Question: Recently the Indian Space Research Organisation’s GSLV-F05 rocket successfully launched INSAT-3DR into the earth’s orbit. INSAT-3DR is…?
(A) a communication Satellite
(B) an advanced meteorological satellite of India
(C) an advanced communication satellite
(D) a payload to monitor and study the nature of the charged particles and influence of space radiation on spacecraft and electronic components
Ans: (B)
Related facts:
- On 8th September, 2016 the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched INSAT-3DR into earth’s Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- The launch took place at 4:50 PM from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota, the spaceport of India.
- The launch was delayed by 40 minutes due to an anomaly observed in the functioning of a pressure release valve in the liquid Oxygen filling ground segment which was resolved later.
- The satellite was launched by GSLV-F05 rocket. It is the 10th flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The flight is also significant since it is the first operational flight of GSLV carrying Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).
- GSLV is a three stage launcher that uses one solid rocket motor stage, one Earth storable liquid stage and one cryogenic stage. It had its first flight on April 18, 2001.
- INSAT-3DR is an advanced meteorological (weather observation) satellite built by India to provide a variety of inputs essential for accurate weather forecasting.
- It carries a multi spectral Imager, 19 channel Sounder, Data Relay Transponder and Search and Rescue Transponder.
- The satellite can also pick up and relay alert signals originating from distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users.
- INSAT-3DR (weight – 2211 kg ) is the heaviest satellite to be launched from the Indian soil.
- The satellite will be commissioned into service after the completion of orbit raising operations and the satellite’s positioning in its designated orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the GSO and in-orbit testing of its payloads.
Reference:
http://www.isro.gov.in/update/08-sep-2016/gslv-successfully-launches-india%E2%80%99s-weather-satellite-insat-3dr
http://www.isro.gov.in/hi/Spacecraft/insat-3dr
http://www.isro.gov.in/hi/launcher/gslv-f05-insat-3dr