Logo
Dalvoy
Back to Questions
95

Question 95

With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

AOptions

A
A) 1 only
B
B) 2 and 3
C
C) 1 and 2
D
D) 3 only

BSolution

Let's analyze the statements regarding India's satellite launch vehicles (PSLV and GSLV):

1. PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites. This statement is correct.

  • PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is India's workhorse launch vehicle primarily designed for launching Earth Observation Satellites (also known as remote sensing satellites) into sun-synchronous polar orbits (SSPO). These satellites are used for applications like Earth resource monitoring, weather forecasting, and disaster management.
  • GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to launch heavier communication satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), from where they are maneuvered into Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). Communication satellites require geostationary orbits to appear fixed over a particular spot on Earth.

2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth. This statement is incorrect. Satellites that appear fixed in the sky are in geostationary orbit, which is achieved by GSLV. PSLV primarily launches satellites into polar or sun-synchronous orbits, where the satellites continuously move across the sky as viewed from the Earth's surface.

3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines. This statement is incorrect. GSLV Mk III (now officially known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3 or LVM3) is a three-stage launch vehicle. Its configuration is:

  • First stage: Two large solid strap-on boosters (S200).
  • Second stage: A liquid core stage (L110).
  • Third stage: A cryogenic upper stage (C25).
It does not have four stages.

Based on the analysis, only statement 1 is correct.

Diagram for Q95

CStrategy

For questions on space technology and launch vehicles, understand the fundamental differences between various rockets, their typical payloads, and the types of orbits they primarily target. Pay close attention to structural details like the number of stages and the type of fuel used in each stage, as these are common points for factual checks.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question falls under Science and Technology, specifically focusing on India's space program, satellite launch vehicles, and orbital mechanics.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium. It requires a detailed understanding of the characteristics and capabilities of India's primary satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV.