PRELIMS MASTER PROGRAM 2025

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-2

SATELLITES AND VARIOUS ISRO MISSIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. COmmunication Satellites ............................................................................................................... 2

1) Communication Satellites of India ............................................................................................................ 2
2) Recent Examples ...................................................................................................................................... 2
A) GSAT-N2 (Also known as GSAT-20, CMS-03)..................................................................................................................2

2. Earth Observation Satellites ............................................................................................................ 3

3. Satellite Navigation System (SATNAV System) ................................................................................ 4
A) Basics of SATNAV ...........................................................................................................................................................4
B) Global Positioning System (GPS) ....................................................................................................................................4
C) BeiDou............................................................................................................................................................................5
D) NAVIC (Navigation using Indian Constellation) ...................................................................................................................5

4. Aditya-L1 ........................................................................................................................................ 7
1) Lagrangian Points ..................................................................................................................................... 8
5. Gaganyaan ..................................................................................................................................... 9
1) How iSRO designed Humanoid Skull which will by used in Gaganyaan .................................................... 11
6. XPOSAT (X-Ray Polarimetry Satellite) ............................................................................................ 11
7. NISAR............................................................................................................................................ 13
8. Inter-Planetary Missions ............................................................................................................... 13
1) Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) ................................................................................................................. 13
2) Shukrayaan-1 (Venus Orbiter Mission-1) ................................................................................................ 14
9. Moon Missions of ISRO ................................................................................................................. 15
1) Chandrayaan-1 ....................................................................................................................................... 15
2) Chandrayaan-3 ....................................................................................................................................... 15
A) Components of Chandrayaan 3.0: .............................................................................................................................. 15
B) Landing was the most complicated part here:............................................................................................................ 16
C) Where did Lander Land? ............................................................................................................................................. 16
D) Rover: .......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
E) Comparing Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 ............................................................................... 17

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 F) Chandrayaan 3 Propulsion Module Retraces Steps to Earth Orbit: Why it matters? (Dec 2023) ............................... 17
3) Chandrayaan 4.0 .................................................................................................................................... 18
4) Chandrayaan-5 ....................................................................................................................................... 19
10. Some other initiatives of ISRO ................................................................................................... 19

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1. COMMUNICATION SATELLITES
­ Introduction
▫ A communication satellite is an artificial satellite that is placed in earth's orbit for the purpose of
sending and receiving communication data between a source and destination. They are basically
"space mirrors" that can help us bounce radio, TV, Internet data, and other kinds of information
from one side of earth to another.
▫ It is used to provide data communication and relaying services for televisions, radio,
telecommunication, weather and internet.
▫ Communication satellites essentially overcome the problem of sending radio waves, which travel
in straight lines, around our curved planet.
▫ They commonly move in geo-stationary orbit.
o Why?
▫ Communication satellites can also move in highly elliptical orbit.

­ Two types of Communication Satellites – Passive and Active

1) COMMUNICATION SATELLITES OF INDIA

­ The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) System is one of the largest domestic communication
satellite systems in Asia-Pacific region.
▫ It was established in 1983 with the launch of INSAT 1B, it initiated a major revolution in India's
communications sector and sustained the same later.
▫ The system presently consists of the constellation of INSAT system consisting of around 20
operational satellites, namely INSAT-3A, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4CR, GSAT 6,7 (Rukmini-Indian Navy),8,9,10,
12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24 17, 6A, 29, 11 (largest 5850 Kg, Dec 2018), 7A (Angry Bird - Mostly
for serving air force, Dec 2018) and 31.

­ INSAT system with more than 200 transponders in the C, extended C and Ku-bands provides services to
telecommunication, television broadcasting, satellite newsgathering, societal application, weather
forecasting, disaster warning and search and rescue operations.

2) RECENT EXAMPLES

A) GSAT-N2 (ALSO KNOWN AS GSAT-20, CMS-03)

- Why in news?
▫ India’s GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) communication satellite was successfully launched by Space-X’s Falcoln-9
rocket in Nov 2024.

- Details of the Launch:-

▫ The satellite was launched by Space-X’s Falcoln-9 rocket in Nov 2024. It was launched from Space Launch
Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Station in Florida. The satellite was put by the rocket in
Geosynchronous transfer Orbit.

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 ▫ This is India’s first collaboration with SpaceX.

