Indian Space Programme & ISRO Missions MCQs
📘 INDIA GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
MODULE 8: Science & Technology (India-Specific) MCQs
Topic: Indian Space Programme & ISRO Missions
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 1: Origin & Objectives of Indian Space Programme
Q1. The Indian Space Programme is primarily aimed at:
A. Military surveillance only
B. Commercial satellite launches only
C. Socio-economic development using space technology
D. Space tourism
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India’s space programme focuses on national development, including communication, weather forecasting, disaster management, navigation, and education.
Q2. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was established in:
A. 1957
B. 1962
C. 1969
D. 1975
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
ISRO was established in 1969, institutionalising India’s space research efforts.
Q3. ISRO functions under which ministry of the Government of India?
A. Ministry of Defence
B. Ministry of Science & Technology
C. Ministry of Electronics & IT
D. Department of Space
✅ Correct Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
ISRO functions under the Department of Space, which reports directly to the Prime Minister.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 2: Institutional Foundations of Indian Space Programme
Q4. The father of the Indian Space Programme is:
A. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
B. Satish Dhawan
C. Vikram Sarabhai
D. Homi Bhabha
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Vikram Sarabhai envisioned the use of space technology for national development and laid the foundation of ISRO.
Q5. ISRO headquarters is located at:
A. Thiruvananthapuram
B. Sriharikota
C. Hyderabad
D. Bengaluru
✅ Correct Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
ISRO headquarters is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Q6. India’s first satellite Aryabhata was launched in:
A. 1969
B. 1972
C. 1975
D. 1980
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, was launched in 1975, marking India’s entry into space research.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 3: Launch Vehicles of ISRO
Q7. India’s first indigenously developed launch vehicle was:
A. PSLV
B. GSLV
C. SLV-3
D. LVM3
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
SLV-3 successfully placed Rohini satellite into orbit in 1980.
Q8. Which launch vehicle is known as the “workhorse of ISRO”?
A. SLV-3
B. GSLV
C. LVM3
D. PSLV
✅ Correct Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is highly reliable and widely used for domestic and foreign satellite launches.
Q9. GSLV is mainly used to launch:
A. Low Earth Orbit satellites
B. Polar satellites
C. Geostationary satellites
D. Military satellites only
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
GSLV is designed to place satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 4: Satellite Systems of India
Q10. INSAT system is primarily used for:
A. Earth observation only
B. Communication and meteorology
C. Space exploration
D. Navigation only
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
INSAT supports communication, broadcasting, weather forecasting, and disaster warnings.
Q11. IRS satellites are mainly meant for:
A. Military surveillance
B. Navigation
C. Remote sensing and resource mapping
D. Deep space exploration
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites help in agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and water resources.
Q12. NavIC is India’s regional:
A. Weather system
B. Communication network
C. Navigation satellite system
D. Remote sensing programme
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
NavIC provides accurate positioning services over India and surrounding regions.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 5: Lunar & Interplanetary Missions
Q13. Chandrayaan-1 was launched in:
A. 2005
B. 2008
C. 2010
D. 2012
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Chandrayaan-1 (2008) confirmed the presence of water molecules on the Moon.
Q14. Which mission successfully soft-landed near the Moon’s south pole?
A. Chandrayaan-1
B. Chandrayaan-2
C. Chandrayaan-3
D. Luna-25
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Chandrayaan-3 (2023) made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole.
Q15. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was launched in:
A. 2011
B. 2013
C. 2015
D. 2017
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Mangalyaan (2013) made India the first country to reach Mars in its maiden attempt.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 6: Human Spaceflight Programme
Q16. India’s human spaceflight programme is called:
A. Vyommitra
B. Gaganyaan
C. Samudrayaan
D. Chandrayaan
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) into low Earth orbit.
Q17. The launch vehicle for Gaganyaan is:
A. PSLV
B. GSLV Mk II
C. LVM3
D. SLV-3
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
LVM3 (Gaganyaan rocket) is human-rated for crewed missions.
Q18. Vyommitra is:
A. A satellite
B. A launch vehicle
C. A humanoid robot
D. A space station
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
Vyommitra is a humanoid robot designed to test systems before human missions.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 7: Space Applications & Societal Benefits
Q19. Which ISRO application helps in disaster management?
A. NavIC
B. INSAT
C. Bhuvan
D. All of the above
✅ Correct Answer: D
📝 Explanation:
ISRO uses satellites, GIS platforms, and communication systems for disaster early warning and response.
