Q12.
With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer
D
Explanation
ASTROSAT is India's first dedicated multi wavelength space observatory. India's observatory will be the fourth in space, after the Hubble (USA), Russia's Spektr R and Suzaku of Japan (not just USA and Russia). ASTROSAT with a lift-off mass of about 1513 kg (not 2000 kg) was launched into a 650 km orbit (not 1650 km) inclined at an angle of 6 deg to the equator by PSLV-C30. Hence both statements are incorrect.