Prepare for your competitive exams with this collection of top 50 ISRO GK questions. Sharpen your knowledge and boost your confidence.
1. When was ISRO founded?
A) 1947 B) 1962 C) 1969 D) 1972
Answer: C) 1969
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was founded on August 15, 1969. It was established to harness space technology for national development and to carry out space missions for societal benefits.
2. Who is considered the founding father of ISRO?
A) Vikram Sarabhai B) Homi J. Bhabha C) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam D) Satish Dhawan
Answer: A) Vikram Sarabhai
Explanation: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is widely regarded as the founding father of ISRO. He was instrumental in establishing the Indian space program and envisioned ISRO as an organization that would help India achieve self-reliance in space technology.
3. What was the first satellite launched by ISRO?
A) Bhaskara I B) Aryabhata C) Rohini D) INSAT-1A
Answer: B) Aryabhata
Explanation: Aryabhata was the first satellite launched by ISRO. It was named after the ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer, Aryabhata. The satellite was launched on April 19, 1975, by the Soviet Union.
4. In which year was the first satellite, Aryabhata, launched?
A) 1969 B) 1972 C) 1975 D) 1980
Answer: C) 1975
Explanation: Aryabhata, the first satellite of ISRO, was launched on April 19, 1975. It marked India’s first foray into space exploration.
5. What is the full form of ISRO?
A) Indian Space Research Organisation B) International Space Research Organisation C) Indian Satellite Research Organisation D) Indian Science Research Organisation
Answer: A) Indian Space Research Organisation
Explanation: The full form of ISRO is Indian Space Research Organisation. It is the space agency of the Government of India, headquartered in Bengaluru, and is responsible for space research and exploration.
6. Where is the headquarters of ISRO located?
A) New Delhi B) Mumbai C) Bengaluru D) Chennai
Answer: C) Bengaluru
Explanation: The headquarters of ISRO is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Bengaluru is a major center for technology and research in India, making it a fitting location for ISRO’s headquarters.
7. Which ISRO mission first reached Mars?
A) Chandrayaan-1 B) Mangalyaan C) GSAT-1 D) INSAT-3C
Answer: B) Mangalyaan
Explanation: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was ISRO’s first mission to reach Mars. Launched in 2013, Mangalyaan successfully entered Mars’ orbit, making India the first country to do so on its first attempt.
8. When was the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) launched?
A) 2008 B) 2010 C) 2013 D) 2015
Answer: C) 2013
Explanation: The Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, was launched on November 5, 2013. It was a significant achievement for ISRO, as it successfully placed the spacecraft in Mars’ orbit on September 24, 2014.
9. What is the name of India’s first lunar mission?
A) Chandrayaan-1 B) Mangalyaan C) Gaganyaan D) Vikram
Answer: A) Chandrayaan-1
Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 was India’s first lunar mission, launched by ISRO in 2008. It aimed to explore the moon and make significant contributions to lunar science.
10. When was Chandrayaan-1 launched?
A) 2005 B) 2008 C) 2011 D) 2014
Answer: B) 2008
Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 was launched on October 22, 2008. The mission was successful in discovering water molecules on the moon’s surface, among other scientific achievements.
11. Which ISRO mission first detected water on the moon?
A) Mangalyaan B) Chandrayaan-1 C) Chandrayaan-2 D) GSAT-7
Answer: B) Chandrayaan-1
Explanation: Chandrayaan-1 was the mission that first detected water molecules on the moon. This discovery was a significant milestone in lunar exploration and added valuable knowledge to our understanding of the moon.
12. What is the name of the launch vehicle developed by ISRO?
A) Falcon 9 B) PSLV C) Delta IV D) Atlas V
Answer: B) PSLV
Explanation: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a launch vehicle developed by ISRO. It is known for its reliability and has been used to launch various satellites into space, including those for India’s space missions.
13. Which launch vehicle was used to launch Chandrayaan-2?
A) PSLV B) GSLV Mk III C) SLV D) ASLV
Answer: B) GSLV Mk III
Explanation: The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) was used to launch Chandrayaan-2 on July 22, 2019. It is ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle and is capable of carrying heavy payloads.
14. When was Chandrayaan-2 launched?
A) 2017 B) 2018 C) 2019 D) 2020
Answer: C) 2019
Explanation: Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019. It was India’s second lunar exploration mission, following Chandrayaan-1. The mission aimed to explore the moon’s south pole region.
15. What does GSLV stand for?
A) Global Satellite Launch Vehicle B) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle C) Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle D) Giant Satellite Launch Vehicle
Answer: B) Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Explanation: GSLV stands for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. It is designed by ISRO to place satellites into geosynchronous orbits. The GSLV has been used for various missions, including launching communication satellites and Chandrayaan-2.
