UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 24
Satellites used for telecommunication relay are kept in a geostationary orbit. A satellite is said to be in such an orbit when :
- The orbit is geosynchronous.
- The orbit is circular.
- The orbit lies in the plane of the Earth's equator.
- The orbit is at an altitude of 22,236 km.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: A geostationary satellite must move synchronously with Earth on a circular, prograde orbit above the equator; geostationary altitude is about 35,786 km above Earth’s surface.
Statement / Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Correct: its orbital period matches Earth’s sidereal rotation.
2: Correct - Correct: a geostationary orbit is circular.
3: Correct - Correct: its plane coincides with the terrestrial equator.
4: Incorrect - Incorrect: 22,236 is approximately the altitude in miles; 35,786 is the altitude in kilometres.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes the supported statements and excludes the unsupported ones.
B: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 4; omits supported item 2.
C: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 4; omits supported items 1, 3.
D: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 4.