- Details about the Satellite:

▫ The GSAT-20 is a high throughput Ka- band satellite which will be fully owned, operated and funded by
NSIL. It offers pan-India coverage including A&N and Lakshadweep.
▫ The satellite weighs 4,700 kg and has a mission life of 14 years. It offers HTS capacity of nearly 48 Gbps
and has been specifically designed to meet the demanding service needs of remote and unconnected
areas.
▫ It will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region.
▫ It is the 2nd demand driven satellite of NSIL.
a. In June 2020, NSIL was mandated to build, own and operate satellites in “demand-driven mode” to
meet service needs of the users.
b. GSAT-24 launched in 2022 was the first one, wherein the capacity board of the satellite was fully
secured by Tata Play

2. EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITES

▫ Earth Observation Satellites are specifically designed for Earth Observation from Orbit and are used for
environmental monitoring, meteorology, map making etc.
▫ Most earth observation satellites carry instruments that should be operated at a relatively low altitude.

▫ Earth Observation Satellites of India

o Starting with IRS-1A in 1988, ISRO has launched many operational remote sensing satellites.
o Today, India has one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in operation. Currently,
earth observation satellites which are in Sun-synchronous orbit include
§ EOS-01, EOS-02, EOS-06 (Oceansat-3), EOS-07, EOS-08 etc.
§ RESOURCESAT-1, 2, 2A
§ CARTOSAT-1, 2, 2A, 2B etc; CARTOSAT-3
§ RISAT-1, RISAT-2, RISAT-2B (launched in May 2019 – PSLV C46), RISAT-2BR1 (launched in Dec 2019
– PSLV C-48)
§ OCEANSAT-2
§ Megha-Tropiques, SARAL and SCATSAT-1
§ HySIS
▫ Earth Observation satellites in Geostationary Orbit include:
§ EOS-03 (couldn’t be put in orbit due to failure of GSLV-F10)
§ INSAT-3D, INSAT 3DR
§ Kalpana & INSAT 3A
o Varieties of instruments have been flown onboard these satellites to provide necessary data in a
diversified spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions to cater to different user requirements in the
country and for global usage. The data from these satellites are used for several applications covering

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 agriculture, water resources, urban planning, rural development, mineral prospecting, environment,
forestry, ocean resources and disaster management

3. SATELLITE NAVIGATION SYSTEM (SATNAV SYSTEM)

A) BASICS OF SATNAV
- A satellite navigation (SATNAV) system is a technology that allows users to determine their precise
location, velocity, and time information anywhere on or near Earth’s surface.
- It uses a network of satellite in space and provide accurate positioning data.
- Currently, there are four global satellite-based navigation system – the American GPS, the Russian
GLONASS (GLObalnaya NAvigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema), the European Galileo and the
Chinese BeiDou.
- India has a regional system called NavIC and Japan has Quasi Zenith.
- Methods used in SATNAV: Triangulation and Trilateration:

- Accuracy: They generally provide high levels of positioning accuracy (within a few meters),
depending on the quality of receiver and the number of satellites in view. However, various factors
such as signal obstruction, atmospheric conditions, and receiver limitations can affect the
accuracy.
- Applications: Navigation purposes -> helping users find their way while driving, hiking, or boating.
It is also used in aviation, surveying, geolocation-based services, precision agriculture, and even in
some outdoor recreational activities. It can be used for vehicle tracking, fleet management, precise
timing etc.

B) GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)

▫ The best-known satnav system, GPS, uses 24 active satellites (including backups). Day and night, 365
days a year, they whiz around earth once every 12 hours on orbital plane inclined 55 degrees to the
equator.
▫ Wherever you are on earth, you are in sight of at least
half a dozen of them, but you need signals from 3 or 4
satellites to determine your position with an accuracy
of just a few meters.
▫ How GPS Finds your location?
- It uses Trilateration
▫ GPS Constellation arrangement
o GPS constellation fly in medium earth orbit (MEO)
at an altitude of approx. 20,200 kms. Each circle
orbits the earth twice a day.

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 o The satellites are arranged in six equally placed orbital planes surrounding the earth. Each plain
contains four slots occupied by baseline satellites. This 24-slot arrangement ensures users can
view at least four satellites from virtually any point on the planet.

C) BEIDOU
- Details
▫ Third generation BeiDou (BDS-3) satellite deployment started in 2015 and it started providing
navigation services in 2018 to countries taking part in BRI. In 2020, the system has been
completed and it can now provide global services. With this they have joined United States’ GPS
and Russia’s GLONASS in providing global PNT services, with Europe’s Galileo to follow. These are
all compatible and interoperable, meaning users can draw services from all of those to improve
accuracy.

- Satellite Constellation
▫ 24 satellites in Medium Earth Orbit (around 21,500 kms above the earth) provide the positioning,
navigation, and timing (PNT) services. These satellites use rubidium and hydrogen atomic clocks
for highly-accurate timing that allows precise measurement of speed and location.
▫ Satellites in geosynchronous Orbit (including Geo-stationary orbit) help BeiDou provide short
messaging service through which 120-character messages can be sent to other BeiDou receivers.

