With reference to `Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

ASTROSAT is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory.

Statement 1: Several space agencies, including NASA, the European Union, Japan, and Russia, had launched similar space observatories before India. Therefore, the statement claiming India is the only country besides the USA and Russia is incorrect. Statement 1 is not correct.

Statement 2: ASTROSAT had a lift-off mass of approximately 1513 kg and was placed in a 650 km orbit (polar). The statement claiming it weighs 2000 kg and is placed in a 1650 km orbit is incorrect. Statement 2 is not correct.

Hence, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.

Sources:

• ISRO - ASTROSAT
• The Hindu - ISRO launches Astrosat, first space observatory
• Wikipedia - List of space telescopes