Space and Space Technology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Science and Technology)
2 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 1–2 of 2 questions
UPSC 2018Science and Technology · Space and Space Technology
Q1. Consider the following statements: 1. Light is affected by gravity. 2. The Universe is constantly expanding. 3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time. Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in the media?
Explanation
General theory of relativity, is a geometric theory related to gravitation published by Albert Einstein in 1915 and currently defines gravitation in modern physics. A coherent account of gravity as a geometric property of space and time, or four-dimensional spacetime, is provided by general relativity, which generalises special relativity and improves Newton’s law of universal gravitation. In particular, the energy and momentum of all matter and radiation present have a direct relationship to the curvature of spacetime.
Statement 1 is correct: According to General Relativity, light travels along the curved spacetime shaped by the gravity of massive objects. This phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, has been observed in effects such as Einstein’s Cross and the bending of starlight around the Sun.
Statement 2 is correct: General Theory of Relativity showed that space and time are malleable or flexible, and predicted that our universe was ever expanding.
Statement 3 is correct: The theory of relativity states that massive objects distort spacetime around it. And since photons travel the shortest distance between two points, light appears to be bent when it travels through the distorted spacetime of a massive object.
UPSC 2018Science and Technology · Space and Space Technology
Q2. With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: 1. PSLVs launch the satellite 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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is primarily used to place satellites in Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits (SSO), which are ideal for Earth observation, remote sensing, and resource monitoring. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is used to place communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), from where they move into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) for telecom and broadcasting services.
Statement 2 is incorrect:
Geostationary satellites (which remain fixed over a location) are launched into Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at 35,786 km altitude, usually by GSLV, not PSLV. PSLV typically places satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) or Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), where they move relative to the Earth’s surface.
Statement 3 is incorrect:
GSLV Mk III (now LVM3) is actually a three-stage launch vehicle:
First stage: Two solid rocket boosters (S200) Second stage: A liquid-fueled core stage (L110) Third stage: A cryogenic stage (C25) There is no fourth stage in GSLV Mk III, making the statement incorrect.
Exam tip:
For S2, PSLV places satellites in polar orbits also and not necessarily in geostationary. Hence S2 is overly restrictive and likely false. For S3, When UPSC gives too much technical detail, its easier to manipulate and make it false.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2018
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2
2018
(a) 1 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Space and Space Technology?
This page covers 2 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.
