[4] Following launch, INSAT-1A had some initial problems deploying its antennas, solar array and stabilisation boom.

[5] The C-band antenna could not be deployed for twelve days, and the solar array failed to extend fully, preventing the spacecraft generating enough power to conduct weather observation.

Early in the satellite's mission a fault in a valve in its attitude control system was detected which caused the spacecraft to expend propellant at a greater rate than expected.

On 4 September 1982 the satellite's primary Earth-tracking sensor was temporarily deactivated to protect the system while the Sun passed through its field of view.

The satellite exhausted its remaining propellant supply trying to regain Earth-lock, and was abandoned on 6 September.