UPSC Prelims 2008 Q87: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
Which one of the following is a spacecraft?
- (a) Apophis
- (b) Cassini
- (c) Spitzer
- (d) TechSar
Answer: (b) Cassini
Explanation
Identifying the actual spacecraft among these names
Among these four space-related names, only one refers to an actual spacecraft.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Apophis | Incorrect | Apophis is actually the name of a near-Earth asteroid, not a spacecraft |
| (b) Cassini | Correct | Cassini was a NASA spacecraft that explored Saturn and its moons |
| (c) Spitzer | Incorrect | Spitzer is a space telescope, not a spacecraft in the traditional exploratory sense |
| (d) TechSar | Incorrect | TechSar is a satellite, not a spacecraft of this type |
Spacecraft vs other space objects:
| Name | Actual nature |
|---|---|
| Apophis | Asteroid |
| Cassini | Spacecraft (Saturn exploration) |
| Spitzer | Space telescope |
| TechSar | Satellite |
Answer: (b) Cassini.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Apophis is an asteroid, not a spacecraft.
- (b) CORRECT. Cassini is a spacecraft that explored Saturn.
- (c) Incorrect. Spitzer is a space telescope, not a spacecraft.
- (d) Incorrect. TechSar is a satellite, not a spacecraft of this type.
Key point
Cassini is the actual spacecraft among these four names — Apophis is an asteroid, Spitzer is a space telescope, and TechSar is a satellite.
Remember
Cassini is a spacecraft; Apophis is an asteroid, Spitzer is a space telescope, and TechSar is a satellite.
Common mistakes
- Confusing near-Earth asteroids (Apophis) with spacecraft.
- Treating space telescopes (Spitzer) and satellites (TechSar) as synonymous with spacecraft.
- Not knowing the Cassini mission's specific identity as a Saturn-exploring spacecraft.
Exam tip
Cassini = a genuine spacecraft (Saturn mission). Apophis = asteroid. Spitzer = telescope. TechSar = satellite. Four distinct space-object categories.
Sources
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration — Cassini–Huygens mission to Saturn
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Cassini-Huygens