Indian space communications context The 1150 kg geosynchronous satellite INSAT-1A parked about 36,000 km above India significantly enhanced which national capabilities?

Introduction / Context:
INSAT-1A was an early Indian National Satellite placed in a geosynchronous orbit (~36,000 km altitude) to support nationwide services. Understanding what geostationary platforms primarily deliver helps distinguish civil communication/meteorology roles from defense intelligence payloads.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mass about 1150 kg.
• Orbit: geosynchronous over India (geostationary slot).
• Payload mix typical of INSAT generation: communication transponders and meteorology instruments.

Concept / Approach:
Geostationary satellites remain fixed relative to an observer on Earth, making them ideal for continuous broadcast, telephony trunking, data relay, and weather imaging over a broad footprint. Intelligence gathering is generally associated with specialized reconnaissance satellites in very different orbits (e.g., LEO sun-synchronous) and is not a core INSAT objective.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify civil services commonly provided: national telecommunication links, television distribution, and meteorological imaging/telemetry.Map these to the options: domestic communications → option (b); meteorology → option (c).Exclude defense-oriented intelligence collection because it is not a standard INSAT mission.Therefore the combined correct choice is both (b) and (c).

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical profiles of INSAT satellites list transponders (for TV, telephony, data) and a VHRR/meteorology package for continuous weather monitoring over the subcontinent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Intelligence gathering capacity: not a stated objective for INSAT-1A.
• Only communications or only meteorology: incomplete; INSAT combined both.
• None of these: contradicted by documented mission roles.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing geostationary civil platforms with military ISR satellites.
• Assuming any geostationary satellite supports all space services; payload defines capability.

Final Answer:
Both (b) and (c)