Sounding Rockets - GS questions based on daily current affairs

1)   Which of the following is/are true regarding Sounding Rockets?

1) Sounding rockets used by space agencies can be launched from aircraft carriers.
2) It is possible to launch several sounding rockets in a single day.

a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

  • Scientists are able to accomplish their research at a specific time and place, because the sounding rockets can be launched from temporary sites all over the world, including aircraft carriers.
  • It is possible to conduct coordinated campaigns by simultaneously launching sounding rockets from different locations. It is also possible to launch several sounding rockets in a single day.
  • Scientific payloads are carried to altitudes from 30 miles to more than 800 miles. And although the overall time in space is short (typically 5 to 20 minutes), the experiment is perfectly positioned to carry out its mission successfully.
  • This type of testing is unique because it's simple, cost-effective and time efficient.
2)   Which of the following are uses of Sounding Rockets?

1) Testing new components and equipment
2) Space research
3) To test ways to travel faster than speed of sound

a. 1, 2
b. 2, 3
c. 1, 3
d. All of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 1, 2

Explanation:

  • Sounding rockets are one or two stage solid propellant rockets used for probing the upper atmospheric regions and for space research.
  • They also serve as easily affordable platforms to test or prove prototypes of new components or subsystems intended for use in launch vehicles and satellites.
  • Sounding rockets made it possible to probe the atmosphere in situ using rocket-borne instrumentation.
  • With the establishment of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1963 at Thumba, a location close to the magnetic equator, there was a quantum jump in the scope for aeronomy and atmospheric sciences in India. Rohini Sounding Rocket (RSR) Programme is for developing Sounding Rockets.
  • The sounding rocket programme was the bedrock on which the edifice of launch vehicle technology in ISRO could be built.

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