- Plans of Expansion:
▫ In Nov 2022, China outlined plans to further expand the global reach of its home grown Beidou
satellite navigation system.
a. Pakistan in 2014 became the first foreign country to set up a Beidou network.
b. Beidou has set up a first of three Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) for its
network in Thailand in 2013, to serve as a hub for ASEAN.

D) NAVIC (NAVIGATION USING INDIAN CONSTELLATION)

- Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) (also called Navigation Using Indian
Constellation (NAVIC)), is a regional satnav system developed by ISRO. It aims to provide reliable
position, navigation and timing (PNT) services over India and its neighbourhood, upto 1500 km from
its boundary. In addition it is also capable of broadcasting messages. This can be used for
broadcasting safety-of-life alerts in areas with poor or no communication, particularly in Ocean.

- Need of IRNSS when services like GPS are easily available.

▫ The access to foreign controlled global navigation satellite systems is not guaranteed in
hostile situations, as happened to Indian military depending on American GPS during Kargil
War.
- NAVIC provides two types of services:
» Standard Positioning Service (Open for Civilian Use)
» Restricted Services (Encrypted one, for authorized users (military))

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 - Components of IRNSS System:

» Space segments consists of 7 satellites, 3 satellites in GEO stationary orbit (GEO) and 4 satellites
in GEO synchronous orbit(GSO) with inclination of 29 degree to the equatorial plane.
» All the satellites will always be visible in the Indian region.

FIRST OF THE 2 ND GENERATION SATELLITE – NVS-01 WAS SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED IN MAY 2023
- ISRO’s GSLV F12 (GSLV-MK-II mission)successfully places navigation satellite NVS-01 into
intended orbit.
- About GSLV F12:
» It is the 15th flight of India’s GSLV and the 9th flight with indigenous cryo stage.

- About NVS-01:
» Heavier: It weighs 2232 kg and has been placed in geosynchronous orbit (older IRNSS
satellites weighed 1,425 kg)
» Indigenous Atomic Clock: For the first time, the satellite carries an indigenous atomic
clock. The space qualified Rubidium atomic clock has been indigenously developed by
Space Application Centre – Ahmedabad.
» L1 signals for better use in wearable devices: The second generation satellites have
send signals in a third frequency, L1, besides the L5 and S frequency signals that the
existing satellites provide. This will increase operability with other satellite based
navigation systems. L1 frequency is the most commonly used in the GPS and will
increase the use of NavIC in wearable devices which use low power signal frequency
chip.

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 » Longer Mission Life of 12 years (earlier NavIC satellites have a mission life of 10 years).

NVS-02 SATELLITE TO BE LAUNCHED IN JANUARY 2025:

» ISRO is all set to launch its 100th mission – the NVS-02 satellite, aboard GSLV in Jan 2025.

4. ADITYA-L1

- Introduction: ADITYA L1 is India’s first observatory class space based solar mission. It was launched onboard
PSLV-C57 in Sep 2023 and reached L1 point 127 days later in Jan 2024.

- The major science objectives of the mission in its five years of mission life are to understand:
» The coronal heating and solar wind acceleration;
» The initiation of Coronal mass ejection (CME), flares, and near earth space weather;
» The coupling and dynamics of the solar atmosphere;
» Understand solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy (how much temperature differ when
measured along different axes)

- What is the need of studying sun from space and specifically from Lagrangian point 1 (L1)
» Significance of studying Sun from Space: Various types of radiations from sun are not able to reach
earth due to atmosphere of the earth and earth’s magnetic
field making their study difficult from earth.
» Significance of studying sun from L1: A Satellite placed in the
halo orbit around the Lagrangian point 1 (L1) of the Sun-
Earth system has the major advantage of continuously
viewing the Sun without any occultation/ eclipses.
- What Trajectory ADITYA-L1 followed to reach Lagrangian
Point-1: Through various orbit raising manoeuvres and cruise
phase, it was placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian
Point-1 (L1) of the Sun Earth System, which is about 1.5 million
km from the Earth.

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 - Aditya-L1 went with 7 Payloads (4 remote sensing payloads and 3 in-situ payloads)
» Remote Sensing Payload:
a. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)
b. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)
c. Solar Low Energy X-Ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS)
d. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-Ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS)

» In-Situ Payloads:
a. Aditya Solar Particle Experiment (ASPEX): In-situ measurements of solar particles and
ions.
b. Plasma Analyzer Package for Aditya (PAPA)
c. Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers

- With the help of ASPEX, PAPA, and ATHRDM scientists can predict probable geomagnetic storms and
better understand space weather dynamics.

1) LAGRANGIAN POINTS

▫ These are position in an orbital configuration of two large bodies where a small object affected only
by gravity can maintain a stable position relative to two large bodies. The Lagrange points mark
positions where the combined gravitational pull of two large masses provides precisely the
centripetal force required to orbit with them.

▫ The interaction of the forces creates a point of equilibrium where a spacecraft may be "parked" to make
observation.
▫ These points are named after Joseph-Louise Lagrange, an 18th-century mathematician.

▫ There are five such points, labeled L1 to L5 all in the orbital plane of two large bodies.
Ø Three of these Lagrangian points – L1, L2, and L3 – are unstable positions that lie along an
imaginary straight line connecting the two larger bodies.
o Because of this instability, an object positioned at one of the three unstable Lagrange
points L1, L2, and L3 – can be easily de-orbited by even weak force and they will then
drift into space. Therefore, spacecraft here will need to frequently burn fuel via its
thrusters, at the various moments of displacement to adjust to orbital movement
frequently.

Ø The other two – L4 and L5 – are stable locations that from the apexes of two imaginary
equilateral triangles with the two large celestial bodies at the vertices of each triangle. Objects
stay undisturbed at L4 and L5 because of a restoring force – a force acting against any
displacement – that prevents them from being nudged away from the stable point. Because of
this stability, this point tends to accumulate a lot of interstellar dust and asteroids called Trojans
that zip around the points. Scientists have detected various Trojans at L4 and L5 of Sun-Jupiter
System, Sun-Mars System, Sun-Neptune system etc.
o They are also potential Site for Space Colonies

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 o Are there other space explorers at L1?
Ø Yes, it is already home to four robotic explorers – NASA’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory
Satellite, Deep Space Climate Observatory, Advanced Composition Explorer, and the Global
Geospace Science Wind Satellite.
Ø In next few years, some more observatories by USA and EU will be reaching here.

o About HALO Orbits: A halo orbit is a, three dimensional orbit near the L1, L2, or L3 Lagrangian point in
the three body problem of orbital mechanics. Although the Lagrange point is just a point in empty space,
its peculiar characteristics is that it can be orbited.

5. GAGANYAAN

­ Introduction
▫ Gaganyaan project is envisaged as a technology demonstration project to showcase human
spaceflight capability by India. Under this, ISRO plans to launch a crew of 3 members in LEO for a 3-
day mission and bring them back safely.
▫ Test flights (uncrewed) for the project are planned in 2025. On success of these, the crewed flight is
scheduled.

­ Significance/ Need of HSP

▫ First step towards future space programs like having India’s own space station and sending humans
to moon and on other interplanetary mission. PM Modi has set the target of having a space station
by 2035 and landing an Indian on Moon by 2040.
▫ Resources outside earth: Manned space programs are important to get control over resources. For
e.g., the moon has enough helium-3 to power the entire globe.
▫ More R&D in space – ISRO will be able to conduct micro-gravity experiment.
▫ Advances in Science and Technology
▫ Encouragement to our scientific community
▫ Strengthen India’s Soft power: So far, only three countries USA, Russia and China have executed
Human Spaceflight at their own. A successful mission would be ISRO’s ultimate demonstration of
capability.

­ Key components of Human Space Program (HSP)

▫ Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) – A body set up by ISRO as a coordinating body for Gaganyaan called
the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC).

▫ Development of Human rated launch vehicles for carrying crew safely to space.
» All systems in LVM3 launch vehicles are-reconfigured to meet human rating requirements and
christened Human Rated LVM3 (HLVM3). It will be capable of launching the orbital module to an
intended LEO of 400 km.

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 » HLVM3 also consist of Crew Escape System (CES) powered by a set of quick acting, high burn rate
solid motors which ensure that Crew module along with crew is taken to safe distance in case of
emergency either at launch pad or during ascent phase.

▫ Orbital Module: It is the object that LVM-3 rocket will launch and place in LEO. It will be orbiting earth
and comprises of Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM). It is fit with adequate redundancy
considering human safety.
» CM is the habitable space with Earth like environment in space for the crew. It can house upto
three astronauts for a week. It includes:
ú Parachutes to slow its descent to the ground once it descends from orbit.
ú An Environment Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) to control the temperature,
breathing environment, waste disposal, fire protection etc.
ú It also include a gynoid (feminine robot) named ‘Vyomamitra’ fit with sensors to track the
effects of radiation and weightlessness, monitor capsule conditions, and sound alarms in the
event of an impending emergency, aside from being able to perform some task.
ú Technical details of crew module:
o It is of double walled construction consisting of pressurized metallic Inner Structure and
unpressurised External Structure with Thermal Protection System (TPS).
» SM will be used for providing necessary support to CM while in orbit. It is an unpressurized
structure containing thermal system, propulsion system, power systems, avionics systems and
deployment mechanisms. The propulsion system here will raise the orbital module’s altitude
once it separates from the rocket and later to propel it back towards the earth.
▫ Precursor Missions for demonstrating the technology preparedness levels before carrying out the
actual mission. This includes Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT), and Test Vehicle
(TV) flights.
▫ Crew Training Facility established in Bengaluru caters to Classroom training, Physical Fitness Training,
Simulator Training and Flight suit training.
» Training Modules cover academic courses, Gaganyaan Flight Systems, Micro-Gravity
familiarization through parabolic Flights, Aero-medical training, Recovery & Survival training etc.
Aero medical training, Periodical Flying Practice and Yoga are also included as part of the
training.
» Note: A shortlist of candidates was sent to Russia for advanced training.

