In 2017, which ISRO satellite launch vehicle successfully placed 104 satellites into orbit in a single attempt?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — D, PSLV-C37. On 15 February 2017, ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) placed 104 satellites into orbit in a single launch from Sriharikota (Satish Dhawan Space Centre) — a world record at the time. The primary payload was Cartosat-2D, India's Earth-observation satellite, with the rest riding as co-passenger small satellites, mostly from other countries.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) INSAT-3DR is a satellite (an Indian meteorological/weather satellite), not a launch vehicle — it cannot be the answer to 'which launch vehicle'.  (b) A different, later PSLV mission — its much higher serial number (C55 vs C37) means it flew years after the 2017 104-satellite flight.  (c) A GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) mission, not a PSLV — GSLV is ISRO's vehicle for heavier geostationary payloads, and this is a separate, later mission.

Concept: PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is ISRO's workhorse rocket, built to place satellites into polar/sun-synchronous orbits — ideal for Earth-observation payloads — and it is the vehicle ISRO most often uses to fly many small 'co-passenger' satellites alongside one primary payload.

State PCS 2024 Q4 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2024 Q4 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer