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 Resourcesat-2 Mission —its objectives, timelines, key technologies, and strategic implications.

ISRO Resourcesat-2 Mission Overview

Resourcesat-2, classified as a Earth Observation, was intended to serve specific technical and operational functions.ISRO positioned Resourcesat-2 in Earth to meet its operational goals.

• PSLV-C16 served as the launch platform for Resourcesat-2.
• Liftoff occurred at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, as per mission scheduling.
• Resourcesat-2 aimed to accomplish the primary task of Continuity of Resourcesat-1 data, enhanced capabilities.
• Resourcesat-2 was further expected to aid in Resource monitoring, disaster management.
• The mission’s progress is marked by the status Succeeded by RESOURCESAT-2A.

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO Resourcesat-2 Mission

• Resourcesat-2 lifted off from the launch pad on April 20, 2011.
• Mission planning documents suggest an operational window lasting until Around 2021 (RESOURCESAT-2A launched as successor).

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ISRO Resourcesat-2 Mission Technical Specifications

The choice of Sun-synchronous polar orbit, ~817 km altitude aligned with the mission’s overall strategy for scientific observation and technical validation.

• The Earth Observation mission relied on a set of payloads—namely LISS-IV, LISS-III, AWiFS—to achieve its functional objectives.
• The mission adopted Multispectral imaging sensors to meet its operational and scientific requirements.

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Resourcesat-2 Launch Information

• The scheduled launch date for Resourcesat-2 was April 20, 2011.
• The mission was launched using the PSLV-C16, as per the mission plan.
• The mission was initiated from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

The mission involved contributions from ISRO.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO Resourcesat-2 Mission

Resourcesat-2 contributed to the national space data repository by providing Earth observation data for various applications.

• With its technical capabilities, Resourcesat-2 helps advance sectors such as Agriculture, resource management, disaster support.
• Resourcesat-2 supports sectoral priorities and government initiatives through Resource monitoring, food security.

ISRO Resourcesat-2 Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

UPSC Relevance of ISRO Resourcesat-2 Space Mission

• Missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1 have frequently appeared in previous year questions, highlighting the importance of knowing mission-specific features.
• UPSC often expects candidates to critically evaluate the gaps or opportunities in India’s space sector, where ISROs mission track record provides factual backing.
• UPSC Essays focused on resilience, long-term vision, or Indias journey in science and technology can be powerfully anchored in examples like Chandrayaan-2’s setback and the recovery through Chandrayaan-3.
• 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 space organisation has successfully conducted cheapest mars mission
1. ISRO
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: ISRO was the world's first space agency to find water on the moon and insert a probe into orbit of Mars in its maiden attempt at the cheapest cost. ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation. It operates under the Department of Space which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India while the chairman of ISRO acts as the executive of DOS as well. ISRO is the primary agency in India to perform tasks related to space-based applications, space exploration, and the development of related technologies. It is one of six government space agencies in the world that possess full launch capabilities, deploy cryogenic engines, launch extraterrestrial missions, and operate large fleets of artificial satellites. The headquarters of ISRO is in Bengaluru. The present chairman of ISRO is Shri S. Somanath. Vikram Sarabhai is known as the Father of the Indian Space Program.

Q2. Vyommitra, recently seen in news is best described by which of the following statement
1. Vyommitra is an amphibian frog species discovered in the forests of Nilgiri hills
2. Vyommitra is a female robot astronaut scheduled to be launched into space as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan project
3. Vyommitra is a method of encryption used in cyber security systems for protecting sensitive data
4. Vyommitra is the name for a lunar crater located by Chandrayaan on the far side of the moon
Answer: option 2
Solution: India is set to launch Vyommitra, a female robot astronaut, into space as part of the ambitious Gaganyaan project. She is half-humanoid and her body stops at the torso and has no legs. She is capable of switching panel operations, performing Environment Control and Life Support Systems functions, conversations with the astronauts, recognizing them and solving their queries. The humanoid can detect and give out warnings if the environment changes within the cabin. The humanoid has been developed by the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram.

