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Exploring the Red Planet: India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)

Description: India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, was a major milestone in India's space exploration program. Launched in 2013, MOM successfully entered Mars' orbit in 2014, making India the first Asian country and the fourth space agency to achieve this feat. This quiz explores the mission's objectives, achievements, and significance.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: indian astronomy space missions mars exploration mangalyaan
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What was the primary objective of the Mars Orbiter Mission?

  1. To search for signs of life on Mars

  2. To study the Martian atmosphere and climate

  3. To map the surface of Mars

  4. To test India's deep space exploration capabilities


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The primary objective of MOM was to study the Martian atmosphere, including its composition, temperature, and circulation patterns. This information helps scientists understand the current and past climate of Mars, as well as its potential for habitability.

When was the Mars Orbiter Mission launched?

  1. November 5, 2013

  2. December 1, 2014

  3. September 24, 2015

  4. January 18, 2016


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

MOM was launched on November 5, 2013, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

How long did it take for MOM to reach Mars?

  1. 6 months

  2. 9 months

  3. 12 months

  4. 15 months


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

MOM took approximately 9 months to travel from Earth to Mars, covering a distance of about 680 million kilometers.

What was the name of the spacecraft that carried the Mars Orbiter?

  1. Mangalyaan-1

  2. Mangalyaan-2

  3. Mars Orbiter-1

  4. Mars Orbiter-2


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The spacecraft that carried the Mars Orbiter was named Mangalyaan-1.

What was the weight of the Mars Orbiter?

  1. 1,350 kg

  2. 1,500 kg

  3. 1,650 kg

  4. 1,800 kg


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter weighed approximately 1,350 kg at launch.

How many instruments were onboard the Mars Orbiter?

  1. 3

  2. 5

  3. 7

  4. 9


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter carried five scientific instruments: the Mars Color Camera (MCC), the Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS), the Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM), the Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer (MENCA), and the Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP).

What was the main function of the Mars Color Camera (MCC)?

  1. To take high-resolution images of the Martian surface

  2. To study the composition of the Martian atmosphere

  3. To measure the temperature of the Martian surface

  4. To detect methane in the Martian atmosphere


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mars Color Camera (MCC) was designed to take high-resolution images of the Martian surface, providing valuable information about its geology, topography, and surface features.

What was the purpose of the Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS)?

  1. To study the composition of the Martian surface

  2. To measure the temperature of the Martian surface

  3. To detect methane in the Martian atmosphere

  4. To study the Martian atmosphere's circulation patterns


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Thermal Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (TIS) was used to study the composition of the Martian surface, including the identification of minerals and rocks.

What was the Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM) designed to detect?

  1. Water vapor in the Martian atmosphere

  2. Carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere

  3. Methane in the Martian atmosphere

  4. Oxygen in the Martian atmosphere


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Methane Sensor for Mars (MSM) was specifically designed to detect the presence of methane in the Martian atmosphere, which could be an indicator of biological or geological activity.

What was the function of the Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer (MENCA)?

  1. To study the composition of the Martian atmosphere

  2. To measure the temperature of the Martian atmosphere

  3. To detect methane in the Martian atmosphere

  4. To study the Martian atmosphere's circulation patterns


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mars Exospheric Neutral Composition Analyzer (MENCA) was used to study the composition of the Martian atmosphere, particularly the neutral gases and their variations.

What was the purpose of the Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP)?

  1. To study the composition of the Martian atmosphere

  2. To measure the temperature of the Martian atmosphere

  3. To detect methane in the Martian atmosphere

  4. To study the Martian atmosphere's circulation patterns


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Lyman Alpha Photometer (LAP) was designed to study the Martian atmosphere's circulation patterns and to measure the escape rate of hydrogen and oxygen from the planet.

What was the duration of the Mars Orbiter Mission?

  1. 1 year

  2. 2 years

  3. 3 years

  4. 4 years


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter Mission was initially planned for a duration of 1 year, but it was later extended to 4 years due to its successful performance and the valuable scientific data it was collecting.

What was the total cost of the Mars Orbiter Mission?

  1. $73 million

  2. $100 million

  3. $125 million

  4. $150 million


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter Mission was a remarkably cost-effective mission, with a total cost of approximately $73 million, making it one of the most affordable interplanetary missions in history.

What was the significance of the Mars Orbiter Mission?

  1. It made India the first Asian country to reach Mars

  2. It provided valuable scientific data about Mars

  3. It demonstrated India's growing space capabilities

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter Mission was significant for several reasons. It made India the first Asian country to reach Mars, provided valuable scientific data about the planet, and demonstrated India's growing space capabilities, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.

What was the name of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientist who led the Mars Orbiter Mission?

  1. K. Radhakrishnan

  2. A.S. Kiran Kumar

  3. G. Madhavan Nair

  4. K. Kasturirangan


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Mars Orbiter Mission was led by K. Radhakrishnan, who served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from 2009 to 2014.

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