Explore a curated selection of UPSC Mains Topic Wise Questions focusing on Science & Technology in the domain of space. Dive into a diverse array of questions meticulously crafted to deepen your understanding and preparation for the UPSC Main examination in this field. This resource offers a structured approach to mastering key concepts and principles essential for addressing space-related issues. Whether you’re a novice seeking foundational knowledge or an advanced candidate aiming to refine your understanding, these questions provide valuable insights and practice opportunities. With a strategic emphasis on topic-wise questions, aspirants can enhance their analytical skills and develop a comprehensive understanding of space science and technology. Elevate your preparation, grasp essential insights, and optimize your performance in the UPSC Mains with proficiency in addressing challenges and advancements in the realm of space science and technology.
Q1. What is the significance of the geostationary orbit? What would happen if it becomes too crowded? (200, 30 marks)
Answer: The geostationary orbit (GEO) is a ring in space approximately 36,000 km above Earth’s equator, where a satellite’s orbital period matches Earth’s rotation. This creates a unique advantage:
- Stationary from Earth’s perspective: Objects in GEO appear fixed in the sky, eliminating the need for complex antenna tracking on Earth. This is crucial for:
- Telecommunication: GEO satellites form the backbone of satellite TV, radio, and internet connectivity in remote areas.
- Weather monitoring: Continuous observation of Earth’s atmosphere and weather patterns enables real-time forecasting.
- Navigation: Geostationary satellites are part of GPS constellations, providing a reference point for accurate positioning.
Challenges of a Crowded GEO
- Congestion: With increasing demand, GEO is becoming saturated with satellites, raising concerns about:
- Collisions: Debris from collisions could create a cascading effect, rendering the entire orbit unusable.
- Radio frequency interference: Overcrowding can lead to signal disruption, impacting communication and navigation services.
- Limited resource: The availability of desirable GEO slots is finite, posing strategic challenges for nations and operators seeking orbital access.
UPSC Relevance: Understanding the significance of GEO and its potential limitations is crucial for strategizing space policy, promoting responsible space use, and mitigating the risks of a congested geostationary orbit.
Q2. Discuss the significance of GSLV in space research. (2001, 30 marks)
Answer: The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a critical element in India’s space research endeavours. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), GSLV boasts a three-stage design specifically for placing satellites in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO).
GSLV’s significance is multifaceted:
- Geostrategic Independence: GSLV enables ISRO to launch communication, navigation, and weather satellites into GTOs, fostering self-reliance in critical space infrastructure. This reduces dependence on foreign launch providers and strengthens national security.
- Technological Advancement: GSLV’s development spurred advancements in Indian cryogenic engine technology, a crucial component for high-payload capacity launches. This accomplishment places India among a select group of nations with this capability.
- Exploration and Applications: The GSLV’s higher payload capacity paves the way for launching heavier satellites for scientific exploration, Earth observation, and deep space missions. This empowers India to pursue a wider range of scientific objectives and applications.
- Economic Benefits: A successful GSLV program translates into potential cost savings by reducing reliance on foreign launch services. Additionally, it fosters the domestic space industry by creating high-tech jobs and attracting investments.
In conclusion, the GSLV is a cornerstone of India’s spacefaring ambitions. It ensures strategic independence, technological prowess, and opens doors for further exploration and applications, propelling India’s journey as a major space power.
Q3. Determine the utility of Direct To Home in the broadcasting system. (2001, 10 marks)
Answer: Direct To Home (DTH) technology has revolutionized the broadcasting landscape in India, offering significant advantages over traditional cable TV:
- Enhanced Access: DTH bypasses the need for physical cable infrastructure, making it ideal for remote areas where cable laying is impractical. This empowers wider geographical coverage and information dissemination, bridging the digital divide.
- Greater Choice and Control: DTH offers a wider variety of channels compared to cable, catering to diverse interests. Subscribers can choose channels through customized packages, optimizing cost and content selection.
