Here is Question No. 34 a part of our series on UPSC Prelims 2022.
Q34. Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media?
a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.
Answer – C
- The Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) was developed by the Soviet Union in 1960s. The system is used to launch nuclear warheads from space. In 2021, Frank Kendal III (the US Secretary of Air Force) stated that the Chinese government is developing and testing FOBS. The idea behind FOBS is, a warhead is put into a stable orbit and it deorbits over the target. If the target and the launch position is lined up and the warhead keeps going around, it will complete a circle
- The “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” was deployed by China in launching long March rocket recently. In the Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS), a warhead is put into a stable orbit and it deorbits over the target. If the target and the launch position is lined up and the warhead keeps going around, it will complete a circle This technique allows
propulsion of an extremely maneuverable, nuclear-capable glider into orbit, allowing it to speed towards its target at hypersonic speed. The flight path of the warhead from the system does not reveal the target location till the payload hits the destination.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
Visit our YouTube Channel – here