16. Which ISRO satellite is used for telecommunication purposes? A) Cartosat-2 B) GSAT-30 C) RISAT-2B D) Astrosat
Answer: B) GSAT-30
Explanation: GSAT-30 is a communication satellite developed by ISRO for telecommunication purposes. It provides coverage over the Indian mainland and islands and is used for various communication applications, including broadcasting and broadband services.
17. When was the first Indian astronaut, Rakesh Sharma, sent to space?
A) 1978 B) 1981 C) 1984 D) 1986
Answer: C) 1984
Explanation: Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian astronaut, was sent to space on April 3, 1984. He flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 as part of the Intercosmos program and spent nearly 8 days in space.
18. What was the name of the space mission that took Rakesh Sharma to space?
A) Soyuz T-11 B) Apollo 11 C) Shenzhou 5 D) Challenger
Answer: A) Soyuz T-11
Explanation: Rakesh Sharma was part of the Soyuz T-11 mission, a Soviet Union spaceflight. This mission was significant as it made him the first Indian to travel in space.
19. Which ISRO mission was India’s first interplanetary mission?
A) Chandrayaan-1 B) Mangalyaan C) Astrosat D) GSAT-6
Answer: B) Mangalyaan
Explanation: Mangalyaan, also known as the Mars Orbiter Mission, was India’s first interplanetary mission. Launched in 2013, it was a major milestone for ISRO, making India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the fourth space agency in the world to do so.
20. What is the primary objective of the INSAT series of satellites?
A) Earth observation B) Telecommunication and broadcasting C) Space exploration D) Weather monitoring
Answer: B) Telecommunication and broadcasting
Explanation: The INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) series of satellites is primarily used for telecommunication, broadcasting, and meteorology. They play a crucial role in television broadcasting, satellite-based communications, and weather forecasting in India.
ISRO Quiz Questions and Answers
21. Which satellite series is used by ISRO for Earth observation?
A) GSAT B) INSAT C) IRS series (Indian Remote Sensing) D) Astrosat
Answer: C) IRS series (Indian Remote Sensing)
Explanation: ISRO uses the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series for Earth observation. The IRS series is the largest constellation of remote sensing satellites for civilian use in operation today. These satellites are used for various applications such as agriculture, forestry, land-use mapping, disaster management, urban planning, and ocean resources monitoring. Some of the prominent satellites in this series include IRS-1A, IRS-P4 (Oceansat-1), and Cartosat-1.
22. What does the satellite RISAT stand for?
A) Radar Imaging Satellite B) Remote Imaging Satellite C) Regional Imaging Satellite D) Rapid Imaging Satellite
Answer: A) Radar Imaging Satellite
Explanation: RISAT stands for Radar Imaging Satellite. These satellites use synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) to capture images of the Earth’s surface, even under cloud cover and during the night. They are used for surveillance, agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
23. When was the first successful launch of the PSLV?
A) 1992 B) 1994 C) 1997 D) 1999
Answer: B) 1994
Explanation: The first successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) occurred on October 15, 1994. This launch marked a significant achievement for ISRO, as the PSLV has since become one of the most reliable launch vehicles for deploying satellites into space.
24. Which mission marked ISRO’s 100th space mission?
A) GSAT-10 B) PSLV-C21 C) Chandrayaan-2 D) Mangalyaan
Answer: B) PSLV-C21
Explanation: The PSLV-C21 mission, launched on September 9, 2012, marked ISRO’s 100th space mission. The PSLV-C21 successfully placed the French satellite SPOT 6 and the Japanese micro-satellite PROITERES into orbit.
25. What is the name of ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle? A) PSLV B) GSLV C) RLV-TD D) ASLV
Answer: C) RLV-TD
Explanation: The Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) is ISRO’s experimental program aimed at developing a reusable space vehicle. The program aims to reduce the cost of access to space by reusing the launch vehicle.
26. What was the payload capacity of the GSLV Mk III?
A) 2,500 kg to GTO B) 4,000 kg to GTO C) 6,000 kg to GTO D) 10,000 kg to LEO
Answer: B) 4,000 kg to GTO
Explanation: The GSLV Mk III, ISRO’s most powerful launch vehicle, has a payload capacity of up to 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and up to 10,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This capacity makes it suitable for launching heavier satellites and for interplanetary missions.