- Improved Signal Quality: DTH transmits signals directly via satellite, resulting in superior picture and sound quality compared to cable, which can suffer from signal degradation due to coaxial cable limitations.
- Digitalization: DTH facilitates the transition from analog to digital broadcasting, enabling features like high-definition (HD) channels, interactive services, and Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for program discovery.
- Value-added Services: DTH providers offer additional services like interactive gaming, video on demand, and educational content, enriching the viewing experience.
In conclusion, DTH plays a vital role in India’s broadcasting system by expanding reach, offering greater choice and control, improving signal quality, and driving digitalization. It caters to a wider audience, promotes information access, and fosters innovation in content delivery.
Q4. In which year and by which countries was the International Space Station (ISS) launched? How many countries are participating in this program? What are the unique studies being made in the station that could not be made so accurately on the earth? (2003, 15 Marks)
Answer: The International Space Station (ISS) began assembly in 1998 through a collaborative effort of five participating nations: the United States (US), Russia, Japan, Canada, and the eleven member states of the European Space Agency (ESA). This partnership marks a significant achievement in international cooperation for scientific advancement.
The microgravity environment of the ISS enables unique research opportunities that cannot be replicated on Earth. These studies encompass various disciplines, including human biology, materials science, and fluid dynamics. By observing how biological systems adapt to weightlessness, scientists can gain valuable insights for long-term space travel and improve our understanding of human health. Material science experiments on the ISS can lead to the development of new materials with superior properties, while fluid dynamics research helps optimize spacecraft design. The knowledge gleaned from these investigations aboard the ISS holds promise for furthering space exploration endeavors and improving life on Earth.
Q5. Detail the salient features of the project ‘Anthareeksha’. (2005, 15 Marks)
Answer: Salient Features:
- Commercial Space Travel: Project Antareeksha envisions a future where space travel is accessible to the public, not just restricted to government programs. This democratization of space aims to boost commercial space ventures within the nation.
- Space Tourism Industry: The project could lead to the development of an indigenous space tourism industry. This would encompass spacecraft development, training facilities for space tourists, and ground support infrastructure.
- Economic Benefits: A thriving space tourism industry has the potential to generate significant revenue, create high-skilled jobs, and contribute to technological advancements.
- Technological Innovation: Project Antareeksha can act as a catalyst for further research and development in aerospace technologies, propelling India’s spacefaring capabilities.
Q6. What do you know about Indian National Satellite Systems? Describe its important features. (250 words) (2008, 30 Marks
Answer: The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) is a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Commissioned in 1983, INSAT is the largest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific region, playing a pivotal role in India’s communication and societal development.
Important Features of INSAT:
- Multipurpose applications: INSAT caters to a wide range of sectors, including:
- Telecommunication: Enables long-distance telephone calls, internet connectivity, and mobile communication, especially in remote areas.
- Broadcasting: Facilitates the transmission of television and radio signals across the nation, promoting national integration and access to information.
- Meteorology: Provides vital data for weather forecasting, cyclone tracking, and disaster warning systems.
- Search and Rescue: Aiding in locating distressed individuals through distress alert signals.
- Societal applications: Supports educational programs, telemedicine, and disaster management initiatives.
- Geostationary Orbit: INSAT satellites are placed in a geostationary orbit, appearing stationary relative to Earth. This allows for continuous signal reception over a large area, making it ideal for communication and broadcasting purposes.
- Large Fleet: With a constellation of operational satellites, INSAT ensures redundancy and wider coverage across the vast Indian landmass.
- Technological Advancements: INSAT has continuously evolved, incorporating advanced transponders for efficient signal transmission and improved capabilities in each new generation of satellites.
- Socio-economic Impact: INSAT has revolutionized communication infrastructure in India, bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth. It has also empowered citizens through access to information and education.
In conclusion, INSAT is a testament to India’s technological prowess and its commitment to national development. It serves as a crucial backbone for communication, broadcasting, and disaster management, shaping a more connected and informed India.
