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 ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Mission Overview

ISRO Nano Satellite 1A, classified as a Experimental, was intended to serve specific technical and operational functions.The intended zone of activity for ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was Earth.

• The PSLV-C37 was used to deploy ISRO Nano Satellite 1A into space.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre hosted the missions launch activities.
• Among its key functions, ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was intended to Technology demonstration.
• As a secondary focus, ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was intended to Carry payloads from universities.
• Official sources have listed the mission status as Operational.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Mission

• The scheduled launch date for ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was February 15, 2017.

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ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Mission Technical Specifications

As a Experimental mission, ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was built around a configuration involving Nano satellite.ISRO Nano Satellite 1A was placed into Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO), chosen to suit its Experimental mission requirements.

• ISRO selected Surface BRDF Radiometer (SBR), Single Event Upset Monitor (SEUM) for ISRO Nano Satellite 1A based on their suitability for deployment in Earth.
• Nano satellite technology formed the core technological base for the Experimental mission ISRO Nano Satellite 1A.

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ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Launch Information

• The launch of ISRO Nano Satellite 1A took place on February 15, 2017.
• The mission was launched using the PSLV-C37, as per the mission plan.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre served as the location for the mission’s liftoff.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

ISRO participated in the planning and execution of the mission.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Mission

The mission is remembered for its contribution as Part of record 104 satellite launch.The mission was designed to collect and deliver Technology demonstration data, supporting downstream applications.

• The technologies developed under Experimental are relevant for Technology demonstration, atmospheric studies, Earth surface temperature measurement.
• ISRO Nano Satellite 1A supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Platform for testing small satellite technologies and payloads.
• The strategic vision behind ISRO Nano Satellite 1A includes future missions like Further nano-satellite missions for scientific and technological payloads, designed to extend the platform’s capabilities and applications.

ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO ISRO Nano Satellite 1A Space Mission

• The UPSC Prelims also tests awareness of Indias achievements in international cooperation and indigenous technology, where ISRO plays a significant role.
• ISRO missions are highly relevant to UPSC Mains, particularly in GS Paper III, where candidates must understand the role of space technology in development, disaster management, communication, and governance.
• ISRO’s mission culture — defined by simplicity, frugality, and collaboration — embodies many values discussed in the Ethics paper, such as integrity, public service motivation, and accountability.
• Anthropology or Sociology students can reference ISRO’s outreach programs and applications for tribal development, education, and telemedicine.

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 space technology startup is set to demonstrate microsatellite subsystems during ISROs PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission?
1. Bellatrix Aerospace
2. TM2Space
3. Dhruva Space
4. Skyroot Aerospace
Answer: Dhruva Space
Solution: Dhruva Space, a space technology startup headquartered in Hyderabad, will display its microsatellite subsystems during the upcoming ISROs PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission. The startup will showcase its LEAPTD (Launching Expeditions for Aspiring Technologies Technology Demonstrator) onboard the mission. The PSLV-C58 XPoSat Mission is an initiative of the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, marking its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite mission. The planned launch is scheduled for January 1, 2024, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This collaboration with ISRO provides a valuable opportunity for Dhruva Space to highlight and potentially expand its operations in microsatellite technology. Other companies such as Bellatrix Aerospace and TM2Space will also be launching their payloads in the same mission, highlighting the increasing collaboration between ISRO and space tech startups in India.

Q2. Indian Space Research Organization ISRO unveiled details of its first indigenous human space mission dubbed as Gaganyaan to be launched in ____________.
1. 2021
2. 2022
3. 2024
4. 2025
Answer: 2024
Solution: As announced by the Prime Minister, Indias first Indian human spaceflight mission would be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO by 2024.

Q3. Proba - 3 Mission, which will be launched aboard ISROs PSLV, is associated with which space agency?
1. ESA European Space Agency
2. CNSA The China National Space Administration
3. NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: ESA European Space Agency
Solution: The Proba-3 Mission is associated with the European Space Agency ESA. The mission is named Proba-3 where Proba stands for Project for OnBoard Autonomy. The mission is scheduled to be launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV operated by the ISRO. The primary objective of the Proba-3 mission is to study the Suns corona, its outer atmosphere, by creating an artificial solar eclipse. It involves two spacecraft flying in formation to maintain a specific configuration relative to each other.

