GS3 2019 Q6 10 marks 150 words Space Technology

UPSC Mains 2019 GS3 Q6 — Space Technology

What is India's plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (Answer in 150 words)

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Question Decoded — examiner's intent

Directive verbs
Whathow
Scope keywords
India's planown space stationbenefit our space programme
Implicit sub-parts
  • Timeline and technical specifications of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS).
  • Integration with the Gaganyaan mission and the 'Amrit Kaal' vision for space (2047).
  • Strategic necessity of an independent platform vs. joining the ISS or Gateway.
  • Technological spin-offs and commercial opportunities in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) economy.
Common pitfalls
  • Spending too many words on Gaganyaan without transitioning to the Space Station itself.
  • Failing to mention the 2035 target date or the modular nature of the station.
  • Describing general benefits of space exploration instead of specific benefits of a microgravity laboratory.
  • Ignoring the geopolitical dimension of space sovereignty and competition with the Tiangong station.
Dimensions required
Technological/TechnicalEconomic/CommercialStrategic/GeopoliticalScientific/Research
Marks allocation hint

Allocate 60 words to the 'Plan' (target 2035, modular assembly, BAS-1 module) and 80 words to 'Benefits' (microgravity research, testing long-duration human flight, and indigenous tech validation), leaving 10 words for a forward-looking conclusion on the 2040 Moon mission.

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