Space Science & Exploration

Statement 1 is correct. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is primarily used to launch Earth observation/monitoring satellites, while GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to launch communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits. Statement 2 is incorrect. Satellites launched by PSLV are typically placed in polar or sun-synchronous orbits, which are not geosynchronous. These satellites appear to move across the sky as viewed from a particular location on Earth. Statement 3 is incorrect. The GSLV Mk III is a three-stage launch vehicle, not a four-stage one. The first stage uses solid rocket motors, the second stage uses liquid rocket engines, and the third stage uses a cryogenic rocket engine.

Gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of spacetime, predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity. eLISA is a space-based gravitational wave observatory that can detect and study these gravitational waves. It is a joint project of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). eLISA is designed to detect gravitational waves from astronomical sources such as merging black holes and neutron stars. It would use laser interferometry to measure the tiny distortions in spacetime caused by passing gravitational waves. Detecting gravitational waves would provide important insights into the nature of gravity and the evolution of the universe.

* The terms 'Event Horizon', 'Singularity', 'String Theory' and 'Standard Model' are associated with the observation and understanding of the Universe, particularly in the field of cosmology and astrophysics. * Event Horizon refers to the boundary around a black hole, beyond which nothing, not even light, can escape the black hole's gravitational pull. * Singularity refers to a point in spacetime where the gravitational field becomes infinite, such as at the center of a black hole, where the laws of physics as we know them break down. * String Theory is a theoretical framework in particle physics that attempts to unify all the fundamental forces of nature, including gravity, into a single coherent model. * Standard Model is the most comprehensive and well-tested theory in particle physics, which describes the fundamental particles and their interactions, except for gravity.

Statement 1 is incorrect: AstroSat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. India is the 5th country to join the space observatory elite list after the USA, Russia, Japan, and Europe. Statement 2 is incorrect: AstroSat with a lift-off mass of about 1513 kg was launched into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 degrees to the equator by PSLV-C30. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is correct: Mangalyaan is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). This was its official designation. Statement 2 is incorrect: India was not the second country to orbit Mars. Several countries had successfully sent spacecraft to Mars before Mangalyaan, including the USA, Russia, and the European Space Agency (ESA). Statement 3 is correct: India was indeed the only country at that time to succeed in placing a spacecraft into Martian orbit on its very first attempt. This was a significant achievement for ISRO. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

Assessment of crop productivity: IRS satellites capture data that helps assess crop health, growth stage, and potential yield.
Locating groundwater resources: Remote sensing allows for studying geological features and identifying potential zones with underground water reserves.
Mineral exploration: IRS data can reveal signatures of specific minerals on the Earth's surface, aiding in mineral exploration activities.
Telecommunications: IRS satellites are not designed for telecommunication purposes. Geostationary satellites are typically used for this function.
Traffic studies: While remote sensing can be used for some traffic studies (e.g., analyzing transportation infrastructure), it's not the primary application of IRS satellites. Therefore, only 1,2 and 3 are primary applications of IRS satellites.

IceCube is a particle detector at the South Pole that records the interactions of a nearly massless subatomic particle called the neutrino. IceCube searches for neutrinos from the most violent astrophysical sources, events like exploding stars, gamma-ray bursts, and cataclysmic phenomena involving black holes and neutron stars. Statement 1 is correct: IceCube is the world's largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice. Statement 2 is correct: The IceCube telescope is a powerful tool to search for dark matter and could reveal the physical processes associated with the enigmatic origin of the highest energy particles in nature. Statement 3 is correct: It is buried beneath the surface, extending to about 2,500 meters. Burying it deep in ice is important to enhance the precision of the detector. In addition to exploring the background of neutrinos produced in the atmosphere, IceCube studies the neutrinos themselves; their energies far exceed those produced by accelerator beams. Thus, all three statements are correct.

The Goldilocks Zone, also called the habitable zone, refers to the region around a star where conditions might be just right for liquid water to exist on the surface of a planet. Scientists believe liquid water is essential for life as we know it. So, when astronomers discover planets outside our solar system (exoplanets), they're particularly interested in those within the Goldilocks Zone of their host star.

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was presented to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). - It was awarded in recognition of its path-breaking achievements, especially the Mars Orbiter Mission; its significant contributions in strengthening international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space etc. - The award consists of a trophy made of banded Haematite Jasper, with a portrait of the late Prime Minister in the tradition of Jaipur miniature paintings, a cash award of Rs. 1 Crore and a Citation.

Pair 1 is incorrectly matched: The Cassini-Huygens mission was a joint NASA/ESA/ASI mission to study the planet Saturn and its system of rings and moons. The Huygens probe successfully landed on Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Pair 2 is correctly matched: The MESSENGER (MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) was a NASA spacecraft that orbited the planet Mercury from 2011 to 2015, studying its chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field. Pair 3 is correctly matched: These twin NASA spacecraft were launched in 1977 to conduct a "Grand Tour" of the outer planets. They provided detailed images and data on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and are now continuing their journey into interstellar space.