With reference to Indian satellites and their launchers, consider the following statements: 1. All the INSAT-series of satellites were launched abroad 2. PSLVs were used to launch IRS-series of satellites 3. India used the indigenously built cryogenic engines for the first time for powering the third stage of GSLV 4. GSAT, launched in the year 2001, has payloads to demonstrate digital broadcasts and internet services Which of these statements are correct?
- A1, 2, 3 and 4
- B2, 3 and 4
- C1, 2 and 4Correct
- D1 and 3
Explanation
The correct answer is C because of the following reasons
Statement 1 is correct. All satellites in the INSAT series were launched using foreign rockets such as the European Ariane or American Delta and Space Shuttle because India did not have heavy lift launch vehicles at that time.
Statement 2 is correct. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV was specifically designed and used to launch the Indian Remote Sensing or IRS series of satellites into Sun synchronous orbits.
Statement 3 is incorrect. While the GSLV uses a cryogenic engine in its third stage, the first few flights of the GSLV used Russian supplied cryogenic engines. The first successful flight using an indigenously built cryogenic engine did not occur until 2014 with the GSLV D5 mission.
Statement 4 is correct. GSAT 1 was launched in 2001 as an experimental satellite. Its primary objective was to demonstrate new technologies in the field of digital audio and video broadcasting as well as internet services.
Therefore statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct while statement 3 is wrong.

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