Context:
Recently, INSAT-3DS satellite sent to launch port in Sriharikota.
INSAT 3DS:
- An exclusive meteorological satellite
- Collaboration between the ISRO and IMD ( India Meteorological Department)
- Developed at – U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES).
- Objective – to provide continuity of services to the existing in-orbit INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites
- Aim –
- Enhanced meteorological observation and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
- Enhancing climate services, through Earth observation satellites.
- Launch Vehicle – Geo Synchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV F14) as per Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM)
- Payloads – 6 channel Imager and 19 channel Sounder, Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder.
Data Transponder (DRT):
- Receives meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic data from automatic Data Collection Platforms / Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and augments the weather forecasting capabilities.
Satellite aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder:
- Used to relay a distress signal / alert detection from the beacon transmitters for search and rescue services with global receive coverage.
GSLV F14:
- A more advanced rocket utilising liquid propellant.
- Distinguished by its higher capacity
- Uses cryogenic liquid propellants in all three stages.
Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM):
- A notice containing information essential to personnel concerned with flight operations but not known far enough in advance to be publicized by other means.
- Indicates the real-time and abnormal status of the NAS impacting every user.
- Meant to alert pilots to hazards, everything from snow, volcanic ash or birds near an airport.
- Pilots are needed to review the notices (printed or digital) before take-off.
- Use unique language (encoded shorthand) for more efficient communication.
Previous Year Question
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?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is not correct: Satellites launched by GSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
Statement 3 is not correct:
GSLV Mk III is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle with two solid strap-one, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage
