ISRO Missions | Indian GK | School GK | GK Olympiad | General Knowledge MCQs with Answer
India is one of the few countries in the world that has made great progress in space science. The credit goes to ISRO, which stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation. ISRO has completed many successful space missions, which have made India proud across the world.
For students, learning about ISRO is important because it shows how science, technology, and teamwork can help a country grow stronger. Let us explore the history, achievements, and missions of ISRO.
What is ISRO?
- Full form: Indian Space Research Organisation
- Founded: 15th August 1969
- Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai (known as the Father of Indian Space Programme)
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Department: Works under the Department of Space (DoS), Government of India
The main purpose of ISRO is to develop satellites, rockets, and space missions that help in communication, weather forecasting, navigation, defense, and scientific research.
India’s First Satellite: Aryabhata
India launched its first satellite Aryabhata on 19th April 1975 with the help of the Soviet Union. It was named after the famous Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata. This marked the beginning of India’s space journey.
Important ISRO Missions
1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008)
- India’s first mission to the Moon.
- Launched on 22nd October 2008.
- Discovered water molecules on the Moon’s surface.
- A historic achievement that brought India global recognition.
2. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013)
- India’s first mission to Mars.
- Launched on 5th November 2013.
- India became the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit, and the first country in the world to succeed on its first attempt.
- It made India proud as the mission was very cost-effective compared to other countries.
3. Chandrayaan-2 (2019)
- India’s second lunar mission.
- Launched on 22nd July 2019.
- Carried an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan).
- The orbiter is still working and sending valuable data about the Moon.
4. Chandrayaan-3 (2023)
- Launched on 14th July 2023.
- India became the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole.
- The Vikram lander and Pragyan rover studied the lunar soil, rocks, and atmosphere.
- A huge success for ISRO and a proud moment for India.
5. Aditya-L1 (2023)
- India’s first mission to study the Sun.
- Launched on 2nd September 2023.
- The satellite is placed at Lagrange Point 1 (L1) to observe the Sun continuously.
- It studies solar winds, solar storms, and their effect on Earth.
6. INSAT Series
- INSAT satellites help India in telecommunication, weather forecasting, and disaster warnings.
- These satellites save lives by predicting cyclones, floods, and heavy rains.
7. PSLV and GSLV Launch Vehicles
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is called the “workhorse of ISRO” because it has launched more than 300 foreign satellites for other countries.
- GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is used to launch heavier satellites and missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.
ISRO’s Latest Achievements
- Successful Gaganyaan Mission Tests for sending humans into space.
- Launching satellites for other countries and earning money for India.
- Developing NavIC, India’s own navigation system, similar to GPS.
- Making India self-reliant in space technology.
Why Are ISRO Missions Important?
- Scientific Progress – Helps India grow in science and technology.
- Communication – Satellites support television, the internet, and mobile networks.
- Weather Forecasting – Predicts cyclones, monsoons, and disasters.
- Defense and Navigation – Improves security and navigation for the army and the people.
- Education and Inspiration – Motivates students to learn science and become space scientists.
- Global Recognition – Shows the world that India can achieve success with low cost and high efficiency.
Future ISRO Missions
- Gaganyaan Mission – India’s first human space mission. ISRO aims to send astronauts (called “Vyomnauts”) into space.
- Shukrayaan-1 – A planned mission to study the planet Venus.
- More Lunar and Mars Missions – To continue exploring outer space.
Interesting Facts about ISRO
- ISRO launched 104 satellites in a single mission (2017), creating a world record.
- It is known for being cost-effective, achieving big missions at very low cost.
- Many countries, including the USA, UK, and France, use ISRO’s satellite launch services.
- ISRO’s success has made India one of the leading space powers in the world.
Conclusion
The ISRO missions show the strength of Indian science and the hard work of our scientists. From Aryabhata to Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, India has reached new heights in space research. ISRO not only supports communication, navigation, and weather forecasting but also makes India proud at the global level.
For Class 6 students, learning about ISRO is important because it inspires us to dream big. One day, some of you might become space scientists and take India to even greater heights. Truly, ISRO is the shining star of India.
MCQs – ISRO Missions
- What does ISRO stand for?
a) Indian Scientific Research Organisation
b) Indian Space Research Organisation
c) International Space Research Organisation
d) Indian Satellite Research Organisation - ISRO is India’s ______ space agency.
a) Private
b) National
c) International
d) Regional - ISRO operates as the research and development arm of which department?
a) Department of Science
b) Department of Space (DoS)
c) Department of Technology
d) Department of Defence - Who founded ISRO?
a) A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
b) Vikram Sarabhai
c) Satish Dhawan
d) Homi Bhabha - In which year was ISRO founded?
a) 1965
b) 1969
c) 1972
d) 1975 - On which date was ISRO founded?
a) August 15, 1969
b) January 26, 1969
c) October 2, 1970
d) December 25, 1968 - Where is ISRO’s headquarters located?
a) New Delhi
b) Bengaluru
c) Chennai
d) Hyderabad - What was the name of India’s first satellite?
a) INSAT-3DR
b) Aryabhata
c) Rohini
d) Bhaskara - Who launched India’s first satellite, Aryabhata?
a) ISRO itself
b) Soviet space agency Interkosmos
c) NASA
d) ESA - In which year was Aryabhata launched?
a) 1969
b) 1975
c) 1980
d) 1990 - Chandrayaan-3 (LVM3 M4) was launched on:
a) July 14, 2023
b) August 25, 2023
c) January 22, 2024
d) September 2, 2023 - The Aditya-L1 (PSLV-C57) mission was launched on:
a) September 8, 2023
b) September 2, 2023
c) September 5, 2023
d) September 28, 2023 - What is the purpose of Aditya-L1?
a) Study the Moon
b) Study the Sun from space
c) Study the Mars atmosphere
d) Weather forecasting - Amazonia-1 (PSLV-C51) was launched on:
a) February 28, 2021
b) February 28, 2020
c) September 5, 2013
d) October 22, 2008 - Which country’s satellites were launched along with Amazonia-1?
a) USA
b) Russia
c) Singapore
d) Japan - The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM/PSLV-C25) is also called:
a) Chandrayaan
b) Aditya
c) Mangalyaan
d) Aryabhata - Mars Orbiter Mission was launched on:
a) September 5, 2013
b) November 2, 2013
c) November 5, 2013
d) October 22, 2008 - INSAT-3DR (GSLV-F05) was launched on:
a) September 8, 2016
b) September 2, 2023
c) September 5, 2023
d) February 28, 2021 - What is the main purpose of INSAT-3DR?
a) Studying the Sun
b) Providing weather and storm warnings
c) Exploring Mars
d) Launching astronauts - When was Chandrayaan-1, India’s first mission to the Moon, launched?
a) September 8, 2016
b) October 22, 2008
c) November 5, 2013
d) August 15, 1969
Answer Key
- b) Indian Space Research Organisation
- b) National
- b) Department of Space (DoS)
- b) Vikram Sarabhai
- b) 1969
- a) August 15, 1969
- b) Bengaluru
- b) Aryabhata
- b) Soviet space agency Interkosmos
- b) 1975
- a) July 14, 2023
- c) September 5, 2023
- b) Study the Sun from space
- a) February 28, 2021
- c) Singapore
- c) Mangalyaan
- c) November 5, 2013
- a) September 8, 2016
- b) Providing weather and storm warnings
- b) October 22, 2008
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