Q4. Which ISRO mission team was honored with the 2024 John L Jack Swigert Jr. award for space exploration by the Space Foundation?
1. Mars Orbiter Mission
2. Chandrayaan-3 Mission
3. Aaditya L-1 Mission
4. Gaganyaan Mission
Answer: Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Solution: ISROs Chandrayaan-3 mission team has been honored with the 2024 John L Jack Swigert Jr. Award for space exploration by the Space Foundation in the US. The John L Jack Swigert Jr. Award is presented annually to celebrate significant achievements in space exploration by space agencies, companies, or consortia of organizations. The award ceremony took place during the Space Symposiums annual opening ceremony in Colorado on April 8, with DC Manjunath, Consul General of India in Houston, accepting the award on behalf of ISROs Chandrayaan team. Heather Pringle, CEO of the Space Foundation, commended Indias leadership in space and praised the technical and engineering excellence demonstrated by the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Q5. Consider the following statements about XPosat:
1. It is the first dedicated satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
2. It is NASA mission.
3. XPoSat comprises two payloads POLIX and XSPECT.
How many of the statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: Only two
Solution: X-ray Polarimeter Satellite XpoSat is the first dedicated satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. Hence statement 1 is correct and statement 2 is incorrect. It is designed to study X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band, offering insights into celestial sources radiation mechanisms and geometry. The satellite carries two main payloads, POLIX Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays and XSPECT X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing. Hence statement 3 is correct. POLIX will observe about 40 bright astronomical sources, while XSPECT will study the electromagnetic spectrum generated by different matter.

Q6. Where did ISRO launch Indias first analog space mission to simulate interplanetary habitat conditions?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4. Leh, Ladakh
Answer: Leh, Ladakh
Solution: ISRO launched Indias first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Delhi, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon by replicating the extreme challenges astronauts would encounter in extraterrestrial environments. Ladakhs harsh climate, with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius in summer and dropping to -20 degrees Celsius to -35 degrees Celsius in winter, along with heavy snowfall, makes it an ideal analog location. Analog missions, as defined by NASA, are field tests conducted in Earth locations resembling extreme space environments, which help in testing technologies before deploying them in space. This mission will test various technologies like robotic equipment, habitats, communication systems, power generation, mobility, infrastructure, and storage, along with studying behavioral aspects like isolation, confinement, team dynamics, and menu fatigue. Analog missions reduce the need for time, money, and manpower by testing in Earth environments before full-scale space applications. These missions are crucial for planning near-term and future space exploration to destinations like asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, playing a key role in problem-solving and preparing for spaceflight research.

Q7. What is the primary aim of the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission, scheduled for launch on December 4, 2024, using ISROs PSLV-XL rocket?
1. To explore Mars using advanced rover technology
2. To study the Suns corona by creating an artificial eclipse
3. To investigate exoplanets using high-precision telescopes
4. To monitor Earths climate through satellite imaging
Answer: To study the Suns corona by creating an artificial eclipse
Solution: Proba-3 mission, a European Space Agency ESA project, aims to study the Suns corona by creating an artificial eclipse in space. The mission will use two small satellites flying in precise formation to act as a single 144-meter-long solar coronagraph. The Coronagraph spacecraft was successfully fueled with hydrazine at Isros Satish Dhawan Space Centre, following stringent safety protocols. Engineers wore Self Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble SCAPE suits to safely handle the toxic fuel. The launch is scheduled for December 4, 2024, aboard Isros PSLV-XL rocket. The mission is a technological milestone, demonstrating advanced precision formation flying for satellite operations. Continuous observation of the Suns corona will provide critical data on solar flares and coronal mass ejections, improving understanding of space weather.

Q8. What is the primary aim of the European Space Agency's ESA Proba-3 mission, which will be launched by ISRO via PSLV-C59?
1. To study Earths atmospheric changes
2. To explore the Suns corona
3. To monitor asteroids near Earth
4. To test satellite communication technologies
Answer: To explore the Suns corona
Solution: ISROs PSLV-C59 will launch the Proba-3 mission for the European Space Agency ESA on December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SDSC, Sriharikota. Proba-3 features two satellites operating as a unified structure to study the Suns corona, utilizing precision formation flying technology with a 150-meter separation. The satellites will form a solar coronagraph to capture detailed corona views, aiming to improve understanding of solar activity and space weather. The spacecraft will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit 600 km to 60,000 km and test technologies for rendezvous, proximity operations, and control systems.

Q9. Consider the following statements about the indigenous Green propulsion system that was successfully demonstrated in space on ISROs PSLV-C58 mission:
I. It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited under the Technology Development Fund scheme of DRDO.
II. Green propulsion system is an innovative technology which is a non-toxic and environmentally-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space.
III. Green propulsion system is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirement.
Which among the above statements are correct?
1. I and II only
2. II and III only
3. I and III only
4. All the above
Answer: All the above
Solution: The indigenous Green propulsion system was successfully demonstrated in space on ISROs PSLV-C58 mission. It was developed by Bellatrix Aerospace Private Limited under the Technology Development Fund scheme of DRDO. The Green propulsion system is an innovative technology that is non-toxic and environmentally friendly for low orbit space missions. The Green propulsion system is ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.