UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SPACE START-UPS IN INDIA

Q1. In the context of India's space-sector reforms, the term 'Non-Government Entity (NGE)' is best described as which one of the following?

  • A. Any private, academic or non-governmental organisation participating across the space value chain, whether in the upstream, midstream or downstream segment
  • B. Only foreign companies investing in Indian satellite manufacturing through the automatic FDI route
  • C. Only those space start-ups that are registered with DPIIT under the Startup India initiative
  • D. Only private firms engaged in the manufacture of launch vehicles and spaceports

Q2. Which one of the following is the single-window, autonomous nodal agency of the Department of Space responsible for authorising, promoting and supervising the space activities of Non-Government Entities?

  • A. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
  • B. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)
  • C. Antrix Corporation Limited
  • D. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Q3. Consider the following statements about the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. It authorises and supervises the space activities of Non-Government Entities.
  2. It functions as the commercial arm of the Department of Space, marketing PSLV and SSLV services.
  3. It provides Non-Government Entities a single window for access to ISRO facilities and technical expertise.
  4. It functions as an autonomous agency under the Department of Space.
  • A. 1, 3 and 4
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 2 only

Q4. With reference to the Indian Space Policy, 2023, consider the following statements. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. It was notified in the year 2023.
  2. It recognises NewSpace India Limited as the commercial arm of ISRO.
  3. It enables Non-Government Entities to participate across the entire value chain of space activities in an end-to-end manner.
  4. It was the instrument that first established IN-SPACe as an autonomous body.
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 2 and 3
  • C. 1 and 4
  • D. 4 only

Q5. Under the Indian Space Policy, 2023, which one of the following best describes the role assigned to NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?

  • A. The commercial arm of the Department of Space/ISRO that builds, procures and markets space systems and services on commercial principles
  • B. The autonomous single-window agency that authorises and regulates the space activities of Non-Government Entities
  • C. The research and development body responsible for developing India's launch vehicles and satellites
  • D. The nodal agency under DPIIT for registering space start-ups

Q6. The Union Cabinet approved the liberalising amendment to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on the space sector — introducing differentiated automatic-route caps for satellites, launch vehicles and spaceports — in which one of the following years?

  • A. 2020
  • B. 2022
  • C. 2023
  • D. 2024

Q7. Under the amended FDI policy on the space sector, which one of the following activities permits the highest foreign direct investment under the automatic route?

  • A. Satellite manufacturing and operation
  • B. Manufacturing of components and sub-systems for satellites and the ground/user segment
  • C. Creation of spaceports
  • D. Manufacturing of launch vehicles and associated systems

Q8. With reference to India's flagship private space start-ups, consider the following statements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-S (November 2022) was India's first privately built launch vehicle.
  2. Agnikul Cosmos demonstrated a rocket powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine (May 2024).
  3. Pixxel is primarily a launch-vehicle manufacturing start-up.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q9. India has set a target for the value of its space economy to be achieved by 2033. Which one of the following figures is that target?

  • A. USD 8.4 billion
  • B. USD 11 billion
  • C. USD 44 billion
  • D. USD 500 million

Q10. Consider the following statements about the sequencing of India's space-sector reforms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Startup India initiative (2016) preceded the incorporation of NewSpace India Limited (2019).
  2. IN-SPACe was announced (2020) after the notification of the Indian Space Policy, 2023.
  3. NewSpace India Limited was incorporated (2019) before IN-SPACe was announced (2020).
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3