Space Technology

9 UPSC Mains GS III questions on Space Technology, 2014 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Space Technology toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q15Mention salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world’s first satellite of its kind ?15 marks · 250 words
2. 2024 Q16What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?15 marks · 250 words
3. 2023 Q16What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.15 marks · 250 words
4. 2022 Q15Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes ? What are the key goals of this mission ? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race ?15 marks · 250 words
5. 2019 Q6What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme?10 marks · 150 words
6. 2017 Q7India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics ? Examine critically.10 marks · 150 words
7. 2016 Q12Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?12.5 marks · 200 words
8. 2015 Q11What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning Systems’ and ‘Precision Positioning Systems’ in the GPS era ? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.12.5 marks · 200 words
9. 2014 Q17International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do you understand by ‘airspace’? What are the implications of these laws on the space above this airspace? Discuss the challenges which this poses and suggest ways to contain the threat.12.5 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.