▫ Capabilities for recovering astronauts safely.

» In Dec 2024, ISRO and Indian Navy carry out recovery trial for Gaganyaan Mission (Dec 2024)
ú Need: Once the crew module touches down in the sea at the end of the mission, the crew
have to be recovered in the minimum possible time and with least discomfort.
o One of the options, is to tow the crew module along with the crew inside the well
deck of the ship where the crew can come out comfortably.

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 ú Therefore, well deck trial was conducted in Dec 2024. The well deck in a ship can be flooded
with water so that boats, landing crafts, and recovered spacecraft can be taken inside to
dock within the ship.

­ Other Steps taken so far:

▫ Space Borne Assistance and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI): A multipurpose app
developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre that will help astronauts on Gaganyaan space flight
mission carry out a range of tasks such as looking up vital technical information or communicating with
one another. It will also monitor the health of astronauts, alert them about their dietary schedule etc.
It will also help them stay connected with Earth. It will keep the crew connected with the onboard
computer and ground-based stations, guaranteeing a seamless communication link.

▫ Pilots have been selected and the identities of the four astronaut-designates, all IAF test pilots, were
revealed in Feb 2024. The final crew for the mission will be chosen from among the four. Prashanth
Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap and Shubhanshu Shukla – are all Airforce pilot.

▫ In 2018, the Union Cabinet had allocated Rs 10,000 crore for the program.

1) HOW ISRO DESIGNED HUMANOID SKULL WHICH WILL BY USED IN GAGANYAAN

The design for Vyomitra skull, fashioned by ISRO’s Inertial Systems

Unit in the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, was finalized recently. (Aug 2024)

The skull has been designed using an aluminium alloy (Alsi10Mg)

known for its high flexibility, light weight, heat resistant, and
mechanical properties. This alloy is commonly used for making
automative engines and aerospace components.

The skull model has dimension of 200 mm X 200 mm, and weigh
only 800 gms

6. XPOSAT (X-RAY POLARIMETRY SATELLITE)

▫ Why in news?
- ISRO launched the XPoSat, in a two-part mission, onboard a PSLV C58 flight on 1st Jan 2024.

▫ More Details
- XPoSat is a specialized science mission that studies the polarization of X-Rays in space. It was
launched on board PSLV-C58 on 1st Jan 2024.

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 - Need of studying polarization of X-Rays: The mechanization of polarization of radiation gives
away the nature of its source, including the strength and distribution of the magnetic field and the
nature of radiation around it.

- XPoSAT has carried two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit:

» The Primary Payload (POLIX) (Polarimeter
Instrument of X-Rays) measures the
polarimetry parameters (degree and angle
of polarization) in medium X-ray range (8-
30 KeV) photons of astronomic origin.
POLIX has been developed by Raman
Research Institute (RRI).
» The XSPECT (X-Ray Spectroscopy and
Timing) studies X-rays of energy 0.8-15
Kev and changes in the continuous
emissions. It has been developed by UR Rao Satellite Center (URSC) ISRO.
» Together (POLIX and XSPECT) are expected to shed light on intense X-ray sources such as
pulsars and blackholes.

- The XPoSat team has identified several tens of sources radiating X-Rays. XPoSat will observe two
kinds of sources – Persistent Sources (targeted known source) and transient sources (pulsars, active
galactic nuclei, magnetars)

- Need/Significance: Better understanding of the universe: So far polarization studies were done on
low energy radiations in optical and radio bands. XPOSAT by studying polarization in medium
energy band (8-30 Ke) will be able to act as excellent diagnostic tool to understand the emission
process from astronomical sources. It will be
» Unveiling the Mysteries of Black Holes: It is one of the primary focus of XPoSat.
» Better Understanding Neutron stars which are remnants of massive stars.
» More insights into high energy astrophysical processes like particle acceleration, magnetic
field amplification etc.
» Verifying various models of Physics with the help of Data from XpoSat.
» Future Advancements – the successful launch of XpoSat has paved the way for future more
advanced launches leading to improved study of the universe.