Q7. What is the ‘Hubble Space Telescope’? How many Servicing Missions (SMs) have been conducted for it? (2009, 15 marks)
Answer: The Hubble Space Telescope (HST), launched in 1990, is a revolutionary astronomical observatory in orbit. Unlike Earth-bound telescopes hindered by atmospheric interference, Hubble provides unparalleled views of the cosmos. Its design allows for astronaut servicing missions, a crucial factor in its longevity and productivity.
Five Servicing Missions (SMs) have been conducted by NASA Space Shuttle crews. These missions involved repairs, upgrades, and instrument replacements, ensuring Hubble remains at the forefront of space exploration. These SMs are a testament to the ingenuity of space engineering, extending Hubble’s lifespan and scientific capabilities.
Q8. Write brief note in about 30 words on Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA). (2009, 3 Marks)
Answer: Extravehicular Activity (EVA) refers to astronauts venturing outside a spacecraft during a mission, performing tasks in the harsh vacuum of space. These activities are crucial for space exploration and satellite maintenance.
Q9. Write about NNRMS. (09, 3 marks)
Answer: The National Noise Reduction Monitoring System (NNRMS) monitors ambient noise levels across India. It helps enforce noise pollution regulations and identify areas needing intervention. Its data is crucial for policy decisions aimed at creating quieter and healthier environments.
Q10. Write about GAGAN Project. (2009, 3 marks)
Answer: The GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) project is an indigenous SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System) to improve the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals in India. It facilitates civil aviation operations, especially in remote and geographically challenging regions, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Q11. Write brief note on Chandrayaan-II. (2010, 2 Marks)
Answer: Chandrayaan-II, India’s second lunar mission, aimed for a soft landing and deployed an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan) to study the Moon’s composition, mineralogy, and potential water presence. While the orbiter successfully entered lunar orbit and continues scientific operations, the Vikram lander hard-landed on the lunar surface in September 2019, hindering rover deployment. Despite the landing setback, Chandrayaan-II showcased India’s advanced spacefaring capabilities and valuable scientific data continues from the orbiter.
Q12. Comment on CARTOSAT-28 (2010, 5 Marks)
Answer: CARTOSAT-28, likely part of a series of identical satellites, is yet to be launched. It will carry forward the legacy of its predecessors, providing high-resolution imagery for resource management, infrastructure development, and possibly defense applications. However, specific details about its capabilities and mission remain unknown until official information is released.
Q13. Write about the ‘Kessler syndrome with reference to space debris (2011, 5 Marks)
Answer: Kessler Syndrome describes a scenario where increasing space debris creates a cascading effect. Collisions between defunct satellites and debris fragments generate even more debris, exponentially raising the risk of critical satellite damage and hindering future space activities. This self-perpetuating growth of space junk could render vital orbits unusable. Mitigating debris through responsible launches, debris removal techniques, and international cooperation is crucial to ensure the sustainable use of space.
Q14. Write about Various applications of Kevlar. (2011, 5 marks)
Answer: Kevlar, a para-aramid synthetic fibre, is renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This translates to lightweight yet incredibly strong materials with diverse applications in the field of protection.
- Ballistic Protection: Kevlar’s high strength makes it ideal for bullet-resistant vests, helmets, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) used by law enforcement and military personnel.
- Aerospace Applications: Kevlar’s strength and heat resistance find use in aircraft components, including helicopter rotor blades and tires, due to its ability to withstand impact and extreme temperatures.
- Reinforcement Applications: Kevlar’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it a valuable reinforcement material in tyres, cables, and composite materials, enhancing their durability and resilience.
- Other Applications: Kevlar’s properties also prove beneficial in fireproof clothing, sporting goods, and even musical instruments due to its ability to absorb vibrations.
Kevlar’s versatility and protective qualities make it a crucial material across various sectors.
Q15. Write about Gliese 581 g. (2011, 2 Marks)
Answer: Gliese 581g was a potential exoplanet candidate orbiting a star 20 light-years away. Initially considered Earth-mass and within the habitable zone, its existence remains unconfirmed due to lack of independent verification. Further study is needed to solidify its status as a true exoplanet.
