UPSC Prelims 2018 · GS Paper I
Question 61: Science and Technology
With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements :
- 1.IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
- 2.IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
- 3.India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).
IRNSS (NavIC) is a regional system of seven satellites: three in geostationary orbit and four in inclined geosynchronous orbit. It covers India and an area extending about 1,500 km beyond its borders, not 5,500 sq. km. It is a regional system, and there was no plan to give it global coverage by 2019. Only statement 1 is correct. Remember: NavIC is India's own regional navigation system with seven satellites.
- 1. Three satellites are in geostationary and four in geosynchronous orbit.
- 2. Coverage extends about 1,500 km beyond India's borders.
- 3. IRNSS is regional; global coverage by mid-2019 was not planned.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: only the orbit configuration is correct.
- (b) Wrong: coverage is about 1,500 km beyond the borders, not 5,500 sq. km.
- (c) Wrong: both statements are false; the system is regional.
- (d) Wrong: statement 1 is correct.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2018, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.