Q20. Tele-education and tele-medicine are enabled mainly through:
A. IRS satellites
B. INSAT satellites
C. PSLV
D. Gaganyaan
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
INSAT satellites enable distance education and healthcare services.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 8: International Cooperation & Commercial Space
Q21. ISRO’s commercial arm is:
A. Antrix Corporation
B. NSIL
C. DRDO
D. HAL
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) handles commercial launches and satellite services.
Q22. India launched 104 satellites in a single mission using:
A. GSLV
B. LVM3
C. PSLV
D. SLV-3
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
In 2017, PSLV set a world record by launching 104 satellites in one mission.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 9: Recent Advances & Policy Framework
Q23. Indian Space Policy 2023 mainly focuses on:
A. Militarisation of space
B. Restricting private sector
C. Encouraging private participation
D. Ending ISRO missions
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
The policy encourages private companies and startups in space activities.
Q24. IN-SPACe is related to:
A. Space research
B. Private sector regulation in space
C. Defence satellites
D. Astronomy
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
IN-SPACe facilitates and regulates private space activities in India.
🔹 SUB-TOPIC 10: Overall Assessment & Exam Perspective
Q25. ISRO’s space missions highlight India’s strength in:
A. Low-cost innovation
B. Luxury space travel
C. Space warfare
D. Private monopolies
✅ Correct Answer: A
📝 Explanation:
ISRO is globally known for cost-effective and efficient missions.
Q26. Which mission studies the Sun?
A. Gaganyaan
B. Aditya-L1
C. Mangalyaan
D. Chandrayaan-2
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar observatory mission.
Q27. Which orbit is mainly used by Earth observation satellites?
A. Geostationary Orbit
B. Polar Orbit
C. Heliocentric Orbit
D. Lunar Orbit
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
Polar orbits allow satellites to scan the entire Earth.
Q28. ISRO’s achievements contribute directly to:
A. Space tourism only
B. Scientific diplomacy and development
C. Nuclear energy
D. Ocean mining only
✅ Correct Answer: B
📝 Explanation:
ISRO strengthens scientific diplomacy, technology leadership, and development.
Q29. The success of Chandrayaan-3 enhanced India’s position as:
A. A developing nation only
B. A regional power
C. A global space power
D. A private space leader
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India emerged as a leading global spacefaring nation.
Q30. Indian Space Programme is best described as:
A. Purely scientific
B. Military-driven
C. Development-oriented and inclusive
D. Profit-oriented
✅ Correct Answer: C
📝 Explanation:
India’s space programme uniquely combines science, development, and societal welfare.
✅ Exam Relevance Note
These MCQs are strictly aligned with India-specific Science & Technology syllabus and are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, Railways, Defence, Banking, School Boards, and University examinations.
-
ISRO Missions MCQs
-
Indian Space Programme GK Questions
-
Chandrayaan Gaganyaan Mangalyaan MCQs
-
PSLV GSLV Launch Vehicle MCQs
-
ISRO Science and Technology MCQs
-
Space Technology MCQs India
-
Aditya L1 NavIC INSAT MCQs
-
UPSC Science and Technology Space MCQs
⭐ Master Indian Space Programme & ISRO Missions
This Indian Space Programme & ISRO Missions MCQs module provides systematic, concept-driven, and exam-oriented coverage of ISRO’s evolution, launch vehicles, satellite systems, lunar and interplanetary missions, and human spaceflight initiatives. With chronological sequencing and easy explanations, it helps aspirants confidently prepare one of the most high-impact areas of Science & Technology for competitive examinations.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1. Why are ISRO missions important for competitive exams?
ISRO missions are frequently asked in exams due to their scientific, technological, and national importance, especially in UPSC and State PSCs.
Q2. Which ISRO missions are most important for exams?
Key missions include Chandrayaan series, Mangalyaan, Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1, NavIC, INSAT, PSLV and GSLV programmes.
Q3. Are Indian Space Programme MCQs relevant for UPSC Prelims?
Yes. Space technology forms a core part of the Science & Technology syllabus in UPSC Prelims.
Q4. Do these MCQs include recent ISRO developments?
Yes. The questions integrate static concepts with recent missions and policy initiatives, making them exam-relevant.
Q5. Can school and college students use these MCQs?
Absolutely. The MCQs are written with clear explanations, suitable for school, college, and university-level learning.
🎯 Targeting Exams
These Indian Space Programme & ISRO Missions MCQs are highly relevant for:
-
UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Science & Technology)
-
State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exams
-
SSC CGL, CHSL & MTS
-
Railways, Defence & Technical Exams
-
Banking & Insurance Exams (General Awareness)
-
School Board Examinations (CBSE & State Boards)
-
College & University Entrance and Semester Exams