Question

UPSC Prelims 2016 Question:

With reference to 'Astrosat',' the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.

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.

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4: Neither 1 nor 2

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. It will observe the universe in the optical, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. India’s observatory will be the fourth in space, after the Hubble space telescope (USA), Spektr R (Russia) and Suzaku (Japan). So, statement 1 is not correct.
AstroSat with a lift-off mass of 1515 kg was launched on September 28, 2015 into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 degree to the equator by PSLV-C30 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. So, statement 2 is not correct.

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

Objectives of the Mission:

To understand high energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes.
Estimate magnetic fields of neutron stars.
Study star birth regions and high energy processes in star systems lying beyond our galaxy.
Detect new briefly bright X-ray sources in the sky.
Perform a limited deep field survey of the Universe in the Ultraviolet region.

Subject: Science & Technology | Space and Related Developments

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