UPSC Essentials | Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on International Space Station, LVM3 and more (Week 135)

QUESTION 1

With reference to the International Space Station (ISS), consider the following statements:

1. The ISS has been operational in low-Earth orbit.

2. It serves as a home for astronauts from various countries and functions as a research platform for scientific studies in microgravity.

3. It does not accommodate private commercial missions.

4. India’s ISRO has been the founding member of the ISS.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Explanation

— As of November 2, the International Space Station (ISS) has continually supported human habitation for 25 years, making it a significant accomplishment in space exploration. However, the station is nearing the end of its useful life due to outdated infrastructure and ongoing problems like air leaks.

— By the end of 2030, plans are in place to retire the ISS and enable its deorbit, ending an era in which astronauts from all over the world have lived and worked in this special setting.

— A collaborative project involving multiple global space agencies, such as the US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Russia’s Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency, the ISS has been operational in low-Earth orbit, approximately 260 miles above the Earth. Hence, statement 1 is correct and statement 4 is not correct.

— It serves as a home for astronauts from various countries and functions as a research platform for scientific studies in microgravity, while also accommodating private commercial missions. Hence, statement 2 is correct and statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 2

With reference to the LVM3, consider the following statements:

1. It was earlier referred to as Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark 3 or GSLV Mk 3.

2. It uses only liquid-based fuel-based engines.

3. It is capable of putting a satellite in geosynchronous orbit but cannot be used to place a satellite in low Earth orbit.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Explanation

— India’s biggest launch vehicle, LVM3, is ready to put into orbit the communication satellite CMS-03. Notably for the space agency, this satellite will be the first weighing over 4,000 kg to be put in the distant geosynchronous transfer orbit from Indian soil.

LVM3

— LVM3 — earlier referred to as Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark 3 or GSLV Mk 3. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

— It uses solid, liquid, as well as cryogenic fuel-based engines to put up to 8,000 kg in low Earth orbit and up to 4,000 kg in geosynchronous orbit. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are not correct.

— The space agency’s initial plan was to use its workhorse PSLV for polar and low Earth orbit launches, usually much closer to the Earth’s surface, and use the GSLV II and GSLV Mk 3 to launch the satellites to the more distant geosynchronous orbits of around 36,000 km from the Earth’s surface.

— ISRO’s heaviest launcher is also one of its most successful, with all seven of its flights putting satellites in the intended orbits. It is the launch vehicle that took both Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 to space, in addition to communication satellites GSAT-19 and GSAT-29.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

QUESTION 3

BHARANI MK I, developed by DRDO, is a:

(a) Surface-to-air missile system

(b) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

(c) Electronic warfare jammer

(d) Light Weight Radar

Explanation

— BHARANI MK I is a 2D Low Level Light Weight Radar (LLLWR). It is a light weight battery powered compact sensor which provides 2D surveillance in mountainous terrain against hostile aerial targets like UAVs, RPVs, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft flying at low and medium altitudes.

— The radar can be moved by cars, animals, groups of people, or as helislung cargo. It can be dismantled into packets for easy relocation and installation in difficult terrain.

— It serves as an early warning signal to air defence weapon systems that are used to safeguard vulnerable locations or places. The radar identifies and tracks short-range air-to-ground threats with a high chance of detection.

— The radar includes an integrated IFF that can detect, confirm, categorise, and achieve IFF status on any target in the combat space being monitored.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.

(Source: drdo.gov.in)

QUESTION 4

NUTEC Plastics is the initiative to address the global challenge of plastic pollution. It is an initiative of:

(a) International Atomic Energy Agency

(b) United Nations Environment Programme

(c) World Bank

(d) World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Explanation

— NUTEC Plastics is the IAEA’s flagship initiative to address the global challenge of plastic pollution.

— It brings together governments and partners from all over the world to combat plastic pollution on two fronts: at the source by introducing innovative technology to enhance plastic recycling, and in the ocean, where the majority of plastic trash ends up.

— Nuclear science and technology can play a vital role on both fronts. Irradiation can be used to treat existing plastics and make them suitable for reuse, extending present recycling potential and allowing for broader and higher-value reuse, while nuclear science is used to identify, trace, and monitor plastics in the ocean, particularly microplastics.

Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer.

(Source: http://www.iaea.org)

QUESTION 5

With reference to the Semiconductors, consider the following statements:

1. The electrical conductivity of semiconductors is higher than that of conductors.

2. They play a crucial part in communication and data centres.

3. India launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2023.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

— Semiconductors are made of materials such as silicon and possess a degree of electrical conductivity between that of a conductor and an insulator. Semiconductors have lower conductivity than conductors (such as copper or aluminium), but higher than insulators. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.

— The electrical conductivity can be controlled and varied over a wide range by controlling temperature. This flexibility allows the semiconductors to perform specific functions, making them fundamental to the modern electronic devices.

— They are the basic building blocks in an array of technologies, from smartphones, laptops, computers, smart devices, to electric cars, systems of renewable energy and military equipment. They play a crucial part in communication, data centres, and global connectivity. Their ability to integrate complex functions within a single chip has made technologies like personalised healthcare, smart manufacturing and autonomous vehicles a reality. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

— India launched the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) in 2021 with a financial outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. The mission aimed to strengthen India’s strategic position in the global value chain. Hence, statement 3 is not correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.

Read more: Why Vikram 3201 marks a turning point in India’s quest for technological self-reliance

Previous Daily Subject-Wise-Quiz

Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 129 and 130)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 135)

Daily subject-wise quiz —  Science and Technology (Week 134)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 134)

Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 134)

Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 134)

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