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

ISRO SROSS-C Mission Overview

SROSS-C was developed by ISRO as part of its efforts in the field of Science (Aeronomy, Gamma-ray bursts).SROSS-C was configured for deployment in Low Earth Orbit, based on mission requirements.

• SROSS-C was launched aboard the ASLV-D3.
• The vehicle was launched from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.
• ISRO developed SROSS-C with the core goal of Ionospheric studies, Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) detection.
• Alongside its primary function, SROSS-C was expected to Validate ASLV performance.
• Reports indicate that the mission stands at Partially successful (lower orbit, early decay).

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Timeline & Milestones of ISRO SROSS-C Mission

• ISRO conducted the launch of SROSS-C on 20/05/1992, as per mission planning.
• The baseline duration for SROSS-C is scheduled through Early July 1992 (ceased function before re-entry on 15 July).

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ISRO SROSS-C Mission Technical Specifications

The mission hardware integrated Mass 106 kg; Spin stabilized, supporting operations from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.ISRO inserted the satellite into Low Earth Orbit, ~255 x 430 km, 46° inclination (per NASA HEASARC); ISRO lists 267 x 391 km, 46° inclination (lower than planned), where it could perform its functions related to Ionospheric studies, Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) detection.

• The Science (Aeronomy, Gamma-ray bursts) mission relied on a set of payloads—namely Retarding Potential Analyser (RPA), GRB detector—to achieve its functional objectives.
• ISRO integrated S-band, VHF into the communication architecture of SROSS-C to handle mission-critical signals.

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SROSS-C Launch Information

• ISRO scheduled the SROSS-C mission for launch on 20/05/1992.
• As part of its launch strategy, SROSS-C used ASLV-D3 for orbital insertion.
• All pre-launch procedures were conducted at SHAR Centre, Sriharikota.

Who are the Stakeholders & Collaborators?

According to official information, ISRO were associated with the mission.

• Following its launch from SHAR Centre, Sriharikota, the mission’s data access structure is overseen by Limited scientific data due to short life.

Outputs, Applications & Impact of ISRO SROSS-C Mission

The success of SROSS-C is often associated with Returned some scientific data despite early orbital decay.Scientific analysis and public services were enabled through outputs like Some ionospheric and GRB data obtained.

• Satellite re-entered atmosphere was taken into account during the missions planning and execution.
• Outputs from SROSS-C are used in civilian domains, particularly in Aeronomy, ionospheric studies, GRBs (partially successful).
• The success and findings of SROSS-C are likely to inform and guide the development of subsequent missions like SROSS-C2 as part of ISRO’s continued technological progression.

ISRO SROSS-C Space Mission Risks, Failures & Mitigation

• ISRO reported a deviation in planned operations due to Placed in lower orbit, leading to rapid decay.
• ISRO included Importance of achieving precise orbit for mission life in its internal review for improving future missions.

UPSC Relevance of ISRO SROSS-C Space Mission

• Candidates should be able to identify which ISRO mission belongs to which application area, such as communication, meteorology, navigation, or planetary exploration.
• 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.
• The ethical use of space for peaceful purposes, as consistently upheld by ISRO, resonates with values-based questions in GS Paper IV.
• 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. The name of the organisations which are associated in the Chandrayan I mission are given below. Identify the wrong one
1. ISRO
2. BARC
3. NASA
4. ONGC
Answer: ONGC
Solution: ONGC is a public sector enterprise in India primarily engaged in exploration and production of oil and natural gas. It is not associated with space missions or the Chandrayaan I mission. ONGC focuses on the oil and energy sector, with no involvement in space technology or lunar exploration.

Q2. Which report did ISRO release in 2023?
1. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
2. Space Exploration Strategy Report (SESR)
3. Mars Mission Report (MMR)
4. Lunar Exploration Report (LER)
Answer: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)
Solution: Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) was released by ISRO in 2023. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of space situational awareness, covering aspects such as satellite health, space debris, and potential collision risks. The ISSAR is crucial for ensuring the safety and sustainability of space operations by monitoring and managing space traffic. It reflects ISRO's commitment to addressing the challenges posed by increasing congestion in Earth's orbit.

Q3. What is the thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO?
1. 1MN
2. 2MN
3. 3MN
4. 4MN
Answer: 2MN
Solution: The thrust class of the SCE-200 liquid rocket engine developed by ISRO is 2MN. The SCE-200 is a semi-cryogenic engine being developed to power future launch vehicles of ISRO. This engine runs on a combination of liquid oxygen and kerosene, which provides higher efficiency and performance. The development of the SCE-200 is part of ISRO's efforts to enhance its launch capabilities and reduce dependency on foreign technology.

Q4. Which of the following are the major missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023?
1. Chandrayaan-3
2. Solar Mission Aditya-L1
3. Liquid fuel powered rockets
4. Solar powered rockets
Select the answer using the code given below
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1, 2 and 3
3. 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 1 and 2 only
Solution: Major Missions of Indian Space Research Organization in 2023 include Chandrayaan-3, which is the third lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO, and Solar Mission Aditya-L1, which is India's first dedicated mission to study the Sun. Liquid fuel powered rockets and solar powered rockets are not considered major missions by themselves.

Q5. Which Hyderabad-based startup received approval from IN-SPACe to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS)?
1. Pixxel
2. Dhruva Space
3. Skyroot Aerospace
4. Agnikul Cosmos
Answer: Dhruva Space
Solution: Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space has received approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center (IN-SPACe) to offer Ground Stations as a Service (GSaaS). GSaaS offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional ground station setups in India, reducing high upfront costs. Dhruva Space’s mission-agnostic approach allows satellite operators to flexibly scale ground station resources according to mission needs.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Gaganyaan:
I. Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
II. ISRO announced Vyommitra, a Male Robot who will accompany other astronauts in the mission.
III. The crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk II.
IV. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. I and III only
3. II and IV only
4. I and IV only
Answer: I and IV only
Solution: Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for critical human-centric systems and technologies in this mission. However, Vyommitra is a female robot, not a male robot, and the crewed vehicle is planned to be launched on ISRO's GSLV Mk III, not GSLV Mk II.

Q7. Which Launcher is used for Chandrayan-3?
1. GSLV
2. LVSM
3. GSLV-Mk3
4. PSLV
Answer: GSLV-Mk3
Solution: The GSLV-Mk3, also known as the LVM-3, is the launch vehicle used for Chandrayaan-3. It is an expendable launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation. The GSLV-Mk3 is capable of carrying heavier payloads and is crucial for launching large satellites and interplanetary missions.

Q8. The first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray optical and ultraviolet spectral bands simultaneously is
1. Chandrayaan-2
2. Gaganyaan
3. Astrosat
4. Cartosat
Answer: Astrosat
Solution: Astrosat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation. It was launched on 28 September 2015 by the PSLV-C30 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Astrosat is capable of observing celestial objects in X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical spectral bands simultaneously.

Q9. Aditya Mission refers to:
1. India's anti diphtheria program
2. India's Tourism Promotion Program
3. Agricultural Extension Program for farmers
4. India's solar exploration Program
Answer: India's solar exploration Program
Solution: Aditya-L1 Mission is India's first dedicated solar mission aimed at studying the Sun. The mission is being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1, which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

Q10. When was ISRO's first solar mission Aditya L1 mission launched successfully?
1. 2nd August, 2023
2. 2nd September, 2023
3. 15th August, 2023
4. 15th September, 2023
Answer: 2nd September, 2023
Solution: ISRO successfully launched its first solar mission, Aditya L1, on 2nd September 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, solar winds, magnetic fields, and other solar phenomena to improve our understanding of space weather.