satellite-02 mention Thruster valves for orbit raising manoeuvre did not open as a mission-phase concern.

• An incident recorded for Navigation Satellite-02 involved Orbit raising operations could not be carried out.
• Corrective steps like Alternate mission strategies for elliptical orbit utilization explored were carried out to prevent recurrence in later missions.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Navigation Satellite-02 Space Mission

• Static topics like types of orbits and remote sensing applications are often linked to dynamic ISRO events, which creates integrated 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.
• Topics such as space for sustainable development, gender diversity in science, and equity in resource use can also be illustrated using ISRO’s mission ecosystem.
• ISRO’s satellite missions are highly relevant to Geography optional, especially under topics like remote sensing, resource mapping, and environmental monitoring.

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 firm has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission
1. Tata Elxsi
2. Tata Power
3. Tata Motors
4. Suzuki Motors
Answer: Tata Elxsi
Solution: Tata Elxsi has partnered with the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission. The leading global engineering company has designed and developed the crew module recovery models for the recovery team training of the space mission. Through the association, Tata Elxsi has designed and developed Crew Module Recovery Models for recovery team training of the space Mission. ISRO's Gaganyaan project envisions a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching the crew into a 400-kilometer orbit for a three-day Mission and safely bringing them to Earth by landing in Indian sea waters. One of the key requirements of this project is the safe recovery of the crew, which must be carried out with minimum lapse of time. This is where the crew recovery models come into use. For recovery team training, CMRMs designed and fabricated by Tata Elxsi, that simulated the Mass, Centre of gravity, Outer Dimensions, interfaces and Externals of the actual Crew Module.

Q2. NASA ISRO Plan Joint Space Mission To Map Globe Every ____________ Days
1. 6
2. 12
3. 18
4. 24
Answer: 12
Solution: NASA ISRO Plan Joint Space Mission To Map Globe Every 12 Days. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar is set to be launched in the first quarter of 2024 after a few tests. The launch of NISAR not earlier than January from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota aboard the ISRO Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II. The mission, which has three-year duration, aims to survey all of Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days. This will start after a 90-day satellite commissioning period. NISAR will map the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in the Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides.

Q3. Which collaborative space mission involves the European Space Agency ESA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, aiming to study the Sun's corona through precision formation flying
1. Europa Clipper
2. Proba-3
3. VIPER
4. Hera mission
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Proba-3 mission set to launch in September 2024 is a joint effort between the European Space Agency ESA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere. The challenge in studying the corona is that it's usually difficult to observe due to the bright light emitted by the Sun. To overcome this, Proba-3 will use a unique approach it will launch two satellites that will fly together in a precise formation, creating an artificial eclipse in space. This formation will allow scientists to continuously observe the corona, providing detailed information about this part of the Sun. The success of the mission depends on the satellites maintaining their positions with incredible accuracy, which is achieved using advanced technologies like precision cold gas thrusters and vision-based detection systems. Proba-3's innovative approach not only helps in understanding the Sun better but also serves as a test for future missions where multiple satellites could operate together as a single virtual structure. The launch vehicle of choice for this mission is the reliable PSLV-XL rocket operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. This collaboration between ESA and ISRO showcases the trend of international partnerships in space exploration, combining resources and expertise to achieve groundbreaking discoveries.

Q4. Which of the following statement is are INCORRECT about Chandrayaan-3
1. With the successful landing of the Lander Module of ISRO's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, India has reached the Moon It has also became the first country to land near the Moon's south pole
2. The Lander Module LM of the Indian Space Research Organisation's ISRO third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, launched on July 14, made a successfully landing on the Moon's surface on August 23, making India only the fourth country after the erstwhile USSR, the U.S. and China
1. Neither 1 nor 2
2. Both 1 and 2
3. 2 only
4. 1 only
Answer: Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is the third mission in the Chandrayaan programme, a series of lunar-exploration missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation. Chandrayaan-3 is the third mission in the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO's Chandrayaan lunar-exploration program. The mission consists of a Vikram lunar lander, a Pragyan lunar rover, and a propulsion module for transport from Earth orbit to lunar orbit. The Lander Module LM of the Indian Space Research Organisation's ISRO third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3, launched on July 14, made a successfully landing on the Moon's surface on August 23, making India only the fourth country after the erstwhile USSR, the U.S. and China. Made history by becoming the first lander to touch down near the lunar south pole on 23 August 2023 at 18:03 IST. With this landing at 69S, India became the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon and marked the southernmost lunar landing until IM-1 landed further south in Malapert A crater on 22 February 2024. It has also became the first country to land near the Moon's south pole. The Vikram lunar lander was not designed to survive the cold temperatures of the lunar night, leading to the end of the surface mission twelve days after landing.