- International Trend in Space-Based X-Ray Polarimetry

» Internationally, space-based x-ray polarimetry is gaining importance.

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 § The Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission, launched in 2021, represents
NASA’s inaugural space-based endeavor, focused on scrutinizing X-Ray Polarization
across various celestial bodies.
§ Note: XPoSAT energy range of 8-30 keV for polarization measurement is complimentary
to IXPE energy range of 2-8 KeV (soft X-Ray band). Therefore, XPoSat and IXPE spacecrafts
will collectively probe different emission mechanisms and physics for bright X-Ray
sources. Their coordinated observation will provide a wide window in the energy range
of 2-30 KeV for polarimetric observations for bright X-Ray sources.

7. NISAR
▫ Introduction:
▫ NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) is a LEO observatory being jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. It will map
the entire globe in 12 days and provide spatially and temporally consistent data.
▫ It carries L and S dual band SAR, which works with sweep SAR technique to achieve large swath with
high resolution data.
▫ Once launched, it will be world’s most expensive earth-imaging satellite till date costing around
$1.5 billion.

▫ Collaboration
▫ NISAR is considered the first big collaboration between ISRO and NASA, certainly on RADAR but just
in general as well.
§ S-Band SAR is being built by ISRO and L-band by NASA
o The satellite will be launched from India using GSLV-MK-2.
o Uses: NISAR will provide an unprecedented, detailed view of the earth by using Advanced
RADAR imaging. It is designed to observe and take measurements of some of the planet’s
most complex process, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural
hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. The satellite thus will be
used for:
• Mapping and monitoring of natural resources
• Estimating agricultural biomass over full duration of crop cycle.
• Assessing soil moisture
• Monitoring of floods and oil slicks
• Monitoring coastal erosion, coastline changes, and variation in the wind.
• Target: The target launch readiness date is Feb 2025.

8. INTER-PLANETARY MISSIONS

1) MARS ORBITER MISSION (MOM)

- Details

▫ Mars Mission (MOM), also called Mangalyaan is spacecraft orbiting MARS since 24 September
2014.
▫ It was launched on 5 November 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

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 ▫ It is India's first interplanetary mission and ISRO has become the fourth space agency to reach
Mars, after the Soviet space program, NASA, and the European Space Agency.
▫ It is the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit, and the first nation in the world to do so in its first
attempt.

­ What is MOM doing?

§ It has been looking for signs of atmospheric methane while studying surface features - just like
NASA's MAVEN Mission.
• Methane is considered a biomarker: a substance whose presence indicates the current or historical
presence of life.
§ MOM is also exploring and observing Mars surface features, morphology, minerology, and the
Martian atmosphere.

2) SHUKRAYAAN-1 (VENUS ORBITER MISSION-1)

Details
» Shukrayaan-1 (Venus Orbiter Mission) is a proposed orbiter to Venus by ISRO to study the surface
and atmosphere of Venus.
» It will be first Venus mission by ISRO. It is scheduled for launch in March 2028, for a 112-day journey
to reach Venus. It was approved by Union Cabinet in Sep 2024.

» As per plan, it will be launched using GSLV MK-III rocket. The rocket will place the spacecraft in in an
Elliptical Parking Orbit (EPO) of 170 km X 36,000 km. Venus Orbital Injection (VOI) will be at 500 km
X 60,000 km. Aerobraking will be employed for a period of six months from VOI to achieve the desired
altitude of 200 X 600 km with an inclination of around 90 degrees, to carry out proposed science
studies for a period of five years.

- Why launch specifically in March 2028?

» The launch opportunity comes only in 19 months due to orbital configuration and period of Earth
and Venus. Earlier, ISRO was aiming for a mid-2023, but pandemic related delays, focus on other
missions and delay in cabinet approval has finally pushed the target to March 2028.

- Payloads/Instruments: The mission will be carrying 19 payloads (16 Indian, 2 Indian-International

collaborative, and 1 international)
- Scientific Objectives: Examining dust in the Venusian atmosphere, mapping its surface topography in high
resolution, studying the solar X-Ray spectrum near Venus, Analysing Venusian Airglow and investigating
sub-surface characteristics. It will also serve as technology demonstration for ISRO, testing aerobraking
and thermal management techniques in the harsh Venusian Environment.

