Question

Consider the following statements about Chandrayaan-1’s objectives:

1. Mapping the Moon's chemical and mineral composition was a key objective.

2. The spacecraft operated entirely in a 200 km orbit.

3. It was ISRO’s first interplanetary mission.

• A. 1 only
• B. 1 and 2 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1 only

• Correct Answer: Option A - 1 only

• The question asks about the correct statements regarding Chandrayaan-1's objectives:

• Statement 1: "Mapping the Moon's chemical and mineral composition was a key objective." This statement is correct.

• Chandrayaan-1, India's first lunar mission launched in 2008, had several scientific objectives including creating a comprehensive map of the Moon's chemical and mineral composition. The mission carried instruments specifically designed for this purpose, such as the Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3).

• Statement 2: "The spacecraft operated entirely in a 200 km orbit."This statement is incorrect.

• While Chandrayaan-1 was initially placed in a 100 km circular polar orbit around the Moon, it was later raised to 200 km due to thermal issues. However, it didn't operate "entirely" in a 200 km orbit as claimed in the statement.

• Statement 3: "It was ISRO's first interplanetary mission."This statement is also incorrect.

• While Chandrayaan-1 was ISRO's first lunar mission, it's not considered an interplanetary mission as the Moon is Earth's natural satellite, not a planet. ISRO's first true interplanetary mission was the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan, launched in 2013.