Q16. Write about Significance of the SPRT-6 rocket launch for ISRO (2012, 2 Marks)
Answer: ISRO’s SPRT-6 launch could signify advancements in:
- Sounding rocket technology: This could enhance atmospheric research capabilities.
- Reusable launch vehicle development: Contributing to ISRO’s cost-effective space access goals.
- Testing new technologies: Potentially paving the way for future launch vehicles or spacecraft.
Q17. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity” Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, 10 Marks)
Answer: The Curiosity rover’s Martian success highlights advancements in robotics and remote exploration. This opens doors to:
- Planetary Habitability: Curiosity’s search for past or present life on Mars paves the way for missions to other potential habitats like Europa (Jupiter’s moon).
- Resource Acquisition: Understanding Martian resources like water ice could be crucial for future human missions, enabling life support and potential fuel production.
- Technological Innovation: The rover’s development pushes boundaries in areas like miniaturization, radiation hardening, and autonomous operations, benefiting terrestrial applications.
These possibilities can revolutionize our understanding of the universe, potentially leading to discoveries that benefit humanity on Earth and beyond.
Q18. What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites. (2015, 12 marks)
Answer: Standard vs. Precision Positioning Systems:
In the GPS era, two key systems provide positioning data:
- Standard Positioning Service (SPS): This free, civilian-grade service offers accuracy within 20-30 meters. It’s ideal for basic navigation apps and location services.
- Precision Positioning Service (PPS): This restricted service, primarily for authorized users like the military, delivers centimeter-level accuracy through encryption and signal enhancements.
Advantages of India’s IRNSS program (NavIC):
India’s ambitious IRNSS program (Navigation with Indian Constellation) utilizes a network of only seven satellites to provide regional coverage. Despite the fewer satellites compared to GPS, India sees significant advantages:
- Strategic Security: IRNSS reduces dependence on foreign systems, offering independent and reliable positioning for military applications.
- Civilian Benefits: IRNSS can enhance navigation for civilian sectors like transportation (logistics, route optimization) and agriculture (land management, precision farming).
- Disaster Management: Real-time, accurate positioning data from IRNSS can be crucial for coordinating relief efforts during natural disasters.
By employing IRNSS, India strives for self-reliance in critical navigation technology and leverages it for national security and economic development.
Q19. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of space science and technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (2016, 12 marks)
Answer: India has emerged as a major player in space science and technology, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Milestones include the Aryabhata launch (1975), the successful Chandrayaan-1 lunar mission (2008) with its water discovery, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first Asian nation at Mars. ISRO’s workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), has ensured cost-effective access to space.
These achievements translate into significant socio-economic benefits. Space-based applications like INSAT and GSAT constellations provide crucial communication infrastructure for education, disaster management, and banking services in remote areas. Earth observation satellites aid in resource management, agriculture monitoring, and disaster prediction. This space odyssey fuels India’s growth and social well-being.
Q20. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically. (150 words) (2017, 10 Marks)
Answer: India’s unmanned space triumphs mask significant hurdles to a manned mission. Technological challenges include:
- Life Support Systems: Developing a self-sustaining environment for astronauts in a capsule, including oxygen recycling, waste management, and temperature control.
- Heavy Launch Vehicles: Manned missions require rockets capable of carrying considerably more weight than unmanned missions.
Logistical complexities abound:
- Crew Training: Astronauts need rigorous training to withstand the physiological and psychological demands of spaceflight, including zero-gravity acclimation.
- Mission Cost: Manned space missions are exorbitantly expensive, requiring sustained funding and resource allocation.
These challenges are interlinked. High costs can impede advanced life-support system development, while limited launch capabilities restrict crew training opportunities. A critical approach necessitates a robust space budget, strategic technological advancements, and international collaborations to overcome these obstacles and propel India into the realm of manned spaceflight.
