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Space & Defence Technology — UPSC Prelims Science & Environment previous year questions — page 2

59 solved previous year questions on Space & Defence Technology, papers from 2002 to 2023, drawn from UPSC CSE Prelims, UPPCS, State PCS. Each carries the printed answer key and the explanation from the source compilation.

1. #41Practice set
   With reference to Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is a four stage Satellite Launch Vehicle. 2. It can launch satellites to Sun - Synchronous Polar Orbits only.Select the correct answer using the codes given below
   • A1 only
   • B2 only
   • CBoth 1 and 2
   • DNeither 1 nor 2
   Answer: (A) 1 only
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct 1 is correct: PSLV is 4 stage Satellite 2 is incorrect: It can take up to 1,750 kg to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits of 600 km has also been used to launch various satellites and Geostationary orbits, like the IRNSS constellation

2. #42Practice set
   Which of the following are the areas of potential application of air-breathing scramjet technology? 1. Hypersonic missiles 2. Space-planes 3. Satellite LaunchSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
   • A1 and 2 only
   • B1 and 3 only
   • C3 only
   • D1, 2, and 3
   Answer: (D) 1, 2, and 3
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct of the propellant (fuel-oxidiser by today's launch vehicles consists of oxidiser. air-breathing scramjet engine, air from the rammed into the engine's combustion chamber at speed of more than Mach the air-breathing scramjet technology will the development of hypersonic missiles, faster civilian and facilities for putting satellites into a low cost. Scramjet technology has a number of Hypersonic aircraft: Scramjet engines could power hypersonic aircraft that could fly from anywhere in the world to anywhere else in the world in less than two hours. Hypersonic missiles: Scramjet engines could power hypersonic missiles that could travel at speeds of Mach 20 or more. This would make them very difficult to Space launch: Scramjet engines could be used to launch spacecraft into orbit more efficiently than traditional Access to space: Scramjet engines could be used to deve

3. #43Practice set
   Which of the following statements in context of satellite launch vehicles in India is/are correct? 1. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) has the capability to put a heavier payload in the orbit as compared to the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). 2. PSLVs are designed mainly to deliver earth observation or remote sensing satellites. 3. GSLVs are designed for launching mainly communication satellites into higher Geo synchronous orbit. 4. Both PSLV and GSLV are three-stage launch vehicles.Select the correct answer using the code given below
   • A1, 2 and 3 only
   • B1 and 4 only
   • C2 and 3 only
   • D1, 2, 3 and 4
   Answer: (A) 1, 2 and 3 only
   Explanation

   'Option a is the correct Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is space launch vehicle designed, operated by the Indian Space Research to launch satellites and other space objects Transfer Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third vehicle of India. It is the first Indian launch vehicle equipped with liquid 1 is correct. GSLV has the capability to put payload in the orbit than the Polar Satellite can carry satellites up to a total weight of 2000 kg and reach up to an altitude of 600-900 km. GSLV weight up to 5,000 kg and reach up to 36,000 2 and 3 is correct. PSLV is designed mainly earth observation or remote sensing GSLV has been designed for satellites. GSLV delivers satellites 'higher elliptical orbit, Geosynchronous Transfer and Geosynchronous Earth Orbit 4 is incorrect. PSLV is the of India with 4 stages while GSLV is a three stage launcher with strap-on motors

4. #44Practice set
   Which of the following is/ are the applications of Nanotechnology: 1. Green Technology 2. Cosmetics 3. Construction of spacecraft and_satellites 4. New forms of carbon 5. To. create artificial organs and implantsSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
   • A1, 2, and 3 only
   • B2, 3, 4 and 5 only
   • C1, 2, 3 and 5 only
   • D1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
   Answer: (D) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
   Explanation

   Option d is the correct l is correct. Nanotechnology can be prevent, monitor and alleviate a wide range problems, while significantly reducing improving performance. Current and future nanotechnology will allow us new "green" processing technologies that amount of undesired byproducts; Detect and remove the finest contaminants from air, water, and soil, which would enhance the ability of governments to respond to terrorist threats and ensure the safety of water 2 is correct. Cosmetics and companies have been extremely active in to improve their existing products and new 3 is correct. In the field of military, lighter but with tough, heat resistant properties, used in the design and construction of spacecraft and this process will gain from is also the possibility of nanotechnology in civilian security 4 is correct. The science of metals, and polymers, has always concerned itself the stru

