What is the main objective of ISRO’s SCATSAT-1 satellite?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Weather forecasting and cyclone prediction
Explanation:
· SCATSAT-1 (Scatterometer Satellite-1) was launched by ISRO in September 2016 using PSLV-C35.
· Its main objective is weather forecasting, cyclone prediction, and tracking ocean surface wind speed and direction.
· It is a continuity mission for the earlier Oceansat-2 Scatterometer payload.
Information Booster:
· SCATSAT-1 operates in Sun-synchronous polar orbit (SSPO) at ~720 km altitude.
· Mission life: 5 years.
· Provides data to organizations like IMD (India Meteorological Department), INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services), and National/International weather agencies.
· Data helps in early warning of cyclones in Bay of Bengal & Arabian Sea.
· ISRO’s other weather satellites: INSAT series, Oceansat series, Megha-Tropiques.
Additional Knowledge:
· Monitoring earthquake zones: Done via seismological networks, not SCATSAT-1.
· Measuring ozone depletion: Carried out by satellites like ENVISAT, OMI, not SCATSAT-1.
· Mapping forest cover: Done by IRS (Indian Remote Sensing satellites), like Resourcesat & Cartosat.