2022 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2022 · GS Paper I

Question 34: Science and Technology

Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media ?

aA hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.
bA spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.
cA missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.
dA spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).

A Fractional Orbital Bombardment System puts a warhead into a low Earth orbit, short of one full revolution, and brings it down onto a target with a de-orbit burn. Because it can approach from an unexpected direction, such as over the South Pole, it can evade missile defences oriented towards the north. China was reported to have tested one in 2021. It has nothing to do with asteroid defence, planetary landings or comet probes.

Why each option is right or wrong
  • (a) That describes asteroid defence, not a weapon system.
  • (b) That describes a planetary orbiter-lander mission.
  • (c) Correct. A weapon in low orbit that de-orbits onto a target.
  • (d) That describes a comet rendezvous and landing mission.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2022, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.