Q10. What is “Bhuvan” in the context of Indian space technology?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2010, GS Paper I]
A. A distance-education satellite
B. A lunar impact probe
C. An ISRO geoportal with 3D visualisation capabilities
D. An Indian space telescope
Answer: C. An ISRO geoportal with 3D visualisation capabilities
Explanation: Bhuvan is ISRO’s geospatial visualisation platform, using Indian Earth-observation data to show maps and thematic layers. Its applications include planning, natural-resource management, agriculture and disaster-response support.
Q9. At which location was the test stand used by ISRO for a cryogenic rocket-engine test in 2007?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2008, GS Paper I]
A. Balasore
B. Thiruvananthapuram
C. Mahendragiri
D. Karwar
Answer: C. Mahendragiri
Explanation: Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu houses important rocket-propulsion facilities, including cryogenic-engine testing infrastructure. Cryogenic propulsion uses very-low-temperature propellants and is essential for high-energy upper stages of larger orbital launch vehicles.
Q8. What was the European Union’s Galileo Project designed to create?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2007, GS Paper I]
A. An American missile shield
B. An Indo-Canadian satellite project
C. A Japanese environmental protection project
D. A multi-satellite navigation system
Answer: D. A multi-satellite navigation system
Explanation: Galileo is Europe’s satellite navigation system, developed to provide global position, navigation and timing information. It serves civil applications and operates independently from GPS, GLONASS and other satellite navigation constellations.
Q7. Regarding INSAT-4A, which are correct:
1. launched from New Mexico;
2. Arianespace was launch provider;
3. used for DTH television services?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2006, GS Paper I]
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
Explanation: INSAT-4A was launched from Kourou in French Guiana by an Ariane rocket in December 2005. The Indian communications satellite supported television services, including direct-to-home broadcasting; it was not launched from New Mexico.
Q6. Consider:
1. METSAT was launched in September 2002;
2. PSLV-C4 carried a payload above 1,000 kg toward geosynchronous orbit.
Which statements are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2003, GS Paper I]
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Explanation: METSAT, later named Kalpana-1, was India’s dedicated meteorological satellite launched by PSLV-C4 in September 2002. The approximately 1,060-kg payload was placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, demonstrating a new PSLV mission capability.
Q5. With reference to Indian satellites and launchers, consider:
1. All INSAT-series satellites were launched abroad;
2. PSLVs were used to launch IRS-series satellites;
3. India first used indigenous cryogenic engines in GSLV’s third stage;
4. GSAT launched in 2001 carried demonstration payloads for digital broadcasts and internet services.
Which are correct?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2002, General Studies]
A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
B. 2, 3 and 4
C. 1, 2 and 4
D. 1 and 3
Answer: C. 1, 2 and 4
Explanation: INSAT satellites had been launched abroad, PSLV supported the IRS series, and GSAT-1 tested communications technologies. Early GSLV flights, however, used Russian-supplied cryogenic engines. The successful first flight using an Indian cryogenic upper-stage engine occurred in 2014, making statement 3 false.
Q4. Who was ISRO Chairman when INSAT-3B was launched?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 2001, GS Paper I]
A. Anil Kakodkar
B. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
C. K. Kasturirangan
D. U. R. Rao
Answer: C. K. Kasturirangan
Explanation: K. Kasturirangan led ISRO from 1994 to 2003. INSAT-3B, an Indian communications satellite, was launched in 2000 under his chairmanship, contributing to communications and broadcasting capacity.
Q3. Cryogenics, the science of very low temperatures, finds application in which set of fields?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 1998, GS Paper I]
A. Space travel, surgery and magnetic levitation
B. Surgery, magnetic levitation and telemetry
C. Space travel, surgery and telemetry
D. Space travel, magnetic levitation and telemetry
Answer: A. Space travel, surgery and magnetic levitation
Explanation: Cryogenic technology supports liquid-propellant rockets, low-temperature medical procedures and superconducting magnets used in magnetic levitation systems. These applications rely on the distinctive behaviour of materials and gases at very low temperatures.
Q2. Which satellite was scheduled to be launched from India in 1996?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 1996, GS Paper I]
A. IRS-P2
B. IRS-P3
C. IRS-EN
D. IRS-ID
Answer: B. IRS-P3
Explanation: IRS-P3 was launched by India’s PSLV on 21 March 1996 from Sriharikota. It was an Indian Remote Sensing satellite carrying instruments for Earth-observation and scientific applications, building on the earlier IRS series.
Q1. Cryogenic rocket engines find applications primarily in which field?
[UPSC CSE Prelims 1995, GS Paper I]
A. Submarine propulsion
B. Frost-free refrigerators
C. Rocket technology
D. Research on superconductivity
Answer: C. Rocket technology
Explanation: Cryogenic rocket engines use propellants stored at extremely low temperatures, such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Their high performance makes them valuable in upper stages of rockets carrying satellites and other spacecraft into demanding orbits.