- Venus Missions in the Past:

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 » Early missions of 1960s and 1970s by USA and USSR helped us understand about the high surface
temperature and dense atmosphere.
» Missions in 1970s and 1980s such as Pioneer Venus and Vega, expanded the understanding of
Venus’ atmosphere, including its composition, circulation, and interaction with the Sun.
» Recent Missions like ESA’s Venus Express (2006-2014) and Japan’s Akatsuki have focused on
studying the planet’s atmospheric dynamics, climate evolution, and surface features.
» Several aircrafts are also performing flybys of Venus, including NASA’s Parker Solar Probe for Solar
Observation, and Europe’s BEPIColombo en route to Mercury.

9. MOON MISSIONS OF ISRO

1) CHANDRAYAAN-1

- Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to Moon, was launched successfully on October 22, 2008 from SDSC
SHAR, Sriharikota. The spacecraft was orbiting around the Moon at a height of 100 km from the lunar surface
for chemical, mineralogical and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon. The spacecraft carried 11 scientific
instruments built in India, USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Bulgaria

2) CHANDRAYAAN-3

- Details
ú Chandrayaan -3 is the third Moon Mission of ISRO that was launched in July 2023 perched on
GSLV-MK-3 heavy lift vehicle. It is a follow-on mission to Chandrayaan-2 and demonstrated end-
to-end capability in safe landing and roving in lunar surface when it landed on the south pole of
Moon on 23rd Aug 2023.
ú With this, India has become the fourth country in the world after USA, Russia and China to
successfully land on Moon.

A) COMPONENTS OF CHANDRAYAAN 3.0:

- It consists of a Propulsion Module (PM), Lander Module (LM), and a Rover with an objective of
developing and demonstrating new technologies required for inter-planetary mission. Note: It
doesn’t have an orbiter module.

Propulsion Module (PM)

The mains function of PM is to carry the LM from
launch vehicle injection till final lunar 100 km
circular orbit and separate LM from PM.

This propulsion module has Spectro-Polarimetry

of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) payload to
study the spectral and Polari metric
measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit.

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 The Lander (Vikram) had the capability to soft
land at a specified lunar site and deploy rover. It
happened on 23rd Aug 2023. It will remain
stationary on the surface and carries four
payloads which would record the chemical,
thermal, and seismic instruments of the moon’s
surface.

Lander Payloads: Lander module has four

payloads (Chaste, RAMBHA, ILSA and LRA)

Chandra Surface Thermophysical Experiment RAMBHA- LP (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound

(ChaSTE): To carry out the measurements of Hypersensitive ionosphere and atmosphere) -
thermal properties of lunar surface near polar RAMBHA: To measure the near surface plasma
region. (ions and electrons) density and its changes with
time.
Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) for A passive Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA) from
measuring the seismicity around the landing site NASA is accommodated for lunar laser ranging
and delineating the structure of the lunar crust studies. It acts as a target for lasers for very
and mantle. accurate measurements for future missions.
Rover (Pragyaan) is a 6 wheeled robotic vehicle.
Life: One lunar day (14 earth day)

Payload:
Laser Induced breakdown Spectrometer (LIBS): It
will determine the chemical and mineral
composition of the lunar surface.
Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer (APXS): It will
determine the composition of elements such as
magnesium, aluminium, silicon, potassium,
calcium, titanium and iron in the lunar soil and
rocks.

B) LANDING WAS THE MOST COMPLICATED PART HERE:

- Landing is the most complicated part of the mission. The Lander and Rover get ejected at a speed of around
6,000 km/hr and have to be slowed down to roughly 3 km/hr before it lands. Since moon doesn’t have
atmosphere, parachute kind of mechanism can’t be used. Here, thrusters had to be fired in opposite
direction to slow down the lander.

C) WHERE DID LANDER LAND?

- It landed at around 70-degree S near the southern pole of the moon.
- Why?

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 a. The site was selected as there are several craters here that are permanent in shade and
cane be reservoir of frozen water which is key to the future space mission.

D) ROVER:
i. Within a few hours of landing, ISRO also released a 26-kg rover from the lander module, which
slided on the ramp to reach the moon’s surface. The six wheeled rover, which is carrying two
instruments and moves very slowly, is expected to crawl on the surface for 14 days, conducting
chemical and elemental analysis of lunar soil and rocks.

E) COMPARING CHANDRAYAAN-1, CHANDRAYAAN-2 AND CHANDRAYAAN-3

Chandrayaan-1 Chandrayaan-2 Chandrayaan-3
Year 2008 2019 2023
Rocket PSLV LVM-3 LVM-3
Used
Payloads Orbiter + Impactor Module (for Orbiter + Lander (Vikram) Lander + Rover
crash landing) + Rover (Pragyan)
Successful Yes Partially Yes (Lander Yes
failed)
Perhaps the most important It helped in separately
discovery of Chandrayaan-1 was identifying the water and
the discovery of water and hydroxyl molecules, and
hydroxyl (OH) molecules in the mapping water features
Moon’s thin atmosphere across the moon for the
(exosphere) as well on the lunar first time.
surface.

