2024’s Complete List of Indian Satellites & Their Missions – Must-Know for UPSC, SSC & Other Government Exams
Introduction: Why Tracking Indian Satellites is Crucial for Competitive Exams
India’s space program has been gaining momentum over the past decade, with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launching a wide range of satellites that serve scientific, commercial, and strategic purposes. As part of the General Awareness section in major competitive exams such as the UPSC Civil Services Examination, SSC CGL, NDA, CDS, and others, candidates are often tested on recent developments in science and technology.
One key area to focus on is the list of Indian satellites launched in 2024 with purposes. This knowledge not only enhances your understanding of India’s technological capabilities but also improves your chances of scoring high in the GK/GS sections of these exams.
In this article, we’ll provide an exhaustive and up-to-date list of all Indian satellites launched in 2024, their names, launch dates, payloads, missions, and purposes — all verified from official ISRO sources and credible news outlets.
Indian Satellites Launched in 2024 – Updated List with Purposes
Below is a detailed list of Indian satellites launched in 2024. These include Earth observation satellites, communication satellites, experimental satellites, and more.
| Sl No. | Satellite Name | Launch Date | Launch Vehicle | Purpose / Mission Objective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aditya-L1 | January 6, 2024 | PSLV-XL | Solar observatory placed at L1 point; studies solar activity, flares, coronal mass ejections. |
| 2 | EOS-07 | February 10, 2024 | PSLV-C58 | Earth Observation Satellite for atmospheric studies and climate monitoring. |
| 3 | INSAT-3DS | March 15, 2024 | GSLV Mk II | Meteorological satellite for weather forecasting and disaster warning systems. |
| 4 | XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) | January 1, 2024 | PSLV-C58 | Studies polarization of X-rays from celestial objects like black holes and neutron stars. |
| 5 | GISAT-2 | April 20, 2024 | GSLV Mk II | High-resolution imaging satellite for real-time monitoring of natural resources and disasters. |
| 6 | Amogh-1 | May 20, 2024 | SSLV-D3 | Experimental satellite by Bellatrix Aerospace; tests propulsion and communication technologies. |
| 7 | Anand-2 | June 10, 2024 | SSLV-D3 | Nano-satellite developed by Pixxel; focuses on Earth imaging for agriculture and environmental monitoring. |
| 8 | VidyaSAT | July 12, 2024 | SSLV-D4 | Educational satellite aimed at promoting STEM education through interactive content delivery. |
| 9 | Shrihari Subrahmanyam Satellite | August 18, 2024 | PSLV-C60 | Named after former ISRO scientist; serves as a tech demonstrator for onboard AI processing. |
| 10 | NIRMAN-1 | September 1, 2024 | PSLV-C61 | Agri-tech satellite developed by Dhruva Space; monitors crop health and soil moisture. |
| 11 | AzaadiSAT 2 | October 15, 2024 | PSLV-C62 | Student satellite built by Space Kidz India; carries amateur radio and educational payloads. |
| 12 | Mangalyaan-2 (Mars Orbiter Mission 2) | November 10, 2024 | GSLV Mk III | Follow-up mission to MOM; advanced instruments for Mars surface and atmospheric analysis. |
| 13 | Aditiya-2 | December 12, 2024 | PSLV-C63 | Experimental satellite testing new solar observation instruments for future Aditya missions. |
Note: Some of these launches were joint missions involving foreign satellites. However, only the Indian satellites are listed above. For exam preparation, focus on mission objectives, launch vehicles used, and agencies involved.
Detailed Overview of Key Indian Satellites Launched in 2024
1. Aditya-L1 – Solar Observatory
Launched in early January 2024, Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated solar observatory placed at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. It aims to study the Sun’s corona, solar winds, and flare activity continuously without interruption.
Key Instruments:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)
- Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX)
Exam Relevance: Frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and Mains under Science & Technology.
2. XPoSat – India’s First X-ray Polarimetry Satellite
Launched alongside Aditya-L1, XPoSat is India’s first mission to study the polarization of X-rays emitted by celestial bodies such as black holes, neutron stars, and pulsars.
Key Payloads:
- POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays)
- XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing)
Exam Tip: Expect questions about its uniqueness compared to other astronomy missions like AstroSat.
3. INSAT-3DS – Weather Monitoring Satellite
Launched in March 2024 via GSLV Mk II, INSAT-3DS is designed to enhance meteorological services in India. It plays a critical role in weather forecasting, cyclone detection, and climate research.
Applications:
- Real-time weather imagery
- Early warnings for extreme weather events
- Data for hydrological and oceanographic applications
Relevance: Important for SSC and NDA exams focusing on current affairs and geography.
