UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies

Question 64: Science and Technology

Consider the following statements in respect of India's advanced satellite INSAT–4A :

1.INSAT–4A was launched in December, 2005 from New Mexico.
2.The European commercial launch service provider Arianespace was associated with the launch of INSAT–4A.
3.Tata-Sky—a digital cable service provider is associated with DTH television broadcasting services from INSAT-4A.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

a1, 2 and 3

b1 and 2, only

c2 and 3, only

d1 and 3, only

AnswerThe answer is (c).

INSAT-4A was launched on 22 December 2005 from Kourou in French Guiana, not New Mexico, on an Ariane 5 rocket of the European provider Arianespace. Tata Sky, a direct-to-home (DTH) television service, uses transponders on INSAT-4A. So statements 2 and 3 are correct and statement 1 is wrong.

1. It was launched from Kourou, French Guiana, not New Mexico.
2. Arianespace launched it on an Ariane 5.
3. Tata Sky DTH uses INSAT-4A.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Statement 1 is wrong: the launch site was Kourou, not New Mexico.
(b) Statement 1 is wrong, and it leaves out statement 3.
(c) Correct: statements 2 and 3 hold.
(d) Statement 1 is wrong, and it leaves out statement 2.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.