Space Missions - General Science, UPSC IAS Exam Preparation Video Lecture | General Science(Prelims) by IRS Divey Sethi

Ans. Space missions are of great importance in the field of general science as they provide a platform for scientific research and discovery. These missions allow scientists to study celestial bodies, collect data, and analyze various phenomena, which in turn contribute to our understanding of the universe. Additionally, space missions enable the development and testing of advanced technologies that have practical applications on Earth, such as satellite communication and weather forecasting.

Ans. Space missions play a significant role in the preparation of UPSC IAS exams. The knowledge and understanding of space missions are crucial for the science and technology section of the exam. Questions related to space missions, their objectives, achievements, and their impact on scientific advancements are often asked in the exam. Therefore, staying updated with the latest space missions and their outcomes is essential for aspirants preparing for the UPSC IAS exam.

Ans. Several recent space missions have contributed significantly to general science. Some notable examples include: 1. Mars Rover Missions: NASA's Mars Rover missions, such as Curiosity and Perseverance, have provided valuable insights into the geology, climate, and potential habitability of Mars. These missions have advanced our understanding of the Red Planet and its potential for supporting life. 2. Chandrayaan-2: India's Chandrayaan-2 mission aimed to explore the lunar surface, particularly the South Pole region of the Moon. It provided valuable data on the Moon's topography, mineralogy, and the presence of water ice, contributing to our knowledge of lunar science. 3. New Horizons: NASA's New Horizons mission conducted a flyby of Pluto and its moons, providing the first detailed images and measurements of these distant celestial bodies. The mission revolutionized our understanding of Pluto, revealing its complex geology and diverse features.

Ans. Space missions help in understanding the universe and its mysteries by providing direct observations, measurements, and data collection from celestial bodies. These missions allow scientists to study distant planets, stars, galaxies, and other cosmic phenomena that are beyond the reach of ground-based telescopes. The data obtained from space missions enable scientists to analyze the composition, structure, and behavior of celestial objects, leading to new discoveries and insights into the nature of the universe.

Ans. Space missions have numerous practical applications on Earth. Some examples include: 1. Satellite Communication: Space missions have led to the development of satellite communication systems, enabling global telecommunication and broadcasting. Satellites facilitate long-distance calls, internet connectivity, television broadcasting, and GPS navigation. 2. Weather Forecasting: Weather satellites provide real-time data and images of Earth's atmosphere, helping meteorologists monitor weather patterns, track storms, and predict weather conditions. This information is crucial for disaster management, agriculture, and aviation. 3. Remote Sensing: Space missions equipped with remote sensing instruments capture high-resolution images of Earth's surface, which are used for mapping, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management. 4. Medical Research: Space missions involving human astronauts contribute to medical research by studying the effects of microgravity on the human body. These studies have led to advancements in understanding bone density loss, muscle atrophy, cardiovascular health, and immune system function, benefiting healthcare on Earth.