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UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today’s subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. Come back tomorrow to solve the Environment and Geography Quiz.
With reference to the New Glenn rocket, consider the following statements:
1. It is a heavy-lift launch vehicle which has been named after John Glenn, the NASA astronaut.
2. It is a three-stage rocket.
3. In its second stage, it uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
— Last Monday, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ rocket business, has received a commercial space launch licence for its New Glenn flight.
— The New Glenn rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle named after John Glenn, the NASA astronaut who became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— The two-stage rocket stands roughly 320 feet tall, equivalent to a 32-story structure, and has a 7-meter payload fairing. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— The first stage is reusable and powered by seven BE-4 engines, which the company claims are the world’s most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engines. They generate more than 3.8 million pounds of thrust.
— New Glenn’s second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines, which use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to provide more than 320,000 pounds of vacuum thrust. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
The mission Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) is launched by:
(a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
(b) European Space Agency (ESA)
(c) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
(d) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Explanation
— ISRO has announced that the cowpea seedlings it sent to space as part of a biological experiment on December 30 have produced their first leaves.
— The experiment, ISRO’s first biological experiment in space, was part of CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies), an automated platform designed to nurture and sustain plant life under microgravity conditions in orbit.
— The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre developed it, which entails cultivating eight cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds in a controlled environment equipped with active thermal management aboard ISRO’s POEM-4 module.
— At least three of the eight seedlings produced leaves. “This accomplishment not only demonstrates ISRO’s capability to grow plants in space, but also provides valuable insights for future long-duration missions,” the organisation stated.
Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.
The term “Docking” with reference to the space refers to:
(a) when a spacecraft changes its position to prevent collision with other spacecraft.
(b) where two spacecraft are parked at different positions in space.
(c) where two spacecraft moving at extremely high speeds but not relative to each other, are aligned in a precise orbit and joined together.
(d) when two spacecraft are launched together in the same orbit with different purposes.
Explanation
— After concluding 2024 on a high note by starting its major Space Docking Experiment (SpaDex), ISRO is gearing up for an action-packed 2025, from launching the first privately constructed PSLV to prepping for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
— The docking experiment will be followed by the launch of the NVS-02 in January. The NVS-02 is a replacement satellite for India’s regional counterpart of GPS, the NavIC, which consists of seven satellites.
— Docking is a process where two spacecraft, both moving at extremely high speeds but not relative to each other, are aligned in a precise orbit and joined together — a capability necessary for joining different modules in space to create a space station.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements about the Agnibaan sub-Orbital technology demonstrator (SOrTeD):
1. It is the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.
2. It was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
3. The vehicle can fly payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
— Indian space startup Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its first sub-orbital test vehicle powered by the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
— Agnibaan SOrTeD (Sub-Orbital Technology Demonstrator) is India’s first semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch.
— It is the second launch by a private startup in India, Agnikul Cosmos. It is the first to use a private launchpad, Dhanush, that the company has set up at the country’s only operational spaceport at Sriharikota. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
— It was powered by the world’s first single piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.
— The primary goal of this mission, which is also Agnikul’s first flight, is to act as a test flight, demonstrating in-house and homegrown technologies, gathering critical flight data, and ensuring the optimal operation of systems for Agnikul’s orbital launch vehicle, the ‘Agnibaan’.
— The vehicle can fly payloads ranging from 30 kg to 300 kg. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.
With reference to the listeria, consider the following statements:
1. Listeria or Listeria monocytogenes is a type of virus found in soil.
2. There is no treatment available for listeriosis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
— Listeria, also known as Listeria monocytogenes, is a bacteria that can be found in soil, vegetation, water, sewage, and even animal and human excrement. Listeria-contaminated food can cause listeriosis. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
— Most people who consume listeria-infected food do not become ill or exhibit symptoms. The bacterium can be present in the infected person’s system for up to two months before symptoms appear, making it difficult to determine the link between what was consumed and the illness.
— People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and their children, and the elderly (65 and older) are vulnerable.
— According to the CDC, pregnant women are 10 times more likely to have a listeria infection, which can result in pregnancy loss, early birth, or even a life-threatening infection in the newborn.
— The severity of the infection determines the appropriate treatment. In many cases, intestinal listeriosis appears within a day or two of consuming the infected food item and can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. The therapy is similar to that for a typical stomach illness and may include antibiotics. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.
Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 92)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 91)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 91)
Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 91)
Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 91)
Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 91)
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