Prelims 2018 · Science and Technology · Question 95
With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:<br/>1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.<br/>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.<br/>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.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
1 only
Correct. PSLV is mainly used for placing satellites in polar/sun-synchronous orbits, commonly for Earth observation/resource monitoring; GSLV is mainly used to place heavier satellites, especially communication satellites, into geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Incorrect. Satellites that appear fixed in the sky are in geostationary orbit. PSLV generally launches satellites into polar/sun-synchronous orbit, so they do not remain fixed over one point.
Incorrect. GSLV Mk III/LVM3 is not a four-stage vehicle. It has two solid strap-on boosters, one liquid core stage, and one cryogenic upper stage.