Space & Defence Technology

What you'll learn

Learn the core space and defence facts UPSC tests: ISRO vs DRDO, PSLV/GSLV rockets, key missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan, and India's missiles.

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Space & Defence Technology — solved practice questions

8 UPSC Science & Technology questions with step-by-step solutions. Attempt each, then reveal the answer.

1. Q1medium

   India's first satellite, launched in 1975, was named:

   • ABhaskara
   • BAryabhata
   • CRohini
   • DAPPLE
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) Aryabhata

   Aryabhata, India's first satellite, was launched in 1975 with the help of the Soviet Union and was named after the ancient Indian astronomer-mathematician Aryabhata.

2. Q2medium

   Which of the following Indian launch vehicles was used to launch both the Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) spacecraft?

   • AGSLV Mk III
   • BSLV-3
   • CGSLV Mk II
   • DPSLV
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (D) PSLV

   Both Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and the Mars Orbiter Mission (2013) were launched aboard the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

3. Q3hard

   With respect to India's Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), consider the following statements: 1. It made India the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit. 2. India succeeded in the mission in its very first attempt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) Both 1 and 2

   Both statements are correct: the Mars Orbiter Mission made India the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first country in the world to do so on its maiden attempt.

4. Q4medium

   A cryogenic engine, which uses liquefied gases stored at very low temperatures as propellants, forms a key stage of which Indian launch vehicle?

   • APSLV
   • BSLV-3
   • CASLV
   • DGSLV
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   Correct answer: (D) GSLV

   The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) uses a cryogenic upper stage burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, enabling it to place heavier satellites into geostationary transfer orbit.

5. Q5medium

   The Agni series of missiles developed by India are primarily:

   • ASurface-to-surface ballistic missiles
   • BSurface-to-air missiles
   • CAnti-tank missiles
   • DAir-to-air missiles
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (A) Surface-to-surface ballistic missiles

   The Agni series are surface-to-surface ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads, forming a key part of India's strategic deterrence.

6. Q6medium

   BrahMos, one of the world's fastest supersonic cruise missiles, is a joint venture between India and which country?

   • AUnited States
   • BFrance
   • CRussia
   • DIsrael
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   Correct answer: (C) Russia

   BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia; its name combines the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.

7. Q7medium

   The Prithvi missile, developed under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), is a:

   • ALong-range intercontinental ballistic missile
   • BShort-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile
   • CSubmarine-launched ballistic missile
   • DAnti-satellite missile
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (B) Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile

   Prithvi is a short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile and was the first missile developed under the IGMDP led by the DRDO.

8. Q8hard

   Consider the following missiles developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) and their categories: 1. Akash — Surface-to-air missile 2. Nag — Anti-tank missile 3. Trishul — Short-range surface-to-air missile How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Show answer & solution

   Correct answer: (C) All three

   All three are correctly matched: under the IGMDP, Akash and Trishul are surface-to-air missiles and Nag is an anti-tank guided missile; Agni and Prithvi were the other two projects.

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