Space and Space Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
3 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Space and Space Technology (Science and Technology). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2008Science and Technology · Space and Space Technology
Q1. Selene-1, the lunar orbiter mission belongs to which one of the following?
Explanation
Selene-1 also known as Kaguya is a lunar orbiter mission launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) using the H-IIA rocket. Its primary objectives were to study the Moon’s origin, evolution, and surface features with unprecedented detail. It mapped the Moon’s mineral composition and gravity anomalies which provided crucial data about its internal structure and geology. As one of the most advanced lunar exploration missions of its time contributing significantly to understanding the Moon’s evolution and mineral distribution.
UPSC 2008Science and Technology · Space and Space Technology
Q2. ISRO successfully conducted a rocket test using cryogenic engines in the year 2007. Where is the test stand used for the purpose, located?
Explanation
ISRO successfully conducted a rocket test using cryogenic engines at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) located in Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu. ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities necessary for realising the cutting edge propulsion technology products for the Indian space programme. Formerly, IPRC was known as LPSC, Mahendragiri. The IPRC is responsible for developing cryogenic propulsion systems essential for high-performance launch vehicles. A cryogenic engine uses supercooled liquids, typically liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as propellants. These engines are highly efficient because cryogenic fuels have a higher specific impulse, meaning they provide greater thrust for a given mass of fuel.
UPSC 2008Science and Technology · Space and Space Technology
Q3. Which one of the following is a spacecraft?
Explanation
Options (a), (c) and (d) are incorrect: Apophis was a near-Earth asteroid named after the Egyptian God of chaos. Spitzer is an infrared space telescope launched by NASA in 2003. TechSar is a reconnaissance satellite equipped with synthetic-aperture radar, used for surveillance and intelligence purposes.
Option (b) is correct: Cassini was a groundbreaking planetary exploration mission led by NASA, European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian space agency (ASI). This advanced robotic spacecraft was designed to study Saturn, its rings, and its moons in extraordinary detail. As part of the mission, Cassini carried the ESA-built Huygens probe, which landed on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. During its descent through Titan’s dense atmosphere, Huygens captured remarkable images and data, eventually landing on an icy floodplain damp with liquid methane.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2008
(c) Japan
2
2008
(c) Mahendragiri
3
2008
(b) Cassini
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Space and Space Technology?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Space and Space Technology (Science and Technology), asked from 2002 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Space and Space Technology?
Questions on Space and Space Technology (Science and Technology) are available for 21 years, from 2002 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
