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Question

Among the currently operational Indian Satellites, there is no:

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

Jupiter orbiter satellite

Understanding Operational Indian Satellites

This question asks us to identify which type of satellite is not currently operational among India's fleet of satellites. India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has a well-established space program with various types of satellites serving different purposes.

Analysing the Satellite Types

Let's examine each option provided to determine its status within the currently operational Indian satellite network:

  • Communication satellite: India has a large constellation of communication satellites, primarily under the GSAT series, which are used for telecommunications, broadcasting, and internet services across the country. These are definitely operational.
  • Navigation satellite: India has developed its own regional satellite navigation system, NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), formerly known as IRNSS. This system consists of multiple operational satellites providing position, navigation, and timing services.
  • Earth observation satellite: India has a long history and a vast number of Earth observation satellites (also known as remote sensing satellites). These include series like IRS, Resourcesat, Cartosat, RISAT, Oceansat, etc., used for monitoring land, water, environment, climate, and resources. Many of these are currently operational.
  • Jupiter orbiter satellite: An orbiter satellite is designed to orbit a celestial body other than Earth. While India has successfully sent missions to orbit the Moon (Chandrayaan) and Mars (Mangalyaan), ISRO has not yet launched a mission to orbit Jupiter. Therefore, a Jupiter orbiter satellite is not among the currently operational Indian satellites.

Conclusion on Operational Indian Satellites

Based on the types of missions and satellites India has operational, we can confirm that India has communication, navigation, and earth observation satellites. However, India does not currently have any satellite orbiting Jupiter. Such missions are complex and have primarily been undertaken by space agencies of other countries.

Satellite Type Operational in India? Examples/Context
Communication satellite Yes GSAT series for broadcasting, telecom, etc.
Navigation satellite Yes NavIC (IRNSS) system
Earth observation satellite Yes IRS, Cartosat, Resourcesat series for remote sensing
Jupiter orbiter satellite No ISRO has not sent a mission to orbit Jupiter

Therefore, the satellite type that is not among the currently operational Indian Satellites is a Jupiter orbiter satellite.

Revision Table: Key Indian Satellite Types

Type Purpose Indian Examples
Communication Relaying signals for TV, phone, internet GSAT series
Navigation Providing positioning, timing services NavIC (IRNSS)
Earth Observation Monitoring Earth's surface and atmosphere IRS, Cartosat, Resourcesat, RISAT
Scientific/Interplanetary Studying space or other celestial bodies Chandrayaan (Moon), Mangalyaan (Mars) - Orbiters/Probes, but no Jupiter orbiter

Additional Information on ISRO Missions

ISRO's focus has historically been on developing capabilities for national needs, including communication, earth observation, and navigation. They have also ventured into scientific exploration with successful missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 to the Moon, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) to Mars. While ISRO has ambitious plans for future interplanetary missions, a dedicated Jupiter orbiter mission is not part of their current operational fleet or immediate plans.

Understanding the different types of satellites and their functions is crucial for comprehending a nation's space capabilities. India's operational satellite fleet reflects its priorities in telecommunications, navigation, and resource monitoring.

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