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With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the
following statements is/are correct?
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory
into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a)

1 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

Both 1 and 2

(d)

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer

(d)

Explanation

ASTROSAT is Indias first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory. ASTROSAT will observe universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Indias observatory will be the fourth in space, after the Hubble (USA), Russias Spektr R and Suzaku of Japan. ASTROSAT with a lift-off mass of about 1513 kg was launched into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator by PSLV-C30. ASTROSAT will observe universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, whereas most other scientific satellites are capable of observing a narrow range of wavelength band. Tikdam: Only is the read flag in statement 1. Pause and think. What about EU and Japan, China. EU has its observatory, so does Japan. Statement 2 is easily incorrect as PSLV has not been able to carry 2000 kg satellite. Maximum, it has thus far is 1800 kg Chandrayaan

Microtheme: Space ProgramsXIND —
12 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

  1. [2026] Consider the following statements about involvement of private entities in India’s space programme:
    1. IN-SPACe is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
    2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
    3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 2 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 2 only
  2. [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management.
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    • (a) I, II and III
    • (b) II and III only
    • (c) I only
    • (d) I and II only
    Correct Answer: (D) I and II only
  3. [2018] With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements :
    1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
    2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
    3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 1 and 2 only
    • (c) 2 and 3 only
    • (d) None
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  4. [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicle, consider the following statements:
    1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3.GSLV MK III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3
    • (c) 1 and 2
    • (d) 3 only
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  5. [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :
    1.PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3.GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3
    • (c) 1 and 2
    • (d) 3 only
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  6. [2016] With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the
    following statements is/are correct?
    1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory
    into space.
    2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
  7. [2016] Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
    1. is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
    2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its
    very first attempt
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 and 3 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1, 2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
  8. [2015] In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used?
    (1) Assessment of crop productivity
    (2) Locating ground water resources
    (3) Mineral exploration
    (4) Telecommunications
    (5) Traffic studies
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    • (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    • (b) 4 and 5 only
    • (c) 1 and 2 only
    • (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
    Correct Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
  9. [2011] Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when:
    1. The orbit is geosynchronous.
    2. The orbit is circular.
    3. The orbit lies in the plane of the earth’s equator.
    4. The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.

    • (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    • (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    • (c) 2 and 4 only
    • (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
    Correct Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
  10. [2010] In the context of space technology, what is Bhuvan, recently in the news ?

    • (a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
    • (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II
    • (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India
    • (d) A space telescope developed by
    Correct Answer: (C) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India
  11. [2010] Consider the following statements : The Satellite Oceansat-2 launched by India helps in
    1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
    2. predicting the onset of monsoons.
    3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • (a) 1 and 2 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) 1 and 3 only
    • (d) 1,2 and 3
    Correct Answer: (D) 1,2 and 3
  12. [2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier ?

    • (a) Australia
    • (b) Canada
    • (c) China
    • (d) Japan
    Correct Answer: (C) China