5. #45Practice set
   Consider the following statements regarding the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology: I. It enables the missiles to intercept aerial threats at Subsonic speeds only. 2. SFDR technology is jointly developed by India and France. 3. It uses atmospheric air as an oxidizer. Practiceboo llforHow many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (A) Only one
   Explanation

   Option a is the correct Research and Development Organisation tested its Solid Fuelled Ducted Ramjet from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) 1 is incorrect: SFDR based propulsion missile to intercept aerial threats at very long supersonic speeds. The development of SFDR.enable India to make its own long-range and surface to air 2 is incorrect: The Solid Fuel Ducted is been developed under a joint 3 is correct: SFDR system utilises a solid propulsion ramjet engine. Unlike solid propellant rockets, which carry fuel and oxidiser unit rocket itself, the Ramjet takes up oxygen from during flight. Thus, it is light in weight and more fuel

6. #46Practice set
   With reference to Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) booster, consider the following statements: 1. It has been developed by Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) 2. It enables the missiles to intercept aerial threats. 3. It can help in developing long range air to air missiles.How many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone
   Answer: (C) All three
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct Research and Development Organization flight tested Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet The test successfully demonstrated the of all critical components involved in missile system and met all the mission 1 is correct: The SFDR has been developed Research and Development Laboratory, collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such Centre Imarat, Hyderabad and High Research Laboratory, 2 is correct: Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet enables the missiles to intercept aerial threats at range at supersonic 3 is correct: It will provide DRDO with advantage that will enable it to develop long range air-to-air missiles. At present, such technology only with a handful of countries in the world

7. #47Practice set
   Consider the following statements about the Pralay missile: 1. It is India's first tactical quasi-cruise missile. 2. It was developed as a derivative of the Prahaar missile program. 3. It has a range of 150-500 kilometresHow many of the statements given above are correct?
   • AOnly one
   • BOnly two
   • CAll three
   • DNone k urnl'al
   Answer: (B) Only two
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct Defense Ministry has approved the indigenous short range ballistic surface-to-surface missile, Pralay, which Indian military the ability to strike enemy key installations in actual battlefield l is incorrect: Pralay is India's first tactical quasi ballistic missile ( not a quasi-cruise) missile that has by India and is capable of evading 2 is correct: It is derived from the Prahaar which was first tested in 2011, and has according to the specifications and the Indian 3 is correct: One of the key features of the is its range. It has a range of 150-500 makes it a potent weapon for the Indian military. to its range, the missile is also capable of conventional warhead of about 350 kg to 700 kg, it highly effective in combat situations

8. #48Practice set
   Which of the statements given below is correct with reference to Cruise missiles and Ballistic missiles?
   • AUnlike a Cruise Missile, the flight path of Ballistic Missile is within the atmosphere
   • BCompared to Cruise missiles, the payload capacity is much limited in case of Ballistic missiles
   • CBoth ballistic missiles and cruise missiles can be launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines
   • DPrithvi is a Cruise missile while Nirbhay is a Ballistic missile
   Answer: (C) Both ballistic missiles and cruise missiles can be launched from aircraft, ships, and submarines
   Explanation

   Option c is the correct is a weapon that is self-propelled or directed control, carrying conventional or nuclear are two major types of Missiles- Ballistic and a is incorrect. Cruise missile with atmosphere and use jet engine technology. are known specifically for low-level flight which relatively close to the surface of the earth to from anti-missile systems. Ballistic missile outside earth's atmosphere. They are launched the upper layers of the earth's atmosphere. the atmosphere, where the warhead detaches missile and falls towards a predetermined bis incorrect. Payload capacity is limited in Cruise missile usually carries a single payload missiles can carry more than one payload targetable Re-entry c is correct. Both ballistic missiles and can be launched from aircraft, ships, in addition to land-based silos and d is incorrect. Prithvi, Agni, Dhanush are Ballistic while and Nirbhay cr

9. #49Practice set
   The "Anamaya'' initiative launched by the 32. Government of India aims to: Intelligence for Social Empowerment. workspaces in India. defecation and improve solid waste management. and sustainable dietary habits. With reference to the Plastic Parks scheme, consider the following
   • APromote regional arts and handicrafts on e-commerce platforms
   • BImprove the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities
   • CPromote research-based education in schools and universities
   • DTransform tourist places that are listed as World Heritage Sites
   Answer: (B) Improve the health and nutrition status of the tribal communities
   Explanation

