With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)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:
✓ Correct answer: d) Neither 1 nor 2
ExplanationAns: D Exp:Statement 1 is incorrect: India has joined the exclusive club of nations with its own space observatory with the successful launch of ASTROSAT, joining the US, Japan, Russia, and Europe.Along with six other foreign satellites, ASTROSAT, India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, will aid in the knowledge of the cosmos.Statement 2 is incorrect: AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed to study celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands.The payloads cover the energy bands of Ultraviolet (Near and Far), limited optical and X-ray regime (0.3 keV to 100keV).AstroSat with a liftoff mass of 1515 kg was launched on September 28, 2015 into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator by PSLV-C30 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Practice more Science PYQs
Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full Science & Technology previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.
🔬 Science PYQs →