Q21. What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (150 words) (2019, 10 marks)
Answer: India is aiming for a significant leap with its own space station by 2035. This ambitious project, spearheaded by ISRO, signifies India’s growing space prowess and its intent to be a major player.
The station will provide a platform for:
- Microgravity Research: Conducting experiments in a weightless environment across various fields like material science, biotechnology, and space medicine.
- Extended Space Missions: Supporting longer astronaut stays to study human adaptation in space, crucial for future deep space exploration endeavors.
- Technological Advancement: Driving innovation in spacecraft design, life support systems, and orbital maneuvering, benefiting future missions.
This initiative will not only propel India’s space program but also foster international collaborations and establish India as a prominent destination for space-based research and development.
Q22. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (250 words) (2022, 15 Marks)
Answer: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in December 2021, marks a paradigm shift in space exploration. This behemoth, surpassing its predecessors in capability, ushers in a new era of astronomical discovery.
Unveiling the Invisible: Unlike Hubble which observed primarily in visible and ultraviolet light, JWST specializes in the infrared spectrum. This allows it to pierce through dust clouds, revealing the formation of the first stars and galaxies, previously hidden. It acts as a time machine, peering back 13.8 billion years, offering glimpses of the universe’s infancy.
Superiority in Every Aspect: JWST boasts a massive 6.5-meter primary mirror, significantly larger than Hubble’s. This translates to superior light-gathering power, enabling detection of fainter and more distant objects. Its advanced infrared detectors offer unmatched sensitivity, crucial for observing the faint afterglow of the early universe.
Goals for Humanity’s Knowledge: JWST’s mission is multifaceted. It aims to understand the formation of galaxies and stars, study exoplanet atmospheres to search for potential signs of life, and delve into the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Benefits for Humankind: JWST’s discoveries hold immense potential. It can revolutionize our understanding of the universe’s origin and evolution. By studying exoplanets, it might shed light on the possibility of life beyond Earth. JWST’s data will fuel scientific inquiry for decades, fostering innovation and inspiring future generations of scientists and explorers.
In conclusion, the James Webb Space Telescope is a testament to human ingenuity. Its unprecedented capabilities promise to rewrite our cosmic address, offering a deeper understanding of our place in the vast expanse of space.
Q23. What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (250 words) (2023, 15 Marks)
Answer: Chandrayaan-3, India’s third lunar mission, marked a significant milestone in the nation’s space odyssey. The primary objective, unlike its predecessor Chandrayaan-2, was to achieve a soft landing on the Moon’s surface, a feat that eluded India in the previous attempt.
Several countries have successfully landed spacecraft on the Moon, including the United States (Apollo and Artemis missions), the former Soviet Union (Luna missions), and China (Chang’e missions).
Chandrayaan-3 comprised three crucial subsystems:
- Propulsion Module (SHAPE): This module, designed for future exploration missions, provided thrust for course correction and maneuvers near the Moon.
- Lander Module: Housing the scientific instruments and the rover, this module executed the critical soft landing on the lunar surface.
- Rover: This mobile scientific platform was equipped to conduct experiments and gather data from the lunar South Pole, a region of particular scientific interest due to the potential presence of water ice.
The success of Chandrayaan-3 is attributed in part to the innovative Virtual Launch Control Centre (VLCC) at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). This digital replica of the physical launch control center played a vital role in:
- Real-time Simulation: The VLCC mimicked the entire launch process beforehand, allowing engineers to identify and rectify potential issues before the actual launch.
- Parallel Processing: The VLCC facilitated the simultaneous execution of critical launch procedures by geographically dispersed teams, enhancing efficiency and responsiveness.
- Data Redundancy: The VLCC served as a backup system, ensuring mission-critical data remained secure in case of any glitches in the primary launch control center.
The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 not only cemented India’s position as a major spacefaring nation but also opened doors for further lunar exploration and scientific research. This accomplishment underscores India’s growing technological prowess and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
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