27. Which ISRO centre is responsible for satellite development?
A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) B) Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre (ISAC) C) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) D) Space Applications Centre (SAC)
Answer: B) Indian Space Research Organisation Satellite Centre (ISAC)
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Satellite Centre (ISAC) in Bengaluru is the primary centre for designing, building, and testing satellites in India. It plays a crucial role in India’s space program, developing satellites for various purposes like communication, navigation, remote sensing, and scientific research.
28. Which Indian Prime Minister was in office during the founding of ISRO? A) Jawaharlal Nehru B) Indira Gandhi C) Lal Bahadur Shastri D) Rajiv Gandhi
Answer: B) Indira Gandhi
Explanation: Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India during the founding of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. However, at the time of ISRO’s founding, Indira Gandhi was not in office. Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister later in 1966. During ISRO’s founding, Indira Gandhi was the current Prime Minister.
29. What is the name of ISRO’s heaviest rocket?
A) PSLV B) GSLV Mk II C) GSLV Mk III D) ASLV
Answer: C) GSLV Mk III
Explanation: The GSLV Mk III, also known as LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), is ISRO’s heaviest rocket. It is capable of carrying heavier payloads into space and has been used for missions like Chandrayaan-2.
30. Which ISRO mission launched 104 satellites in a single flight?
A) PSLV-C30 B) PSLV-C37 C) GSLV-D5 D) PSLV-C25
Answer: B) PSLV-C37
Explanation: The PSLV-C37 mission, launched on February 15, 2017, set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single flight. This mission demonstrated ISRO’s capability to deploy multiple satellites in various orbits in a single mission.
ISRO GK Questions with Answers
31. When was the PSLV-C37 mission launched?
A) 2015 B) 2016 C) 2017 D) 2018
Answer: C) 2017
Explanation: The PSLV-C37 mission was launched on February 15, 2017. It was a historic mission for ISRO as it successfully launched 104 satellites into orbit in a single launch, showcasing India’s prowess in space technology.
32. What is the main purpose of the NavIC system?
A) Weather forecasting B) Global positioning C) Regional navigation D) Satellite communication
Answer: C) Regional navigation
Explanation: The NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system is designed for regional navigation services. It provides accurate position information services to users in India and the surrounding region, similar to the GPS system but focused on the Indian subcontinent.
33. What does NavIC stand for?
A) Navigation with International Coverage B) Navigation with Indian Constellation C) National and International Communication D) Navigation with Integrated Communication
Answer: B) Navigation with Indian Constellation
Explanation: NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation. It is an autonomous satellite navigation system developed by ISRO to provide accurate position information to users in India and the surrounding region.
34. When was the first experimental flight of GSLV?
A) 1999 B) 2001 C) 2003 D) 2005
Answer: B) 2001
Explanation: The first experimental flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) took place on April 18, 2001. This marked the beginning of ISRO’s journey in developing a launch vehicle capable of placing heavier payloads into geosynchronous orbit.
35. Which ISRO mission aims to study the sun?
A) Mangalyaan B) Chandrayaan-2 C) Aditya-L1 D) Astrosat
Answer: C) Aditya-L1
Explanation: The Aditya-L1 mission is ISRO’s first mission dedicated to studying the sun. It is designed to observe the solar corona and understand various solar phenomena, which have significant impacts on space weather.
36. What is the name of ISRO’s human spaceflight program?
A) Chandrayaan B) Gaganyaan C) Mangalyaan D) Samudrayaan
Answer: B) Gaganyaan
Explanation: Gaganyaan is the name of ISRO’s human spaceflight program. The mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space aboard an Indian spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts.
37. Which rocket launched India’s first dedicated navigation satellite? A) PSLV-C22 B) GSLV Mk III C) PSLV-C33 D) PSLV-C14
Answer: A) PSLV-C22
Explanation: India’s first dedicated navigation satellite, IRNSS-1A, was launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The PSLV-C22 rocket successfully placed IRNSS-1A into orbit in 2013. This marked a significant milestone for India’s space program as it began developing its own regional navigation satellite system, NavIC.
38. When was the GSAT-1 launched? A) 2000 B) 2001 C) 2002 D) 2003
Answer: B) 2001
Explanation: GSAT-1, India’s first experimental Geo-Stationary satellite, was launched on April 18, 2001. It was designed for communication and broadcasting services, marking an important step in India’s journey toward satellite communication.
39. Which ISRO satellite is used for educational purposes? A) EDUSAT B) GSAT-10 C) CARTOSAT-2 D) INSAT-3B
Answer: A) EDUSAT
Explanation: EDUSAT (also known as GSAT-3) was launched by ISRO on September 20, 2004. It was the first Indian satellite dedicated to the educational sector, intended to meet the demands of distance learning and provide connectivity to educational institutions in remote areas.
