Q. Consider the following statements:
1.The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is capable of launching satellites to geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO).
2.PSLV is primarily used to launch heavier communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits while Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is used to launch remote sensing satellites into low Earth orbits.
3.PSLV does not use a cryogenic upper stage while GSLV uses a cryogenic upper stage in some of its variants.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The PSLV is capable of launching satellites weighing up to approximately 1,750 kilograms to sun-synchronous orbits (SSO) and around 3,800 kilograms to geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO). It has been used to launch Chandrayaan-1 lunar orbiter in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013.
PSLV does not use a cryogenic upper stage. It relies on solid and liquid propulsion systems while GSLV uses solid, liquid, and cryogenic fuel in some of its variants.
The PSLV is primarily designed for launching satellites into polar orbits, sun-synchronous orbits, and geosynchronous transfer orbits (GTO). The GSLV is specifically designed for launching satellites into geosynchronous orbits.
Statement 2 is incorrect. PSLV is primarily used to launch remote sensing satellites into low Earth orbits, while GSLV is used to launch heavier communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits.
Source: ForumIAS