   Option b is the correct the Tribal Health Collaborative, was enhance the health and nutrition status of the of India. The Collaborative is a multi stakeholder initiative of Tribal Affairs Ministry supported Foundation and Bill and Melinda Gates It will converge efforts of various and Collaborative is a unique initiative bringing philanthropists, national and to end all preventable the tribal communities of India. It aims to build high-performing health eco-system to key health challenges faced by the tribal population

10. #50Practice set
    The Global Initiative on reducing Land Degradation and Enhancing Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats has been launched by
    • AG20
    • BWorld Economic Forum (WEF)
    • CUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    • DUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
    Answer: (A) G20
    Explanation

    Option a is the correct world's 20 most powerful economies have launched to protect land. The Leaders' Declaration 22 November 2020, states that the G-20 leaders Global Initiative on Reducing Land Degradation Conservation of Terrestrial Habitats to and reverse land degradation with a target of a of degraded land by 2040 on voluntary basis

11. #51Practice set
    The Ministry of Finance, Government of India has launched the "Sustainable Finance Collaborative" programme in partnership with the
    • AWorld Bank
    • BUnited Nations Development Programme
    • CInternational Solar Alliance
    • DAsian Development Bank
    Answer: (B) United Nations Development Programme
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of launched the Sustainable Finance Collaborative partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It will boost Inda's efforts sustainable and green finance. The valuable insights and tangible would be helpful in developing a Sustainable for India

12. #52Practice set
    Consider the following statements with reference to the Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action: 1. It is an initiative launched by the International Solar Alliance. 2. It will bring together global public and private corporates to fund renewable energy generation.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 only
    • B2 only
    • CBoth 1 and 2
    • DNeither 1 nor 2
    Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
    Explanation

    Option;; is the correct 1 is correct: The Coalition for Sustainable is launched by the International Solar is correct: Coalition for Sustainable comprises of global public and private will contribute towards corpus fund. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Natural Gu Ministry joined Coalition for Action (ISA-CSCA) as Corporate Partners

13. #53Full-length test
    Consider the following statements regarding GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN): 1. It is developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). 2. It is inter-operable with other international Satellite Based Augmentation System (SEAS). 3. It also aims to study the ionosphere over the Indian region.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is of satellites and ground stations that provide corrections, thus improving position I is incorrect: GAGAN is developed jointly by Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the of India (AAI). The GAGAN's goal is to provide a system to assist aircraft in accurate landing Indian airspace and in the adjoining area and safety-to-life civil 2 is correct: GAGAN is inter-operable with Satellite Based Augmentation Systems example, it is inter-operable with systems like EGNOS (European) MSAS 3 is correct: One of the essential components GAGAN project is the study of the ionospheric the Indian region. GAGAN ionospheric algorithm by ISRO. This makes India the third country world which has such precision approach capabilities

14. #54Full-length test
    Which of the following is/are the areas of potential application of air-breathing scramjet technology? e 1. Hypersonic missiles 2. Air transportation 3. Satellite LaunchSelect the correct answer using the codes given below
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B1 and 3 only
    • C3 only
    • D1, 2, and 3
    Answer: (D) 1, 2, and 3
    Explanation

    Option d is the correct of the propellant (fuel-oxidiser by today's launch vehicles consists of oxidiser. air-breathing scramjet engine, air from the rammed into the engine's combustion chamber at speed of more than Mach the air-breathing scramjet technology will lead development of hypersonic missiles, faster civilian and facilities for putting satellites into a low cost

15. #55Full-length test
    Consider the following statements regarding James Webb Space Telescope: 1. It is an international collaboration between NASA, ISRO and the European Space Agency. 2. It orbits the sun at the second Lagrange point (L2). 3. It has detected the presence of water and carbon dioxide on an exoplanet.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct James Webb Space Telescope, also called JWST or the largest and most powerful space science telescope Aeronautics and Space Administration 1 is incorrect: The James Webb Space an international collaboration between NASA, Space Agency (BSA), and the Canadian 2 is correct: The James Webb Space Telescope the sun 1.5 million kilometres away from the Earth second Lagrange point (L2), a spot in space near lies opposite from the sun. As the Earth orbits the will orbit with it but stay fixed in the same spot to the Earth and the 3 is correct: The James Webb Space detected signs of water, along with evidence for haze, in the atmosphere of a hot, puffy gas giant a Sun-like star over a thousand light years unmatched infrared sensitivity has now presence of carbon dioxide on this planet as well

