SSC CGL (Prelims) General: Space Science questions with solutions

Q1. The orbit of geostationary satellites is:

1. Polar
2. Elliptical low-earth
3. Circular equatorial
4. Sun-synchronous

Answer: Circular equatorial

Geostationary satellites appear fixed over one point on Earth, which is possible only if they move in a circular orbit in the equatorial plane. Hence, the orbit is circular equatorial.

Q2. Which phenomenon causes geomagnetic storms on Earth?

1. Ocean currents
2. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections
3. Earth’s rotation
4. Lunar eclipses

Answer: Solar flares and coronal mass ejections

Geomagnetic storms are caused by intense solar activity, especially solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which send charged particles toward Earth. When these interact with Earth’s magnetosphere, they disturb the magnetic field and create storms.

Q3. Which of the following is a main goal of the proposed Shukrayaan-1 mission by ISRO?

1. Investigate Venus’ surface and atmosphere
2. Observe asteroids near Earth
3. Explore the rings of Saturn
4. Study Mars’ atmosphere

Answer: Investigate Venus’ surface and atmosphere

Shukrayaan-1 is ISRO’s proposed mission to Venus. Its objective is to study Venus’s surface, atmosphere, and related planetary processes.

Q4. Which payload on the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) captured full-disk colour images of Mars?

1. LAM
2. M3
3. TMC
4. MCC

Answer: MCC

MCC stands for Mars Colour Camera, a payload on MOM designed to capture full-disk colour images of Mars. The other options are different scientific instruments.

Q5. A geostationary satellite moves in an orbit that is:

1. Polar
2. Low-earth elliptical
3. Circular and equatorial
4. Sun-synchronous

Answer: Circular and equatorial

A geostationary satellite must revolve in the same direction as Earth’s rotation with an orbital period equal to one day. This requires a circular orbit in the equatorial plane.

Q6. Assertion (A): PSLV is ISRO's dependable workhorse launch vehicle. Reason (R): PSLV's versatility allows it to carry several payloads into different orbits with high reliability. Choose the correct relationship.

1. Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A
2. Both A and R are true, but R does not explain A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Answer: Both A and R are true, and R correctly explains A

PSLV is indeed known as ISRO's dependable workhorse launch vehicle. Its ability to place multiple satellites into different orbits with high reliability is the reason behind that reputation.