UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — How the Gaganyaan crew module is built to survive

Q1. In the context of the Gaganyaan Crew Module's return to Earth, the term "aero-braking" refers to which one of the following?

  • A. Deceleration of the Crew Module by using atmospheric drag on its body during atmospheric re-entry
  • B. Firing of the Service Module thrusters to slow the Orbital Module before it de-orbits
  • C. Use of the Crew Escape System motors to reduce velocity in the event of a launch abort
  • D. Radiating away frictional heat by ablation of the outer heat shield material

Q2. The following are stated to have been demonstrated during the Gaganyaan TV-D1 Test Vehicle Abort Mission. Which one of the above is NOT correct?

  1. In-flight abort of the Crew Escape System in the transonic regime
  2. Separation of the Crew Module from the Crew Escape System
  3. Deployment of parachutes and a safe touchdown in the sea
  4. Docking of the Orbital Module with an orbiting space station
  • A. 1 and 3
  • B. 2 and 4
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4

Q3. Which one of the following is planned as the first uncrewed orbital flight of the Gaganyaan programme?

  • A. G1
  • B. G2
  • C. TV-D1
  • D. The first crewed orbital mission

Q4. The Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) used for the Gaganyaan mission is developed and operationalised solely by which one of the following?

  • A. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), under the Department of Space
  • B. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
  • D. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

Q5. With reference to the Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3), consider the following statements. Which one of the above is NOT correct?

  1. It is a three-stage launch vehicle.
  2. Its liquid core stage (L110) is powered by twin Vikas engines.
  3. It can inject a payload of about 10 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit.
  4. Its S200 solid strap-on boosters are ignited only after the separation of the liquid core stage.
  • A. 4 only
  • B. 1 and 4
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 2 and 4

Q6. After splashdown, the recovery of the Gaganyaan Crew Module is led exclusively by which one of the following, in coordination with ISRO?

  • A. Indian Navy
  • B. Indian Coast Guard
  • C. National Disaster Response Force
  • D. Indian Air Force

Q7. Russia's Soyuz and China's Shenzhou use a three-module configuration, whereas Gaganyaan uses a two-module Orbital Module (Crew Module plus Service Module). In which year was the Gaganyaan programme initially sanctioned by the Union Government?

  • A. 2019
  • B. 2014
  • C. 2018
  • D. 2022

Q8. How many Indian Air Force pilots have been selected as astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan mission and have completed generic training in Russia?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Six