UPSC Prelims 2007 Q24: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
Consider the following statements:
1. In the year 2006, India successfully tested a full - fledged cryogenic stage in rocketry.
2. After USA, Russia and China, India is the only country to have acquired the capability for use of
cryogenic stage in rocketry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
India's cryogenic rocket stage, 2006
| Statement | Fact check |
|---|---|
| 1. India successfully tested a full-fledged cryogenic stage in 2006 | True — India's indigenous cryogenic upper stage underwent a successful ground-based test in 2006, despite the separate GSLV-F02 flight (using a Russian-supplied stage) failing that year |
| 2. India is the only country after USA, Russia and China with cryogenic capability | False — this overstates India's exclusivity, overlooking other cryogenic-capable spacefaring nations such as France/ESA and Japan |
Only statement 1 is correct.
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Statement 1 (India's successful 2006 cryogenic stage test) is correct; statement 2 overstates India's exclusivity.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is the false one, not statement 1.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 does not hold up, so both cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is actually correct, so it isn't "neither".
Key point
India's indigenous cryogenic stage ground test succeeded in 2006 (statement 1 true); the 'only country after US/Russia/China' claim (statement 2) overstates India's exclusivity and is false.
Remember
India's indigenous cryogenic stage ground test succeeded in 2006; the 'only country after US/Russia/China' framing is false.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the 2006 GSLV-F02 flight failure (which used a Russian cryogenic stage) with the separate success of India's own indigenous cryogenic stage ground test.
- Accepting an absolute-sounding claim ("only country after...") without checking it against other cryogenic-capable spacefaring nations.
- Not distinguishing ground tests from flight tests when evaluating a 'successfully tested' claim.
Exam tip
Watch for statements that rank India's capability as 'only after X, Y, Z' — these absolute claims are common UPSC traps; verify against the full list of capable nations.
Sources
- Indian Space Research Organisation — Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) and the GSLV programme
- Department of Space, Government of India — Annual Report 2006–07