GSLV-F10

Why in news?

• The launch of earth observation satellite EOS-03 onboard GSLV-F10 was unsuccessful recently because of an anomaly in the rocket’s cryogenic upper stage.

 About Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV):

• Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a space launch vehicle designed, developed, and operated by the ISRO
• GSLV-F10 is the ISRO’s 14th GSLV flight 
• GSLV-D1 was the first GSLV flight launched 2001
• Of the 18 GSLV launches since 2001, (including GSLV Mk-III), this could be considered the fourth unsuccessful mission
• GSLV is used to launch satellites and other space objects into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits.
  • Geosynchronous satellites are launched into orbit in the same direction the Earth is spinning and can have any inclination.
• GSLV has the capability to put a heavier payload in the orbit than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), another launch vehicle of ISRO.
• GSLV is a three-stage launcher with strap-on motors. While the first stage of the GSLV is solid fuel, the second is liquid fuel and the third the cryogenic engine.

About Earth observation satellite:

• Earth observation satellites or Earth remote sensing satellites are satellites that send signals from orbit to Earth and monitor the changes which occur on the Earth’s surface.
  • Earth observation is the gathering of information about Earth's physical, chemical and biological systems
• Currently, there are seventeen such remote sensing Indian satellites present in the orbit. Thirteen of which are in Sun-synchronous orbit and the rest four are in Geostationary orbit
• Few of the important Earth Observing Satellites are: RISAT-2BR1, Cartosat Series, SCATSAT-1, INSAT-3D, IMS, Bhaskara-1, and 2
• These satellites can only be used for non-military purposes.
• Earth Observation (EOS) satellites are used for environmental monitoring, meteorology, cartography, and others.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV):

1. GSLV was the first satellite launch vehicle designed and developed by ISRO

2. GSLV has the capability to put a heavier payload in the orbit than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer