Theme T146 · Science & Technology

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

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What UPSC asks

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.

Prepare these

• Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan
• JWST vs Hubble
• Asteroids: planetary defence (DART)
• NavIC: SPS vs restricted service
• Space applications: remote sensing, communication, disaster
• Space sector reforms (IN-SPACe)

Answer writing

• Features → significance → India's achievement

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (3), Why (2), Mention (1), Explain (1), Examine (1), Critically (1).

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L11 — Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
• GS3-L13 — Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

All 9 PYQs, newest first

1. GS3202615 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-02-M2026-S01

   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?

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2. GS1202515 marks · 250 wordsGS1-GEO-06-M2025-Q15

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

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3. GS3202415 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-02-M2024-Q16

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

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4. GS3202315 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-02-M2023-Q16

   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.

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5. GS3202215 marks · 250 wordsGS3-SCI-02-M2022-Q15

   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?

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6. GS12018GS1-GEO-06-M2018-S01

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

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7. GS32017GS3-SCI-02-M2017-S01

   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.

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8. GS32016GS3-SCI-02-M2016-S01

   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?

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9. GS32015GS3-SCI-02-M2015-S01

   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.

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