Satellites — Set 5
Technology · उपग्रह · Questions 41–50 of 50
Who is considered the 'Father of Indian Space Program'?
Correct Answer: B. Vikram Sarabhai
• **Vikram Sarabhai (ISRO founder)** = visionary space technology for social development. • **Aryabhata legacy** — India's first satellite embodied his mission vision. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (Satish Dhawan): ISRO administrator; C (APJ Abdul Kalam): missile scientist; D (Homi Bhabha): nuclear physics.
Which satellite is famously known for discovering the hole in the Ozone layer?
Correct Answer: B. Nimbus-7
• **Nimbus-7 + TOMS instrument** = Antarctic ozone hole discovery. • **Montreal Protocol outcome** — international ozone layer protection treaty. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (Sputnik): communication; C (Hubble): space telescope; D (Explorer 1): radiation belts.
What is the name of India's regional navigation satellite system?
Correct Answer: A. IRNSS (NavIC)
• **NavIC (IRNSS)** = India's 7-satellite regional navigation system. • **Regional independence** — accurate positioning for South Asia; indigenous alternative. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: B (GAGAN): augmentation system; C (INSAT): weather; D (GSAT): communication.
Which satellite was the first to take a photograph of the entire Earth from space?
Correct Answer: B. Explorer 6
• **Explorer 6 (1959)** = first TV image of Earth from orbit. • **Blue Marble (1972)** — Apollo 17 full-disc photo; transformed human perspective. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (Sputnik 2): animal-only carrier; C (ATS-3): weather satellite; D (Apollo 17): crew only, not first image.
What is the typical lifespan of a modern geostationary communication satellite?
Correct Answer: B. 10 to 15 years
• **Modern GEO lifespan** = 12–15 years operational design life. • **Fuel depletion limit** — cannot maintain position after propellant exhausted; redundancy ensures reliability. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (2–5 years): insufficient for comms; C (30–40 years): exceeds component life; D (forever): unrealistic due to fuel.
Which orbit is closest to the Earth's surface?
Correct Answer: C. Low Earth Orbit
• **LEO closest to Earth** = 160–2,000 km altitude range. • **Imaging and low-latency use** — high resolution; ISS most famous LEO object. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (MEO): 2,000–35,786 km; B (GEO): 35,786 km; D (Polar): inclination, not altitude.
Which part of a satellite acts as its 'brain', controlling all electronic functions?
Correct Answer: B. On-board Computer
• **On-board computer** = data processing, ground commands, health monitoring. • **Satellite brain function** — coordinates all systems for mission success. • 💡 Wrong-option analysis: A (solar panels): power generation; C (propulsion): maneuvering system; D (antenna): signal transmission.
Which Indian satellite was the first to be launched from an Indian-made launch vehicle?
Correct Answer: B. Rohini RS-1
Rohini RS-1 was successfully placed in orbit in 1980 by the SLV-3 rocket. This achievement made India a member of the exclusive 'Space Club' of nations with indigenous launch capabilities. The mission was a major milestone for ISRO and its team of engineers.
What is 'Space Debris'?
Correct Answer: B. Man-made objects in space that no longer serve a purpose
Space debris includes old satellites, spent rocket stages, and small fragments from collisions. These objects orbit Earth at very high speeds and pose a threat to functional satellites and the ISS. International agencies are working on technologies to clean up this 'space junk'.
Which satellite system is used to study global climate change and weather patterns?
Correct Answer: A. Meteorological satellites
Meteorological satellites carry sensors to measure cloud cover, temperature, and atmospheric pressure. They provide the data needed for daily weather forecasts and long-term climate studies. INSAT-3DR and METSAT are.