With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:1. PSLVs launch the satellite 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?
✓ Correct answer: a) 1 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is primarily used to place satellites in Sun- Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSO), which are ideal for Earth observation, remote sensing, and resource monitoring.The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is used to place communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), from where they move into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) for telecom and broadcasting services.Statement 2 is incorrect: Geostationary satellites (which remain fixed over a location) are launched into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at 35,786 km altitude, usually by GSLV, not PSLV.PSLV typically places satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), where they move relative to the Earth’s surface.Statement 3 is incorrect: GSLV Mk III (now LVM3) is actually a three-stage launch vehicle: First stage: Two solid rocket boosters (S200) Second stage: A liquid-fueled core stage (L110) Third stage: A cryogenic stage (C25) There is no fourth stage in GSLV Mk III, making the statement incorrect.SUPER HINT For S2, PSLV places sate
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