Q3. With the success of Chandrayan Mission India has become the ____ country in the world to achieve soft landing on moon
1. First
2. Second
3. Third
4. Fourth
Answer: Fourth
Solution: India has become the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the moon with the success of the Chandrayaan mission. The other three countries that have achieved this feat before India are the United States, the Soviet Union, and China. Soft landing on the moon is a significant milestone in space exploration, highlighting a country's technological and scientific prowess. Chandrayaan mission has propelled India into an elite group of nations with advanced space capabilities. This mission has opened new avenues for lunar research and exploration for India.

Q4. PSLV is a
1. satellite of India
2. space mission of India
3. satellite launch vehicle of India
4. satellite launch centre of India
Answer: satellite launch vehicle of India
Solution: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is an expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation. PSLV was first launched on 20th September 1993 and has since become the primary launch vehicle for ISRO. It is known for its reliability and versatility, having successfully launched numerous satellites into various orbits, including the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and Low Earth Orbit. The PSLV has been instrumental in launching India's notable missions such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, and various other satellite missions.

Q5. Which of the following statements is true about India’s Chandrayaan –3 mission
1. It was launched using GSLV
2. RAMBHA and ChaSTE were amongst its rover payloads
3. Propulsion Module placed the lander module in 100 km lunar orbit
4. LISA and LRA were amongst its lander payloads
Answer: It was launched using GSLV
Solution: Chandrayaan-3 is India's third lunar exploration mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation. The mission aims to demonstrate end-to-end capability in safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission consists of a lander and rover configuration, without an orbiter. The mission's primary objective is to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's surface, especially near the lunar south pole. It builds on the success of Chandrayaan-2, which was partially successful with its orbiter functioning well but the lander failing to achieve a soft landing.

Q6. Who has assumed charge as the Chairman of ISRO in January 2022
1. KM Rao
2. K Sivan
3. P Muralidhar
4. S Somanath
Answer: S Somanath
Solution: S Somanath assumed charge as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation in January 2022. Prior to this role, he was the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. S Somanath succeeded K Sivan, who served as ISRO Chairman from January 2018 to January 2022. S Somanath has a strong background in aerospace engineering, particularly in the area of launch vehicle design and development. He has been associated with ISRO since 1985 and has contributed significantly to various space missions, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Q7. Who is the current Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation
1. G. Madhavan Nair
2. U. R. Rao
3. S. Somnath
4. K. Sivan
Answer: option 3
Solution: S. Somnath Before becoming the Chairman of ISRO, S. Somnath was the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. Hence, option 3 is correct. He is known for his contributions to the development of launch vehicles, particularly the GSLV Mk III, which played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-2 mission. Somnath's leadership is focused on continuing ISRO's expansion and technological advancements, including the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space.

Q8. Chandrayaan-2 was a mixture of success and set-back. Which of the following statements are applicable to Chandrayaan-2 mission
1. (i) only
2. (ii) only
3. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
4. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
Answer: Option 4
Solution: Chandrayaan-2 aimed to explore the south pole of the moon. This region is of particular interest because it is thought to contain water ice and other minerals. The mission was designed to build on the evidence of water molecules discovered by Chandrayaan-1. A key objective was to soft-land the Vikram lander on the lunar surface. Despite the crash landing of Vikram, its location was later identified. NASA and ISRO worked to locate the crash site, providing valuable data for future missions.

Q9. The Artemis Accords seek to establish peaceful and cooperative norms for lunar and space exploration. In 2023, which major space-faring country became the 27th signatory and also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the ISS
1. China
2. Russia
3. France
4. India
Answer: India
Solution: The Artemis Accords are an international agreement spearheaded by NASA, aiming to establish a framework for peaceful and cooperative exploration of the Moon and beyond. In 2023, India became the 27th signatory of the Artemis Accords. This step underscores India's growing role in the global space community and its commitment to peaceful space exploration. India's participation aligns with its own ambitious space programs, including missions to the Moon and Mars. India also announced collaboration with NASA on a mission to the International Space Station, representing a significant milestone in the India-U.S. space relationship.

Q10. As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO developed a digital support tool to assist astronauts in various tasks such as communication and health tracking. What is the name of this application
1. CHAKRA
2. YATRI
3. SPANDAN
4. SAKHI
Answer: SAKHI
Solution: As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has developed a digital support tool called SAKHI – Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction. Purpose of SAKHI: Assists astronauts with communication, health monitoring, data access, and mission support tasks. Functions as a smart onboard assistant, enhancing safety and efficiency during human spaceflight.