UPSC Prelims 2016 Q91: Science & Technology – Space Technology & Astronomy
Consider the following statements: The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
1. Is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
2. Made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
3. Made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very
first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission)
Launched by ISRO on 5 November 2013 by PSLV-C25.
It entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014.
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. It is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission | Correct | MOM is its official name |
| 2. It made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA | Incorrect | The Soviet Union and the European Space Agency also did so earlier; ISRO was the fourth agency |
| 3. It made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt | Correct | No other country had succeeded at the first try |
Key facts:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | About Rs 450 crore; the cheapest Mars mission |
| First in Asia | India was the first Asian country to reach Mars orbit |
| Payloads | Five, including a methane sensor and a colour camera |
| Contact lost | 2022, after eight years |
Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 3 is also true: India succeeded in its very first attempt.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; India was not the second after the USA.
- (c) CORRECT. It is the Mars Orbiter Mission, and India succeeded at the first attempt.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false; the Soviet Union and Europe reached Mars orbit before India.
Key point
Mangalyaan (launched 5 November 2013, in orbit 24 September 2014): ISRO the fourth agency to reach Mars orbit, first in Asia, first to succeed at the first attempt.
Remember
Mangalyaan: fourth to Mars, first in first attempt.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the Soviet Union and the European Space Agency when counting who reached Mars.
- Confusing the launch date (2013) with the orbit date (2014).
- Thinking the mission landed on Mars; it was an orbiter.
Exam tip
Order of Mars orbit: USA, Soviet Union, Europe, India. India is fourth, but first in Asia.
Sources
- Indian Space Research Organisation — Mars Orbiter Mission
- Press Information Bureau — Mars Orbiter Spacecraft successfully inserted into Mars orbit (24 September 2014)