UPSC Prelims 2002 Q8: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
In the year 2001, NASA launched a spacecraft to Mars named
- (a) Mars Climate Orbiter
- (b) Mars Global Surveyor
- (c) Mars Odyssey
- (d) Mars Polar Lander
Answer: (c) Mars Odyssey
Explanation
NASA spacecraft launched to Mars in 2001
| Mission | Launch and outcome |
|---|---|
| Mars Odyssey | Launched April 2001; reached Mars orbit in October 2001 and mapped it |
| Mars Global Surveyor | Launched November 1996 |
| Mars Climate Orbiter | Launched December 1998; lost in 1999 (unit mismatch) |
| Mars Polar Lander | Launched January 1999; lost on landing |
NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter was launched on 7 April 2001. The other three missions were launched in 1996 and 1998-99, so the year in the question settles the answer.
Answer: (c) Mars Odyssey.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Mars Climate Orbiter was launched in 1998.
- (b) Incorrect. Mars Global Surveyor was launched in 1996.
- (c) CORRECT. Mars Odyssey was launched in 2001.
- (d) Incorrect. Mars Polar Lander was launched in 1999.
Key point
Mission names often carry the launch year: 2001 Mars Odyssey.
Remember
2001 Mars Odyssey was launched in April 2001.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Mars Global Surveyor, the best-known Mars orbiter.
- Mixing the two 1999 failures with 2001.
- Ignoring the year given in the question.
Exam tip
Match the year in the stem to the mission's launch date.
Sources
- NASA — Mars Exploration Program mission timeline
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory — 2001 Mars Odyssey (launched 7 April 2001)