Electromagnetic Spectrum and Atmospheric Windows MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

INSAT-2A is an Indian communication and meteorological satellite. It orbits the Earth at the same speed as the Earth rotates, so it is a geo-synchronous satellite.

Step-by-step solution

1. Understand the type of satellite INSAT-2A is. 2. INSAT stands for Indian National Satellite System. 3. INSAT-2A was the first satellite of the second-generation INSAT series launched by India. 4. It is placed in a geostationary/geo-synchronous orbit to provide continuous communication and weather forecasting services. Answer: (A) Geo-synchronous satellite

Explanation

INSAT-2A is a multi-purpose satellite used for telecommunication, television broadcasting, and meteorology. Because it matches the Earth's rotational speed, it stays over the same region on Earth, making it a geo-synchronous satellite.

Why the other options are wrong

B: Sun-synchronous satellites are used for remote sensing, not communication like INSAT. C: Polar satellites orbit from pole to pole and are used for mapping and weather observation in low earth orbits. D: Elliptically orbiting satellites have changing altitudes, unlike geo-synchronous circular orbits.

Shortcut

Remember that all INSAT series communication satellites are geo-synchronous.

Common mistake

Confusing geo-synchronous satellites with sun-synchronous polar orbits used for remote sensing.