UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Troubling repeat

Q1. With reference to the EOS-N1 (Anvesha) satellite that was the primary payload on PSLV-C62, the term 'hyperspectral imaging' most precisely refers to:

  • A. Imaging that records reflected radiation in hundreds of narrow, contiguous spectral bands so that surface materials can be identified by their distinctive spectral signatures
  • B. Imaging that exclusively uses microwave wavelengths to penetrate cloud cover and acquire all-weather images of the Earth's surface
  • C. Imaging that fuses visible-light photographs with thermal-infrared photographs taken simultaneously to produce a single composite output
  • D. Imaging that uses synthetic aperture radar techniques to generate high-resolution day-and-night radar images independent of illumination

Q2. With reference to the PSLV-C62 mission of January 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Its primary payload, EOS-N1, was a hyperspectral satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 2. The mission failed due to an anomaly in the third stage (PS3) of the launch vehicle. 3. It was undertaken as a dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). 4. It was launched from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Its primary payload, EOS-N1, was a hyperspectral satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  2. The mission failed due to an anomaly in the third stage (PS3) of the launch vehicle.
  3. It was undertaken as a dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
  4. It was launched from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q3. PSLV-C62, launched in January 2026, attempted to place how many satellites in orbit, counting both the primary payload and the co-passenger satellites?

  • A. 14
  • B. 15
  • C. 16
  • D. 17

Q4. With reference to the two consecutive PSLV failures of 2025–26, consider the following statements: 1. PSLV-C61 (May 2025) failed due to a drop in the chamber pressure of its third stage during firing. 2. PSLV-C62 (January 2026) failed due to a roll-rate disturbance observed near third-stage separation. 3. In both missions, the anomaly was traced to the second (liquid-fuelled) stage of the PSLV. 4. The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid propellant. Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

  1. PSLV-C61 (May 2025) failed due to a drop in the chamber pressure of its third stage during firing.
  2. PSLV-C62 (January 2026) failed due to a roll-rate disturbance observed near third-stage separation.
  3. In both missions, the anomaly was traced to the second (liquid-fuelled) stage of the PSLV.
  4. The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid propellant.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 4 only

Q5. PSLV-C62, which failed in January 2026, was undertaken as a dedicated commercial mission under the auspices of which one of the following entities?

  • A. Antrix Corporation Limited
  • B. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
  • C. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)
  • D. Indian Space Promotion Council, Department of Space
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