Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Antrix Corporation Limited
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
India space programme is managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, widely known as ISRO. To commercialise its capabilities, such as satellite launches, transponder leasing, and remote sensing data, ISRO set up a dedicated commercial arm. This question aims to test knowledge of that specific company which acts as the marketing and commercial interface between ISRO and domestic as well as international customers.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- ISRO has a commercial and marketing arm for its space related products and services.
- The options include Antrix Corporation Limited, ISRO Satellite Corporation, Space Applications Centre, and None of the above.
- Only one of these is the correct legal name of the commercial arm.
- Research centres like Space Applications Centre are part of ISRO but are not separate commercial corporations.
Concept / Approach:
ISRO created a government owned company called Antrix Corporation Limited to handle commercial activities. Antrix markets launch services on Indian rockets, sells remote sensing data, and handles other value added services to clients worldwide. Recognising that Antrix, and not a research centre or a generic name, is the official commercial arm allows us to choose the correct answer.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ISRO established a special company to manage commercial deals and international contracts.
Step 2: Recognise that this company is named Antrix Corporation Limited, which is a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Space.
Step 3: Note that ISRO Satellite Centre and Space Applications Centre are internal technical centres of ISRO, not separate commercial corporations.
Step 4: Compare these facts with the answer choices provided.
Step 5: Identify Antrix Corporation Limited as the only option that correctly describes the commercial and marketing arm of ISRO.
Verification / Alternative Check:
A further check is to remember typical news headlines such as Antrix signing contracts for foreign satellite launches on PSLV or GSLV rockets. These reports clearly describe Antrix as the commercial arm of ISRO. In contrast, Space Applications Centre appears in news about scientific instruments or payload development, not about marketing or selling services. This cross checking supports Antrix Corporation Limited as the correct option.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
ISRO Satellite Corporation: This name sounds plausible but is not the official name of any major ISRO unit and is therefore incorrect.
Space Applications Centre: This is a research and development centre of ISRO located in Ahmedabad that focuses on payloads and applications, not the commercial arm.
None of the above: This is incorrect because there is a correctly named option, Antrix Corporation Limited, in the list.
Common Pitfalls:
Because some internal ISRO centres handle important scientific projects, learners may mistakenly think that one of those centres acts as the commercial arm. Another error is to select None of the above due to unfamiliarity with the corporate name Antrix. It is useful to remember that commercial roles are often handled by separate government companies with names different from the main research organisation.
Final Answer:
The commercial and marketing arm of ISRO that handles space related business is Antrix Corporation Limited.
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