Q111. In the organizational structure of India’s space program, ISRO reports directly to which of the following departments?
Defence and Space Technology in India: RAS Prelims MCQs
195 RAS Prelims MCQs on defence and space technology in India cover DRDO, the missile programme, nuclear policy and space missions. The founding year of DRDO, its motto, the five missiles of the IGMDP, Agni-V, the Nuclear Doctrine and the major ISRO missions are asked as facts, and each explanation connects the system to its purpose.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 111–120 of 195 questions
Q112. Identify the correctly matched pair of the ISRO centre and its primary function:
Explanation
This major facility located in the south is the lead center for creating the rockets that carry satellites into space. It handles the engineering and testing of both solid and liquid propulsion systems. Other centers focus on different aspects, such as satellite manufacturing or ground-based applications. The specialization of these hubs allows for a comprehensive approach to space technology, ensuring that all components from the launch vehicle to the spacecraft payload are developed with high precision.
Q113. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the commercial arms of ISRO?
Explanation
Several entities handle the commercial aspects of the space program, helping to transfer technology to domestic industries and manage international launch contracts. However, the role of the regulatory body mentioned is to enable and oversee private participation in the space sector, not to be the exclusive manufacturer of rocket components. Manufacturing is shared among various government units and private companies. These commercial arms aim to build a strong industrial ecosystem to support the national space mission.
Q114. By definition, what is the role of the Space Commission in India?
Explanation
This high-level body is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overall policies of the country’s space activities. It reviews the progress of various missions and ensures that the program aligns with national objectives. While other agencies handle the technical work of launching and operating satellites, this commission provides the necessary guidance and administrative supervision. Its work is essential for the organized and effective development of the nation’s space capabilities over the long term.
Q115. What was the effect of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s initial vision on the trajectory of ISRO’s early projects?
Explanation
The early direction of the space program was heavily influenced by a belief that technology should directly improve the lives of citizens. Rather than pursuing prestige-driven races, the focus was placed on practical uses like education, television broadcasting, and resource management. This unique approach led to the development of sophisticated communication and remote sensing satellites that have played a crucial role in the country’s modernization. This people-centric philosophy remains a core value of the organization today.
Q116. The most appropriate function of ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan and Bhopal is:
Explanation
These specialized facilities at two different locations are responsible for the health and orbital management of communication satellites. They perform maneuvers to keep the spacecraft in their correct positions and monitor their various subsystems. This constant supervision is necessary to ensure that services like television broadcasting and telecommunications remain uninterrupted. These centers act as the vital ground link that maintains the operational integrity of the nation’s extensive and sophisticated satellite network in high-altitude orbits.
Q117. Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
I. It is a four-stage launch vehicle.
II. It uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages.
III. It is commonly referred to as the "Workhorse of ISRO".
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It is a four-stage launch vehicle.
II. It uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages.
III. It is commonly referred to as the "Workhorse of ISRO".
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
This versatile rocket is a four-stage system that alternates between using solid and liquid fuels for its propulsion. Because of its high success rate and reliability over many years, it is often called the mainstay of the national space agency. It has been used for a wide variety of missions, including Earth observation and interplanetary travel. Its consistent performance has made it a preferred choice for launching both domestic and international satellites into polar orbits.
Q118. Match the ISRO launch vehicles in List I with their defining characteristics in List II:
| Launch Vehicle | Characteristic |
|---|---|
| A. SLV-3 | i. Features an indigenous cryogenic upper stage |
| B. PSLV | ii. Heaviest launcher, designed for 4-ton class satellites to GTO |
| C. GSLV Mk II | iii. India’s first experimental satellite launch vehicle |
| D. LVM3 (GSLV Mk III) | iv. First operational launch vehicle with liquid stages |
Explanation
The early experimental rocket provided the first successful domestic launch. The later mainstay vehicle was the first to incorporate liquid stages. Modern heavy launchers utilize advanced cryogenic engines for carrying larger satellites. The most powerful variant is specifically designed for the heaviest payloads, enabling the placement of massive communication satellites into high orbits. This progression highlights the steady growth in the country’s ability to reach different levels of space with increasingly complex and capable rocket technology.
Q119. Arrange the following ISRO launch vehicles in ascending order of their payload carrying capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO):
I. LVM3
II. PSLV
III. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
IV. GSLV Mk II
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
I. LVM3
II. PSLV
III. SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
IV. GSLV Mk II
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
Explanation
The ability to carry weight into low orbit varies significantly between different rockets. A small, new launcher is designed for light payloads, followed by the mid-range performance of the long-standing workhorse. The standard heavy launcher provides greater capacity, while the most powerful variant currently in service can carry the largest weight. This sequence reflects the range of options available for different types of missions, from small research satellites to large strategic and commercial spacecraft.
Q120. The propulsion sequence of the four stages of the PSLV from first (bottom) to fourth (top) is:
Explanation
The propulsion architecture of this four-stage rocket involves an alternating pattern of fuel types. The first and third stages use solid motors to provide powerful thrust, while the second and fourth stages utilize liquid engines for precise control and sustained performance. This unique configuration has proven to be highly reliable and efficient for a wide range of missions. Each stage plays a specific role in lifting the payload through the atmosphere and placing it into its intended orbit.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 111 | (c) Department of Space (DoS) |
| 112 | (d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) : Launch vehicle design and development |
| 113 | (c) IN-SPACe is the sole manufacturer of ISRO’s solid rockets. |
| 114 | (b) Policy formulation and oversight of the Indian space programme. |
| 115 | (d) Emphasizing space applications for societal benefits like telecom. |
| 116 | (a) Monitoring and controlling geostationary and geosynchronous satellites. |
| 117 | (d) I, II, and III |
| 118 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 119 | (a) III, II, IV, I |
| 120 | (c) Solid, Liquid, Solid, Liquid |
Key facts from Defence and Space Technology in India
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation was established in 1958; its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam.
- The five core missiles of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme are Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash, remembered as PATNA.
- The IGMDP was reinforced by the limits of the Missile Technology Control Regime; Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam is called the Missile Man of India.
- Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile; the Prithvi is a surface-to-surface battlefield missile.
- India formally adopted its Nuclear Doctrine in 2003.
- The Atmanirbhar Bharat reforms opened the space sector to private participation.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Defence and Space Technology in India?
This page has 195 practice MCQs on Defence and Space Technology in India (Science and Technology). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
When was DRDO established?
In 1958. It is the research and development wing of the Ministry of Defence, and its motto is Balasya Mulam Vigyanam, meaning the source of strength is science.
What does PATNA stand for?
The five core missile systems of the IGMDP: Prithvi, Agni, Trishul, Nag and Akash. The programme was led by Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and launched in 1983.
What is the category of the Agni-V missile?
An Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), with a range of more than 5,000 km. It can carry a payload of around 1,500 kg, and it can carry multiple warheads, which makes it a strategic weapon.