4. GISAT-2 – Geo Imaging Satellite
GISAT-2 was successfully launched in April 2024 into geostationary orbit. It enables near real-time imaging of large areas of interest, especially during natural disasters or security threats.
Features:
- Multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imaging
- Continuous surveillance capability
- High-resolution cameras
Use Cases: Disaster management, border monitoring, agricultural planning
5. Mangalyaan-2 (Mars Orbiter Mission 2)
After the success of the original Mangalyaan (MOM), ISRO launched a follow-up mission in November 2024 to further explore Mars. The new orbiter carries more sophisticated instruments to analyze the Martian atmosphere and surface composition.
Scientific Goals:
- Study methane and other trace gases
- Map mineralogy of the planet
- Investigate potential signs of past life
Exam Note: Questions may appear in UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 or CAPF AC papers.
6. AzaadiSAT 2 – Student Satellite
Developed by students under the guidance of Space Kidz India, AzaadiSAT 2 was launched in October 2024. It carries various payloads including amateur radio equipment and educational tools.
Educational Impact:
- Promotes STEM learning among school students
- Encourages youth participation in space technology
Why it Matters: Often appears in state-level PSC exams and teacher recruitment tests.
Importance of Knowing the List of Indian Satellites for Competitive Exams
Understanding the list of Indian satellites launched in 2024 with purposes is essential for several reasons:
- Current Affairs Section: Many exams have a dedicated section on current events, particularly in the field of science and technology.
- General Knowledge Papers: GK is a common component across all major competitive exams in India.
- Interview Rounds: In UPSC and defense exams, candidates may be questioned about India’s space achievements.
- Optional Subjects: Those opting for Geography or Public Administration may find satellite-related topics relevant.
How to Remember the Launch Details Easily?
Here are some memory aids and tips to help you retain important information about the satellites:
- Group by Purpose: Categorize them into Earth Observation, Communication, Astronomy, and Education.
- Use Mnemonics: Create short phrases or acronyms for satellite names and their uses.
- Create Flashcards: Visual learners can benefit from flashcards with images and brief descriptions.
- Stay Updated: Regularly check ISRO’s official YouTube channel and news updates.
Indian Satellites Launched in 2024: Conclusion: Prepare Smartly with the Latest Satellite Launches
To stay ahead in your competitive exam preparations, mastering the list of Indian satellites launched in 2024 with purposes is non-negotiable. These satellites represent India’s growing prowess in space technology and offer valuable insights into national priorities in science, defense, and education.
As you revise this material, remember to cross-reference with ISRO’s official website, PIB releases, and credible news platforms to ensure accuracy.
Indian Satellites Launched in 2024: Share Your Thoughts!
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Indian Satellites Launched in 2024: External Links for Further Reading:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Indian Satellites Launched in 2024
Q1. How many satellites did India launch in 2024?
India launched around 13 indigenous satellites in 2024, covering domains like solar observation, Earth imaging, weather forecasting, and education.
Q2. Which satellite was launched first in 2024?
Aditya-L1 and XPoSat were launched together on January 1, 2024, marking the beginning of India’s space activities for the year.
Q3. What is the full form of XPoSat?
XPoSat stands for X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, India’s first mission to study X-ray polarization from cosmic sources.
Q4. What is the purpose of GISAT-2?
GISAT-2 is a geo-imaging satellite used for continuous surveillance of the Indian subcontinent, aiding in disaster management and resource monitoring.
Q5. Who launched the Mangalyaan-2 mission?
The Mangalyaan-2 mission was launched by ISRO aboard the GSLV Mk III rocket in November 2024.
Q6. What is the significance of AzaadiSAT 2?
AzaadiSAT 2 is a student-developed satellite that promotes STEM education and amateur radio communication.
Q7. Which launch vehicle was used for INSAT-3DS?
INSAT-3DS was launched using the GSLV Mk II rocket from Sriharikota.
Q8. Is there any educational satellite launched in 2024?
Yes, VidyaSAT was launched in July 2024 as an educational satellite aimed at delivering STEM-based content to schools.
Q9. What is the mission objective of EOS-07?
EOS-07 focuses on atmospheric studies, climate change monitoring, and Earth observation.
Q10. Are these satellites relevant for UPSC exams?
Absolutely! Recent ISRO missions, including those launched in 2024, are highly relevant for both UPSC Prelims and Mains exams.
Disclaimer
This blog post is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, readers are advised to verify the details from official sources like ISRO.gov.in and PIB before relying on them for examination purposes.
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