gs1medium
With reference to ‘AstroSat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- 1.Other than the 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
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Neither 1 nor 2
AstroSat was launched by ISRO, but it was not the first such observatory globally. Several other countries had launched similar missions prior to AstroSat. Furthermore, AstroSat's orbit is significantly lower than stated, at an altitude of approximately 650 km, and its mass is also less than 2000 kg.
Source: UPSC gs1 2016