UPSC Prelims 2010 Q7: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
Consider the following statements:
The satellite Oceansat - 2 launched by India helps in
1. Estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
2. Predicting the onset of monsoons.
3. Monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
What India's Oceansat-2 satellite helps with
Oceansat-2, launched by ISRO, is dedicated to ocean and atmospheric monitoring.
| Function | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Estimating atmospheric water vapour content | Correct | Oceansat-2 carries sensors that help estimate atmospheric water vapour, relevant to weather forecasting |
| 2. Predicting the onset of monsoons | Correct | Its ocean/atmosphere data contributes to monsoon forecasting models |
| 3. Monitoring pollution of coastal waters | Correct | Its ocean colour monitor tracks parameters like chlorophyll and sediment, useful for coastal water quality/pollution monitoring |
Oceansat-2 capabilities:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched by | ISRO, 2009 |
| Key instrument | Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM), scatterometer |
| Applications | Monsoon prediction, water vapour estimation, coastal water monitoring, fisheries |
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Function 3 (coastal pollution monitoring) is also a real capability, so '1 and 2 only' is incomplete.
- (b) Incorrect. Functions 1 and 3 (water vapour, coastal monitoring) are also valid, so '2 only' is far too narrow.
- (c) Incorrect. Function 2 (monsoon onset prediction) is also a real capability, so '1 and 3 only' is incomplete.
- (d) CORRECT. Oceansat-2 contributes to all three: water vapour estimation, monsoon prediction, and coastal pollution monitoring.
Key point
Oceansat-2 supports water vapour estimation, monsoon-onset prediction, AND coastal water pollution monitoring — all three functions, via its scatterometer and ocean colour monitor instruments.
Remember
Oceansat-2 (ISRO): estimates water vapour, aids monsoon-onset prediction, and monitors coastal water pollution.
Common mistakes
- Assuming an ocean-focused satellite is limited only to marine ecosystem monitoring, missing its weather-forecasting role.
- Not knowing the Ocean Colour Monitor's role in tracking coastal pollution indicators.
- Underestimating how multi-purpose ISRO's Oceansat series is for both oceanography and meteorology.
Exam tip
Oceansat-2 = multi-purpose: water vapour, monsoon prediction, AND coastal pollution monitoring — not a single-purpose satellite.
Sources
- Indian Space Research Organisation — Oceansat-2: launch by PSLV-C14 (23 September 2009)
- Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India — Annual Report 2009–10 (satellite oceanography)