Buried Lava Tubes: The terrain

mapping camera and
hyperspectral imager on board
Chandrayaan-1 detected an
underground lava tube, which,
scientists believe, can provide a
safe environment for human
habitation in the future. It can
protect against hazardous
radiation, small meteoric
impacts, extreme temperature
and dust storms on the surface.

F) CHANDRAYAAN 3 PROPULSION MODULE RETRACES STEPS TO EARTH ORBIT: WHY IT MATTERS?

(DEC 2023)
- What happened?

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 ú Scientists have brought the propulsion module (PM) of Chandrayaan 3 mission back into
earth orbit.
ú This was not part of original mission plan. It utilized the logistics advantage of near
perfect mission, especially the availability of more than 100 Kg of fuel.
ú How was this achieved?
§ ISRO performed maneuver to raise the orbit of the PM around the moon (from
150 km to 5,112 kms)
§ Second maneuver targeted an earth orbit of 1.8 lakh X 3.8 lakh km.
- Significance:
ú This experiment prepares ISRO for future missions, especially the ambitious Lunar
Sample Return Mission.
§ Through this ISRO has been able to understand what is involved in the “planning
and execution of trajectory and maneuvers to return from Moon to Earth”

3) CHANDRAYAAN 4.0

- Why in news?
» S. Somnath, the chairperson of ISRO has set a target of 2028 for the Chandrayaan-4 mission (Oct
2024)
o Earlier in Sep 2024, Union Cabinet of GoI had accorded approval for two significant space
missions, viz. the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) to study different facets of Venus including
its surface and atmosphere, and the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which is meant to collect lunar
samples and bring back the same to the earth. (Sep 2024)

- About Chandrayaan 4.0: It will be India’s 4th mission to the moon. It will demonstrate taking off from lunar
surface after collecting samples and bringing back the same to the Earth with the protection of the collected
samples against damage and contamination.
» The spacecraft will consist of five modules (divided in two stacks)
» Stack-1: » Stack-2:
» Ascender Module (AM) » Re-entry module (RM)
» Descender Module (DM) » Transfer Module (TM)
» Propulsion Module (PM)

» »

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 » These two stacks are proposed to be launched onboard two separate LVM3 vehicles. After two
launches the stacks will be docked together in elliptical orbit to form an integrated stack. After this,
Integrated Stack will perform first set of Earth-bound maneuvers with PM propulsion system. Once
the PM Module is depleted, it gets jettisoned from the integrated stack. The Integrated Stack (DM
+ AM + TM + RM) performs all the maneuvers to achieve the lunar orbit, such that the orbit plane
has the pre-determined landing site. In the final lunar orbit, DM+AM gets separated from TM+RM.
DM+AM then undergoes powered descent to achieve soft landing on the lunar surface.
» After touchdown, a robotic arm, also called Surface Sampling Robot mounted on DM will scoop 2-
3 kg samples around the landing site and transfer it to a container on AM. In addition, a drilling
mechanism will collect sub-surface samples and transfer it to another container in the AM. The
containers with the samples will be sealed to prevent contamination and leakage during its journey
to Earth. Various phases of sample collection operations will be monitored through video cameras.
» After the completion of sample collection, AM would ascend to the lunar orbit and dock with the
parked TM+RM. Samples will be transferred from AM to RM. After sample transfer, the TM+RM will
be undocked from AM. Later, the TM+RM will perform maneuvers to return to Earth. At suitable
reentry corridor, RM would get separated from TM and perform ballistic re-entry into Earth’s
atmosphere and finally landing onto Earth landmass along with Lunar samples.

4) CHANDRAYAAN-5

- It will be a moon landing mission with Japanese Space Agency (JAXA). It was originally named LUPEX, or Lunar
Polar Exploration.
▫ It will be a heavy mission in which lander will be provided by India and rover will come from Japan. The
rover itself will weigh around 350 kgs (compared to 27 kg rover which went with Chandrayaan-3).
▫ It will take India step closer to landing on moon.
- The expected time frame for the same hasn’t been announced yet.

10. SOME OTHER INITIATIVES OF ISRO

- Project NETRA: Under this ISRO is setting up optical telescope system to provide warnings to satellites against
missiles, space attacks, debris etc.
- Bhuvan 3.0 (Bhuvan Panchayat 3.0): it is a web portal which allows exploring of map based content prepared
by ISRO.
- Mission Shakti: Anti-Satellite missile test conducted by DRDO and ISRO in 2019. India is now 4th country in the
world to have anti-satellite capability after USA, Russia and China.

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