UPSC Prelims 1995 · General Studies
Question 74: Science and Technology
In the field of space technology, India has demonstrated during 1994 her capability to
AnswerThe answer is (d).
In October 1994 India's PSLV-D2 put the IRS-P2 remote-sensing satellite into a polar orbit, showing that ISRO could build satellites and launch them on its own rocket. The given key names geostationary satellites, but India's geostationary launch vehicle, the GSLV, first flew only in 2001, and the INSAT satellites were launched abroad until then. Remember: PSLV serves polar orbits, GSLV geostationary ones.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Missile warning systems of this kind were not a 1994 achievement.
- (b) ISRO built and launched IRS-P2 on the PSLV in 1994, which is the closest true statement.
- (c) Stealth missiles were not demonstrated in 1994.
- (d) The given key: launching geostationary satellites, though the GSLV flew only in 2001.
Worth knowing: Disputed: India did not launch geostationary satellites on its own rocket in 1994 (the GSLV first flew in 2001); the 1994 success was the PSLV launching an Indian-built satellite into polar orbit, so (b) fits better.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1995, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.