2003 General Studies, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 12: Science and Technology

Consider the following statements:

  1. 1.India launched its first full-fledged meteorological satellite (METSAT) in September 2002.
  2. 2.For the first time, the space vehicle PSLV-C4 carried a payload of more than 1000 kg into a geosynchronous orbit.

Which of these statements is/are correct?

aOnly 1
bOnly 2
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerThe answer is (c).

PSLV-C4 launched METSAT, later renamed Kalpana-1, on 12 September 2002. At about 1,060 kg it was India's first satellite devoted fully to meteorology, and the first time a PSLV carried a payload of over a tonne towards geosynchronous orbit. Both statements follow the key. Remember: Kalpana-1, PSLV-C4, September 2002.

  • 1. METSAT (Kalpana-1), launched in September 2002, was India's first dedicated meteorological satellite.
  • 2. PSLV-C4 carried METSAT, about 1,060 kg, to a geosynchronous transfer orbit, a first for the PSLV.
Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) Statement 2 is also true, so 'only 1' is incomplete.
  • (b) Statement 1 is also true, so 'only 2' is incomplete.
  • (c) Correct: both statements hold.
  • (d) Both statements hold, so 'neither' is wrong.

Worth knowing: Strictly, PSLV-C4 placed METSAT in a geosynchronous transfer orbit and the satellite reached its final geostationary orbit with its own motor; the key reads the statement loosely.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.