INSAT-1C was the third satellite in the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series that was launched on 22 July 1988 from Guiana Space Centre in Kourou for location at 93.5°E to bring the INSAT system up to full capacity. This satellite's 12 C-band transponders and its two S-band transponders were lost when a power system failure knocked out one of the two buses, but the meteorological earth images and its data collection systems were both fully operational. It was carried out in Ariane-3 launch vehicle and has a mass of 1190 Kg.

INSAT-1C was primarily designed to provide telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorological services to India and neighboring regions. It aimed to enhance communication infrastructure, expand broadcasting reach, and improve meteorological forecasting capabilities.