Arrange the following Indian satellite launches in chronological order:

1. Bhaskar-I
2. INSAT-1B
3. APPLE
4. Aryabhata

The correct answer is '4 - 1 - 3 - 2'

Key Points

• Aryabhata:
  • Aryabhata was India's first satellite, launched on April 19, 1975.
  • This satellite was named after the famous Indian mathematician and astronomer Aryabhata.
  • It was launched by the Soviet Union from Kapustin Yar using a Kosmos-3M launch vehicle.
• Bhaskara-I:
  • Bhaskara-I was an Earth observation satellite launched on June 7, 1979.
  • It was named after the ancient Indian mathematician Bhaskara I.
  • The satellite carried instruments for remote sensing applications, including land and water resources management.
• APPLE:
  • APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) was India's first experimental geostationary communication satellite, launched on June 19, 1981.
  • This satellite marked a significant milestone in India's space program as it was the first time India used a geostationary satellite for communication experiments.
  • APPLE was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) using an Ariane-1 launch vehicle.
• INSAT-1B:
  • INSAT-1B was launched on August 30, 1983, as part of the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT).
  • This satellite was used for telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorology.
  • INSAT-1B was a significant step forward for India's communication capabilities and was launched by a Delta rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA.

Additional Information

• The launch of Aryabhata marked the beginning of India's space journey, establishing the foundation for future space missions.
• Bhaskara-I's success paved the way for subsequent Earth observation satellites, contributing significantly to India's remote sensing capabilities.
• APPLE's successful experiments in the geostationary orbit were crucial in demonstrating the feasibility of using such satellites for communications, leading to the development of the INSAT series.
• INSAT-1B's introduction significantly enhanced India's capabilities in telecommunications, meteorology, and broadcasting, marking a new era in the country's space program.

Important Points

• These satellite launches collectively illustrate the progressive milestones in India's space journey, showcasing advancements in technology and capabilities over time.
• The chronological order of these launches underscores the evolution of India's space program from basic satellite technology to more sophisticated communication and remote sensing applications.
• Understanding the historical context of these launches provides insight into the strategic planning and development efforts by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).