Q151. Conceptually, what orbital maneuver did Mangalyaan use to travel from Earth to Mars while consuming minimal fuel?
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 151–160 of 195 questions
Q152. Which of the following correctly pairs a payload on Mangalyaan with its primary objective?
Explanation
The spacecraft carried several instruments to study different aspects of the planet. One of the most important was a high-quality camera used to take pictures of the Martian surface and its two small moons. These images provided valuable information about the geology and features of the planet. Other instruments were designed to search for specific gases like methane or to study the upper atmosphere, helping scientists understand the history and current state of the environment on Mars in detail.
Q153. Which of the following is an incorrect statement regarding the objectives of the Mars Orbiter Mission?
Explanation
The primary goals of the mission were to test the technology for reaching Mars and to study the planet from orbit. This included imaging the surface and analyzing the atmosphere. However, it was never designed to land on the surface or collect and return any samples. Such a mission would be much more complex and expensive. Instead, this first attempt focused on demonstrating that the country could successfully navigate to and orbit another planet using entirely indigenous scientific and technical capabilities.
Q154. The Lyman Alpha Photometer on Mangalyaan was primarily tasked with studying the Martian exosphere to measure the relative abundance of:
Explanation
This specialized instrument was designed to study the very outer parts of the Martian atmosphere. By measuring the ratio of two specific types of atoms, scientists can learn about how the planet has lost its water over millions of years. This data is crucial for understanding the climate history of Mars and how it transformed from a potentially wet world into the dry desert we see today. It was one of several scientific experiments that provided new insights into planetary evolution.
Q155. The cause for using the PSLV instead of the heavier GSLV for the Mars Orbiter Mission was:
Explanation
When the mission was being planned, the more powerful heavy-lift rocket was still undergoing testing and had experienced some difficulties. In contrast, the smaller polar launch vehicle had a long history of successful flights. Although it couldn’t launch the spacecraft directly to Mars, scientists used a series of orbit-raising maneuvers to make it work. This choice was a strategic decision based on the proven reliability of the existing rocket and the need to keep the mission costs low.
Q156. What is the most appropriate technological legacy of Mangalyaan for ISRO?
Explanation
The most important long-term benefit of the successful Mars mission was proving that the nation could manage complex operations at vast distances. This included tracking a spacecraft millions of kilometers away and sending commands with high precision. It also required building a network of large antennas and developing sophisticated software for deep space navigation. These capabilities are now the foundation for all future missions to other planets and have placed the country firmly in the ranks of top spacefaring nations.
Q157. Consider the following statements regarding the Gaganyaan programme:
I. It aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew into a 400 km orbit.
II. The planned mission duration is for 3 days.
III. It will return the crew safely to Earth by landing them directly on the Thar Desert.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. It aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew into a 400 km orbit.
II. The planned mission duration is for 3 days.
III. It will return the crew safely to Earth by landing them directly on the Thar Desert.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
The country’s first human spaceflight mission is designed to carry a crew into orbit for a short stay. It aims to showcase the ability to launch humans safely and keep them healthy in the environment of space. After completing their tasks, the crew will return to Earth by landing in the ocean using parachutes. Suggestions that the landing will happen in a desert are incorrect, as a water landing is the planned method for a safe and controlled recovery.
Q158. Match the components of the Gaganyaan mission in List I with their functions in List II:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| A. Orbital Module | i. Provides power, propulsion, and avionics while in orbit |
| B. Crew Module | ii. Pulls the crew away to safety in case of a launch pad anomaly |
| C. Service Module | iii. The combined structure housing the astronauts and supporting systems in space |
| D. Crew Escape System | iv. The habitable capsule where astronauts live during the mission |
Explanation
The mission uses several interconnected parts, each with a specific role. The section where the astronauts live and work is a habitable capsule. Attached to this is a unit that provides essential power and propulsion during the flight. Together, these form the complete module that stays in orbit. Additionally, there is a specialized system designed to quickly pull the crew to safety if something goes wrong during the launch. These components ensure the success and safety of the human spaceflight mission.
Q159. Arrange the following events of a nominal Gaganyaan crewed flight in chronological order:
I. Splashdown in Indian sea waters
II. Launch via HLVM3
III. De-boost maneuver and Re-entry
IV. Orbiting the Earth at 400 km
Which of the following is the correct order?
I. Splashdown in Indian sea waters
II. Launch via HLVM3
III. De-boost maneuver and Re-entry
IV. Orbiting the Earth at 400 km
Which of the following is the correct order?
Explanation
A typical mission starts with a powerful lift-off using a human-rated heavy rocket. Once in space, the spacecraft orbits the planet at a set altitude for several days. To return, the engines are fired to slow down and begin the descent back through the atmosphere. The final step involves a controlled landing in the water, where recovery teams are waiting. this sequence of launch, orbital stay, re-entry, and splashdown is the standard plan for the country’s first manned space flight.
Q160. The human-rated launch vehicle chosen for the Gaganyaan mission is:
Explanation
The heavy-lift rocket normally used for large satellites has been specially modified to carry humans. These updates include improving its reliability and adding systems to monitor the health of the vehicle during flight. This human-rated version of the rocket is the most powerful in the national inventory and has been chosen because it can lift the heavy crew module into the required orbit. It represents a significant advancement in domestic rocket engineering and safety standards for crewed missions to space.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 151 | (d) Hohmann transfer orbit |
| 152 | (b) MCC : Optical imaging of Martian surface and moons. |
| 153 | (c) To physically return Martian soil samples to Earth. |
| 154 | (d) Deuterium and Hydrogen |
| 155 | (a) PSLV cost and GSLV reliability issues at that time. |
| 156 | (b) Deep space communication and navigation capability for India. |
| 157 | (a) I and II only |
| 158 | (a) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii |
| 159 | (a) II, IV, III, I |
| 160 | (d) HLVM3 |
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.