UPSC CSE Prelims
Space Missions of India Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Space Missions of India with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
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Consider the following space missions:
I. Axiom-4
II. SpaDeX
III. Gaganyaan
How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research?
Detailed Explanation:
Among the given missions, Axiom-4 and Gaganyaan directly support and promote micro-gravity research, whereas SpaDeX is mainly a technology demonstration mission.
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Statement I is Correct: Axiom-4 carries scientific experiments and micro-gravity research payloads aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
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Statement II is Incorrect: SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is designed to demonstrate autonomous docking technology, not primarily for micro-gravity research.
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Statement III is Correct: Gaganyaan includes several micro-gravity experiments to be conducted by Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) in space.
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Therefore, only two missions support micro-gravity research, making Option B the correct answer.
Mission-wise Analysis
| Mission | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I. Axiom-4 | ✅ Correct | Conducts scientific and micro-gravity experiments aboard the ISS. |
| II. SpaDeX | ❌ Incorrect | Primarily a space docking technology demonstration mission. |
| III. Gaganyaan | ✅ Correct | Includes micro-gravity research payloads and experiments. |
Micro-gravity Research
What is Micro-gravity?
Micro-gravity is a condition in space where objects experience very weak gravity and appear to be weightless.
Why is it Important?
Micro-gravity helps scientists study:
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Human health in space
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Material science
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Biotechnology
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Fluid dynamics
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Plant growth and agriculture
GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation.
Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Detailed Explanation:
GAGAN (GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) is India's Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS), jointly developed by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to improve GPS-based navigation.
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Statement I is Correct: GAGAN enhances the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals.
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Statement II is Correct: It enables safer, more efficient, and uniform air traffic management.
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Statement III is Incorrect: GAGAN is useful not only in aviation but also in road transport, railways, maritime navigation, agriculture, surveying, and disaster management.
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Therefore, only Statements I and II are correct, making Option D the correct answer.
Statement-wise Analysis
| Statement | Status | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity | ✅ Correct | GAGAN improves GPS precision and reliability for navigation. |
| II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management | ✅ Correct | Better navigation helps improve flight safety and air traffic efficiency. |
| III. It will provide benefits only in aviation | ❌ Incorrect | Its applications extend to several non-aviation sectors as well. |
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