UPSC Themes

UPSC CSE Mains 2017 · GS3

India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission. What are the main obstacles to launching a manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Examine critically.

Theme

T146 Space & geospatial technology: Chandrayaan, JWST, NavIC, asteroids, GIS

What UPSC asks in this theme

A cross-paper theme: Chandrayaan-3's soft landing, JWST features, asteroid threats and defence, manned spaceflight obstacles, space applications for development, Mission Drishti, NavIC/IRNSS, and AI with GIS in planning.

What to cover

Writing the answer

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 9 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.

More PYQs from this theme

  1. GS3202615 marks

    Mention salient features of ‘Mission Drishti’. Discuss the imaging techniques used in the satellite launched on 3rd May 2026. Why it is being considered world’s first satellite of its kind?

  2. GS1202515 marks

    How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and drones be effectively used along with GIS and RS techniques in locational and areal planning?

  3. GS3202415 marks

    What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been developed to prevent such a catastrophe?

  4. GS3202315 marks

    What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the system in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the ‘Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota.

  5. GS3202215 marks

    Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

  6. GS12018

    Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation?

  7. GS32016

    Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development?

  8. GS32015

    What do you understand by ‘Standard Positioning System’ and ‘Precision Positioning System’ in the GPS era? Discuss the advantages India perceives from its ambitious IRNSS programme employing just seven satellites.

All 20 GS3 2017 questions · Technology, Economy, Environment, Security & Disaster Management · Report a typo