16. #56Full-length test
    With reference to Security Market in India, which one of the following statements correctly describe the term 'Spread'?
    • AIt is a share given to the employees of the company without any charge. 88
    • BIt is a provision which allows the company issuing shares for the first time to sell some additional shares
    • CIt is the limit till which shares can be issued by the company
    • DIt is the difference between the buying and selling prices of a share
    Answer: (B) It is a provision which allows the company issuing shares for the first time to sell some additional shares
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct phones take signals from satellites, unlike which obtain signals from terrestrial 1 is incorrect: A satellite phone has or directional antenna that is used transmitting and receiving signals. To receive a service, most satellite phones require a the satellite. This is the reason why satellite phones work well 2 is correct: The distance of orbit from the an inverse relationship with signal strength and with a satellite's of their proximity to the Earth, LEO strong signals; LEO and MEO satellites are frequently by satellite phone 3 is correct: In India, satellite phones under the Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, which require have a license. The use of satellite phones is restricted due to national security concerns, as they are track and can bypass local communication networks. Important Tips Do satellite phones require sim cards? Yes,

17. #57Full-length test
    With reference to Sounding rockets, consider the following statements: 1. These are single or two stage solid propellant rockets that can be used for space research. 2. These rockets serve as affordable platforms to test prototypes of new components or subsystems intended for use in launch vehicles and satellites. 3. India has launched its first ever indigenously made sounding rocket in 2022.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct Thumba Equaforial Rocket Launching Station established in 1963 at Thumba, a location close to equator;. The launch of the first sounding Thumba, Kerala begun in 1 and 2 are correct: Sounding rockets are two stage solid propellant rockets used for probing atmospheric regions and for space research. serve as easily affordable platforms to test or of new components or subsystems intended in launch vehicles and 3 is incorrect: ISRO started made sounding rockets from 1965, thus not true that India has launched her first ever in 2022. In 1975, all sounding rocket activities under the Rohini Sounding Rocket RH-75, with a diameter of was truly Indian sounding rocket, which was followed and RH-125 rockets. Currently India possesses rockets that could carry only a payload range Kg and range of 80-475 km. RH-560-MK-II India's Sounding rockets which has a highest can carry a

18. #58Full-length test
    With reference to the Escape Velocity, consider the following statements: 1. It is the minimum velocity that allows a satellite to travel away from its planet. 2. It depends on the direction of the projection of the satellite. 3. It is directly proportional to the mass of the planet from where the satellite is to be launched.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    • A1 and 2 only
    • B1 and 3 only
    • C3 only
    • D1, 2 and 3
    Answer: (B) 1 and 3 only
    Explanation

    Option b is the answer'. The es cape velocity is the necessary velocity to escape, gravitational attraction. In theory, this meansthat kinetic energy plus gravitational pptential is zero when the distance approaches escape velocity is associated with the send a rocket into 1 is correct. It is the velocity a satellite to away, from 'its 2 is incorrect. Escape velocity does not the mass of the satellite as well as the of the satellite. It. only. depends on the the radius pf the planet the,bodyis to 3 is correct. The escape, velocity is the same bodies from the given planet. Escape the mass of the planet and its radius. For earth is 11.2 km/s. '

19. #59Full-length test
    Consider the following statements regarding 'Agni-P (Prime) Missile': 1. It is a canister-based missile that can be launched from both rail and road. 2. It is a two-stage solid propellant missile 3. It can strike a target upto the range of Km.How many of the above given statements are correct?
    • AOnly one
    • BOnly two
    • CAll three
    • DNone
    Answer: (B) Only two
    Explanation

    Option b is the correct 1 is correct: Agni P is a new generation of the Agni class of missiles. It is a canisters based missile. Canisterisation of missiles reduces the to launch the missile while improving its mobility. This means that it can be launched and road and stored for a longer period. It can also across the length and breadth of the 2 is correct: Agni-P is a two-stage missile with dual redundant navigation system. The Agni-P will replace the Prithvi, and Agni-2 missiles that were built two decades ago that are now considered outdated. The less than Agni and has new guidance and generation of 3 is incorrect: It has a range of upto 2000 km. been developed specifically to strike targets in range is too short to reach targets in the Chinese mainland

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