Q5. The Indian Space Research Organisation's ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission aimed to
1. Deploy a communication satellite around the Moon
2. Study the composition of Martian rocks
3. Demonstrate soft landing and deploy a rover on the lunar surface
4. Investigate the possibility of life on Europa, a moon of Jupiter
Answer: option 3
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is the third mission in the Chandrayaan programme, a series of lunar exploration missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. It was successfully launched on July 14, 2023, and landed on the lunar surface near the south pole on August 23, 2023. The mission consists of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan. The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate the capability of soft landing on the lunar surface and deploying a rover. The rover will carry out scientific experiments on the lunar surface, including studying the composition of the lunar soil and the lunar atmosphere. Chandrayaan-3 is a significant achievement for India's space program. It represents a major step forward in India's ability to explore space and conduct scientific research on other celestial bodies.

Q6. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO launched India's first Mars Orbiter Mission, Mangalyan in
1. 2017
2. 2016
3. 2011
4. 2013
Answer: 2013
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO launched India's first Mars Orbiter Mission MOM, called Mangalyaan, on November 5, 2013. Mangalyaan was India's first interplanetary mission and made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first nation in the world to do so in its first attempt. The primary objective of the mission was to develop the technologies required for interplanetary missions. Mangalyaan successfully entered Mars orbit on September 24, 2014, and has been providing valuable data since then.

Q7. For which mission of ISRO has the International Astronautical Federation IAF awarded ISRO the World Space Award
1. Chandrayaan-3
2. Aditya-L1
3. Venus Mission
4. Chandrayaan-2
Answer: Chandrayaan-3
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is the third lunar exploration mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission's primary objective is to demonstrate the ability to safely land and operate a rover on the lunar surface. It builds on the successes of Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2, focusing on a precise landing on the moon. The mission does not have an orbiter, as it uses the orbiter from Chandrayaan-2 for communication. The mission aims to further our understanding of the lunar surface and contribute to the broader scientific knowledge of the Moon.

Q8. In November 2024, Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO started the country's first analogue space mission at which of the following places to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat
1. Mount Abu
2. Itanagar
3. Leh
4. Rameshwaram
Answer: Leh
Solution: In November 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO initiated the country's first analogue space mission in Leh. The mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat to prepare for future deep space missions. Leh was chosen due to its harsh terrain and extreme weather conditions, which closely mimic the Martian environment. This mission is part of ISRO's broader strategy to enhance its capabilities in human spaceflight and interplanetary exploration. It is a significant step towards understanding the complexities of living and working in space over extended periods.

Q9. India's proposed manned mission to space by ISRO is named as
1. Gaganyaan
2. Mangalyaan
3. Navyaan
4. Vikayaan
Answer: Gaganyaan
Solution: The mission is also expected to have long-term benefits for scientific research and technological development in the country. Gaganyaan is the name given to the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. This ambitious mission aims to send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit LEO and safely return them to Earth. The programme was officially announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2018. The primary objective of the Gaganyaan mission is to demonstrate India's capability in human spaceflight. It envisions launching a crew of three astronauts to an altitude of 400 km above the Earth for a mission duration of one to three orbital revolutions. The spacecraft for the Gaganyaan mission is being developed indigenously by ISRO. It comprises a Crew Module which will house the astronauts, a Service Module which will carry the propulsion system, power systems, and other essential avionics, and a Crew Escape System for emergency situations. The Crew Escape System is a critical safety feature designed to quickly eject the Crew Module along with the astronauts in case of a launch abort. ISRO has conducted several key technology demonstration tests as part of the Gaganyaan programme. These tests include the Pad Abort Test PAT, which demonstrated the successful functioning of the Crew Escape System. Unmanned test flights are planned before the actual manned mission to validate the safety and reliability of the spacecraft and its systems. The Gaganyaan mission will make India the fourth nation in the world to independently send humans into space, after the Soviet Union, the United States, and China. The programme is expected to foster advancements in various technological fields, including materials science, life support systems, and space medicine. It will also enhance India's standing in the global space arena and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. The development of human spaceflight capabilities is a significant milestone for India's space programme, which has already achieved considerable success in satellite launches and interplanetary missions. The Gaganyaan mission is a complex undertaking that involves collaboration across various ISRO centers, national research institutions, and the private sector. The selection and training of the astronaut candidates, who are Indian Air Force test pilots, have been a crucial part of the preparation process. Their training has included rigorous physical and psychological conditioning, as well as specialized training in survival techniques and spacecraft operations, both in India and abroad. The successful completion of the Gaganyaan mission will mark a new era in India's space exploration journey. It will pave the way for future human spaceflight missions and contribute to a deeper understanding of space and its potential.

Q10. Which place has been chosen by ISRO to launch India's first analog space mission
1. Sriharikota
2. Leh
3. Andaman
4. Bengaluru
Answer: Leh