Space Technology

11. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the f

If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

  • GPS and navigation systems could fail.
  • Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
  • Power grids could be damaged.
  • Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
  • Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
  • Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
  • Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2, 4 and 5 only
2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2022
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Possible effects of a major solar storm reaching the Earth include disruption of GPS, damage to power grids, intense auroras, disturbance of satellite orbits, and interruption of shortwave radio communication, particularly in polar regions. Tsunamis and widespread forest fires are not direct effects.
– Statement 1 (GPS): Correct. Solar storms can disrupt the ionosphere, through which GPS signals pass, causing navigation errors or outages.
– Statement 2 (Tsunamis): Incorrect. Solar storms affect the space environment around Earth and the upper atmosphere, not geological processes that cause tsunamis.
– Statement 3 (Power grids): Correct. Geomagnetic storms can induce currents in long conductors like power lines, potentially damaging transformers and causing blackouts.
– Statement 4 (Auroras): Correct. Increased particle influx from solar storms enhances auroral displays, making them more intense and visible at lower latitudes than usual.
– Statement 5 (Forest fires): Incorrect. There is no direct link between solar storms and the ignition or spread of forest fires.
– Statement 6 (Satellite orbits): Correct. Increased heating of the upper atmosphere by particle influx causes it to expand, increasing drag on satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and affecting their trajectories.
– Statement 7 (Shortwave radio): Correct. Shortwave radio relies on reflection from the ionosphere. Solar storms can cause ionospheric disturbances (radio blackouts), especially affecting high-latitude regions where aircraft often use shortwave communication.
Major solar storms, often associated with Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and solar flares, are powerful bursts of radiation and charged particles from the Sun. Their interaction with Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere can have significant impacts on technology infrastructure, a field known as ‘space weather’.

12. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation i

“The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to

Voyager-2
New Horizons
LISA Pathfinder
Evolved LISA
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2020
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The description refers to the Evolved LISA mission.
The experiment described involves three spacecraft flying in a specific formation (equilateral triangle with sides measuring one million kilometers) and using lasers shining between them. This configuration and method are designed to detect gravitational waves by precisely measuring the tiny changes in the distances between the spacecraft caused by passing gravitational waves.
Voyager-2 and New Horizons are spacecraft designed for planetary exploration, not gravitational wave detection.
LISA Pathfinder was a single spacecraft technology demonstrator mission for the LISA concept, proving the feasibility of housing free-falling test masses and measuring their motion with extreme precision, but it did not involve three separate spacecraft measuring distances over millions of kilometers.
Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a planned space mission by ESA and NASA that will consist of three spacecraft forming an equilateral triangle with sides approximately 2.5 million kilometers long. It will use laser interferometry between the spacecraft to detect gravitational waves in the millihertz frequency range, which are expected from sources like merging supermassive black holes and binaries of compact objects in our galaxy. The description in the question, while giving slightly different side length (one million km vs 2.5 million km), accurately captures the core concept of the Evolved LISA mission design for gravitational wave detection in space.
Ground-based gravitational wave detectors like LIGO and Virgo operate on Earth and are sensitive to higher frequency gravitational waves. Space-based detectors like LISA are necessary to detect lower frequency gravitational waves that cannot be observed from the ground due to terrestrial noise.

13. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the foll

With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :

  • 1. PSLV’s launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
  • 2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
  • 3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
2 and 3
1 and 2
3 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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Statement 1 is correct: PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is commonly used for launching satellites into polar or Sun-synchronous orbits suitable for Earth observation, remote sensing, and resource monitoring. GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to place heavier satellites, such as communication satellites, into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is then circularized into Geostationary Orbit (GSO).
PSLV and GSLV are India’s primary satellite launch vehicles developed by ISRO. They are designed for different types of orbits and payload capacities. PSLV for LEO/SSO (lighter payloads, remote sensing), GSLV for GTO/GSO (heavier payloads, communication).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Satellites that appear permanently fixed from a particular location on Earth are in Geostationary Orbit (GSO). PSLV typically launches satellites into Low Earth Orbits (LEO) or Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO), where they orbit the Earth and are not fixed in the sky relative to an observer. Statement 3 is incorrect: GSLV Mk III (now LVM3) is a three-stage launch vehicle, not four. It uses solid boosters in the first stage, a liquid stage in the second, and a cryogenic stage in the third.

14. With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRN

With reference to the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), consider the following statements:

  • 1. IRNSS has three satellites in geostationary and four satellites in geosynchronous orbits.
  • 2. IRNSS covers entire India and about 5500 sq. km beyond its borders.
  • 3. India will have its own satellite navigation system with full global coverage by the middle of 2019.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), now officially called NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), initially consists of a constellation of seven satellites.
Statement 1 is correct. The initial constellation comprised three satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO) and four satellites in geosynchronous orbit (GSO).
Statement 2 is incorrect. NavIC provides coverage over India and a region extending up to 1500 km beyond its borders, not 5500 sq. km.
Statement 3 is incorrect. NavIC is a regional navigation system, providing coverage only over India and its vicinity. It is not designed to provide full global coverage. Global navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou have constellations of satellites orbiting the entire Earth.
Geostationary satellites orbit the Earth at the same speed as the Earth rotates, appearing to be fixed in the sky from a specific point on the ground. Geosynchronous satellites orbit the Earth with a period equal to the Earth’s rotation period, but their orbits may be inclined, causing them to appear to oscillate in the sky. The combination of GEO and GSO satellites ensures continuous coverage over the desired regional area.

