UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — PARLIAMENT QUESTION: DEVELOPMENT OF SATELLITE LAUNCH FACILITIES IN INDIA

Q1. Which one of the following was the first operational launch pad commissioned at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota?

  • A. First Launch Pad (FLP)
  • B. Second Launch Pad (SLP)
  • C. Third Launch Pad (TLP)
  • D. SSLV Launch Complex (SLC)

Q2. In the context of SDSC SHAR, the Second Launch Pad (SLP) is best described as the facility that:

  • A. was established primarily for GSLV and LVM3 launches and also serves as standby for PSLV
  • B. is dedicated exclusively to Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions
  • C. was set up in 1993 to support PSLV and SSLV launches
  • D. is being built for the Next Generation Launch Vehicle and human spaceflight

Q3. The Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved at SDSC SHAR is being established primarily to support launches of which one of the following?

  • A. Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
  • B. Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
  • C. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)
  • D. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

Q4. With reference to the Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved at SDSC SHAR, consider the following statements: 1. It has an approved total budget outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore. 2. It is intended to also serve as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad. 3. Its financial approval was obtained in the year 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It has an approved total budget outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore.
  2. It is intended to also serve as a standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad.
  3. Its financial approval was obtained in the year 2023.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q5. Approximately what is the payload capability of the SSLV to a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) when launched from the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport?

  • A. 300 kg
  • B. 500 kg
  • C. 145 kg
  • D. 1,000 kg

Q6. With reference to the SSLV Launch Complex being developed at Kulasekarapattinam, consider the following statements: 1. It is located in the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu. 2. Its commissioning is targeted in the financial year 2026-27. 3. It is being developed primarily for GSLV and LVM3 launches. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is located in the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district of Tamil Nadu.
  2. Its commissioning is targeted in the financial year 2026-27.
  3. It is being developed primarily for GSLV and LVM3 launches.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. With reference to the institutional governance of India's space sector, consider the following statements: 1. The Department of Space functions directly under the Prime Minister. 2. IN-SPACe was established as an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space. 3. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is the only body empowered to authorise and supervise private space launch activities in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Department of Space functions directly under the Prime Minister.
  2. IN-SPACe was established as an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space.
  3. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is the only body empowered to authorise and supervise private space launch activities in India.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. At present, how many operational launch pads are there at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota?

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

Q9. With reference to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), consider the following statements: 1. It is designed to launch satellites of up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit. 2. It operates on a 'launch-on-demand' basis and demands minimal launch infrastructure. 3. It is configured with three solid propulsion stages. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It is designed to launch satellites of up to 500 kg into Low Earth Orbit.
  2. It operates on a 'launch-on-demand' basis and demands minimal launch infrastructure.
  3. It is configured with three solid propulsion stages.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. What is the maximum payload capability of ISRO's Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) to Low Earth Orbit?

  • A. 30 tonnes
  • B. 10 tonnes
  • C. 8 tonnes
  • D. 4 tonnes

Q11. With reference to the evolution of launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, consider the following statements: 1. The Second Launch Pad was the very first launch pad ever built at Sriharikota. 2. The Second Launch Pad has been operational for almost two decades. 3. India's space transportation currently relies on the First Launch Pad and the Second Launch Pad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Second Launch Pad was the very first launch pad ever built at Sriharikota.
  2. The Second Launch Pad has been operational for almost two decades.
  3. India's space transportation currently relies on the First Launch Pad and the Second Launch Pad.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q12. With reference to the geographic rationale for India's spaceport locations, consider the following statements: 1. Launches to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits from Sriharikota require manoeuvring to prevent spent stages impacting landmasses, which reduces payload. 2. The SSLV's payload to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit from Kulasekarapattinam is lower than that achievable from Sriharikota. 3. The Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota is being relocated to Kulasekarapattinam to enable equatorial launches. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Launches to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbits from Sriharikota require manoeuvring to prevent spent stages impacting landmasses, which reduces payload.
  2. The SSLV's payload to Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit from Kulasekarapattinam is lower than that achievable from Sriharikota.
  3. The Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota is being relocated to Kulasekarapattinam to enable equatorial launches.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3
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