With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statement(s) 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 codes given below.

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)        

Explanation:

• ASTROSAT, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, was launched into a 650 km orbit by the PSLV-C30 with a lift-off mass of approximately 1513 kg. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Other countries, including NASA, the European Union’s space agency, Japan, and Russia have previously launched similar facilities. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.