15. In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used ? 1. Mobi

In which of the following areas can GPS technology be used ?

  • 1. Mobile phone operations
  • 2. Banking operations
  • 3. Controlling the power grids

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2018
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The correct answer is D) 1, 2 and 3.
GPS (Global Positioning System) provides precise location and time information, which has applications across numerous sectors.
1. Mobile phone operations: GPS is integral to mobile phones for navigation, location-based services, geotagging, etc.
2. Banking operations: While not used for the transaction itself, GPS time synchronization is crucial for the infrastructure supporting banking, particularly for high-frequency trading, synchronizing transactions across distributed systems, and time-stamping financial data accurately. Location services can also be used for fraud detection or locating services.
3. Controlling the power grids: GPS provides highly accurate timing signals used by devices like Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) for synchronized measurements (synchrophasors) across the power grid. This precise timing is essential for real-time monitoring, control, and stability analysis of large power systems.
Thus, GPS technology has applications in all three listed areas.

16. What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eL

What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA) project?

To detect neutrinos
To detect gravitational waves
To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system
To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2017
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The purpose of the ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project (now referred to as LISA) is to detect gravitational waves.
LISA is a space-based observatory designed to detect gravitational waves from cosmic sources like merging black holes, neutron stars, and other violent events in the universe, particularly those producing lower frequencies than detectable by ground-based observatories like LIGO.
LISA is a collaborative mission led by the European Space Agency (ESA). It consists of three spacecraft forming a vast triangle in space, using laser interferometry to measure tiny distortions in spacetime caused by passing gravitational waves.

17. Consider the following statements: 1. The Mangalyaan launched by IS

Consider the following statements:

  • 1. The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission.
  • 2. made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
  • 3. made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The Mangalyaan is indeed the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and India is the only country to have successfully placed a spacecraft in Mars orbit on its very first attempt.
The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, is ISRO’s first interplanetary mission. It successfully entered Mars orbit on September 24, 2014.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While India became the fourth entity (after USSR/Russia, NASA, and ESA) to successfully send a spacecraft to orbit Mars, it was not the second country after the USA. Russia (then USSR) achieved orbit in 1971, followed by the USA in 1971. ESA (European Space Agency) achieved orbit in 2003. Statement 3 is correct; no other country/entity had succeeded in reaching Mars orbit on their maiden attempt before India.

18. With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by

With reference to ‘Astrosat’, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  • 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
  • 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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Statement 1 is incorrect. While India’s Astrosat is a significant achievement, the claim that *only* USA and Russia, besides India, have launched similar astronomical observatories into space is false. Other space agencies and countries, notably the European Space Agency (ESA) with observatories like XMM-Newton and Integral, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) with missions like Suzaku and XRISM, have launched similar astronomical observatories capable of observing in multiple wavelengths (including X-ray, UV, etc.).
Statement 2 is incorrect. Astrosat’s actual mass is approximately 1513 kg (not 2000 kg), and it is placed in a low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 650 km (not 1650 km).
Since both statements are incorrect, the correct option is D.
Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. Other countries/agencies besides USA and Russia have also launched similar observatories. Astrosat’s orbital parameters (mass and altitude) stated in the statement are incorrect.
Astrosat was launched by ISRO in September 2015. It has five instruments studying celestial objects in different wavelength bands: visible, ultraviolet, and X-ray.

19. What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

Electric plane tested by NASA
Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan
Space observatory launched by China
Reusable rocket designed by ISRO
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2016
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‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, often in the news around the time this question was likely set, refers to an electric plane prototype developed and tested by NASA. It is a tilt-wing aircraft designed for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL).
GL-10 is a drone prototype developed by NASA, known for its electric propulsion and VTOL capabilities.
The GL-10 project was part of NASA’s research into electric propulsion and quiet aircraft technologies. The prototype has ten electric motors distributed along the wings and tail, which can tilt to allow the aircraft to take off and land vertically like a helicopter and then fly efficiently like a plane.

20. In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) s

In which of the following activities are Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites used?

  1. Assessment of crop productivity
  2. Locating groundwater resources
  3. Mineral exploration
  4. Telecommunications
  5. Traffic studies

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1, 2 and 3 only
4 and 5 only
1 and 2 only
1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are Earth observation satellites used for various applications involving surveying and monitoring the Earth’s surface. Statement 1 (Assessment of crop productivity), Statement 2 (Locating groundwater resources), and Statement 3 (Mineral exploration) are all standard and significant applications of remote sensing data obtained from IRS satellites. Statement 4 (Telecommunications) is incorrect as telecommunication services are provided by communication satellites (like the INSAT or GSAT series). Statement 5 (Traffic studies) is also a potential application using high-resolution remote sensing data for urban planning and infrastructure monitoring, but given the options, the most prominent and core applications listed are 1, 2, and 3. Option A includes 1, 2, and 3 only, which are definitive applications.
Indian Remote Sensing satellites are designed for monitoring and mapping the Earth’s resources and environment. Their applications include agriculture, water resources, forestry, geology, land use mapping, disaster management, and urban studies.
India has one of the largest constellations of remote sensing satellites in the world. These satellites provide crucial data for various national development activities and research purposes. While traffic studies can potentially use remote sensing data (e.g., satellite imagery for mapping roads, analyzing traffic flow patterns in urban areas), the primary established applications listed among the options are resource identification and management (1, 2, 3).
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