40. What is the main goal of the SARAL satellite? A) Earth Observation B) Oceanographic Studies C) Communication D) Weather Forecasting
Answer: B) Oceanographic Studies
Explanation: SARAL (Satellite with ARgos and ALtika) is a joint Indo-French satellite mission launched on February 25, 2013. It is primarily used for oceanographic studies, including the monitoring of sea surface heights, sea levels, and ocean currents, which are crucial for climate research.
ISRO GK Questions in English
41. Which ISRO mission was a joint collaboration with France? A) CARTOSAT-1 B) INSAT-3DR C) Megha-Tropiques D) GSAT-7A
Answer: C) Megha-Tropiques
Explanation: The joint collaboration between ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and France was for the Megha-Tropiques satellite. Megha-Tropiques was launched in 2011 to study the Earth’s atmosphere and climate, with a particular focus on the water cycle and cloud formation. It was a significant scientific mission that involved the expertise of both Indian and French scientists and engineers.
42. When was the first successful cryogenic engine test by ISRO? A) 1991 B) 2000 C) 2003 D) 2014
Answer: C) 2003
Explanation: ISRO’s first successful cryogenic engine test took place on December 25, 2003. This was a significant milestone for the Indian space program, as cryogenic engines are essential for launching heavy-lift satellites into higher orbits. The successful test paved the way for India’s development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), a crucial launch vehicle for communication and navigation satellites.
43. Which mission was India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory? A) ASTROSAT B) MANGALYAAN C) INSAT-4A D) GSAT-12
Answer: A) ASTROSAT
Explanation: ASTROSAT, launched on September 28, 2015, was India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. It enables the simultaneous observation of the universe in multiple wavelengths, such as X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical, contributing to a deeper understanding of celestial phenomena.
44. Which ISRO centre is responsible for launch operations? A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) B) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) C) U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) D) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
Answer: B) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)
Explanation: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, located at Sriharikota, is ISRO’s primary spaceport, where launch operations are conducted. It is responsible for launching satellites into space, using various launch vehicles like PSLV and GSLV.
45. What does the Antrix Corporation do? A) Space Research B) Satellite Design C) Space Marketing D) Rocket Manufacturing
Answer: C) Space Marketing
Explanation: Antrix Corporation is the commercial arm of ISRO. It was established to promote and commercially exploit space products, technical consultancy services, and transfer of technologies developed by ISRO. Antrix is responsible for marketing and selling satellite transponders and launch services to clients worldwide.
46. When was the first flight of the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle)? A) 1979 B) 1980 C) 1981 D) 1982
Answer: A) 1979
Explanation: The first flight of the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) took place on August 10, 1979. However, it was unsuccessful in its mission to place the satellite into orbit. The first successful launch occurred on July 18, 1980, when it placed the Rohini satellite into orbit.
47. Which ISRO satellite provided high-resolution images for mapping? A) GSAT-30 B) CARTOSAT-2 C) INSAT-3A D) RISAT-2BR1
Answer: B) CARTOSAT-2
Explanation: CARTOSAT-2 is a series of earth observation satellites launched by ISRO, known for providing high-resolution images. These satellites are primarily used for cartographic applications, urban and rural planning, and infrastructure development.
48. What does ISRO’s ANUSAT stand for? A) Advanced National Utility Satellite B) Anna University Satellite C) Automated Navigation and Utility Satellite D) Advanced Navigation Utility System
Answer: B) Anna University Satellite
Explanation: ANUSAT stands for Anna University Satellite. It was an experimental microsatellite developed by Anna University, launched by ISRO on April 20, 2009. It was India’s first satellite designed, developed, and integrated by an Indian university.
49. What was the primary purpose of the GSAT-6A satellite? A) Navigation B) Educational Broadcast C) Communication D) Weather Monitoring
Answer: C) Communication
Explanation: GSAT-6A, launched on March 29, 2018, was primarily intended for communication purposes. It was designed to improve mobile communication through multi-beam coverage, especially in remote and inaccessible areas of India.
50. Which ISRO mission aims to explore Venus? A) MANGALYAAN-2 B) Shukrayaan-1 C) Chandrayaan-3 D) Aditya-L1
Answer: B) Shukrayaan-1
Explanation: Shukrayaan-1 is ISRO’s planned mission to explore Venus. The mission aims to study the planet’s surface and atmosphere, as well as understand its evolution and possibly the conditions for life. It is expected to launch in the near future as part of ISRO’s ambitious interplanetary exploration program.
