UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 5: Science and Technology
The damage to the Spektr Module of the Russian Space Station Mir was due to
AnswerThe answer is (a).
On 25 June 1997 an uncrewed Progress M-34 cargo ship, a Soyuz-based supply vehicle, struck the Spektr module of Mir during a manual docking test, punctured it and caused a loss of pressure. The crew sealed Spektr off by closing its hatch and cutting cables through it. The damage came from a collision during a trial of the remote-controlled docking system, not from a design flaw, an internal blast or an asteroid.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Right: the Progress M-34 cargo ship, a Soyuz-based craft, hit Spektr in June 1997.
- (b) The damage came from an impact, not from a flaw in the module's materials.
- (c) There was no explosion inside the station; the puncture came from an impact.
- (d) No asteroid was involved; the impact came from a Russian supply craft.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.