GS Paper III · Science & Tech
Space Current Affairs for UPSC (GS Paper III)
From the syllabus: Science and technology: developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; achievements of Indians; indigenization of technology; awareness in IT, space, computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology; intellectual property rights
Why it matters: This area is tested through questions on commercial satellite launches, deep space missions, and indigenous technological capabilities that support both governance and national security.
In the news
October 2026
13 Oct 2026
Nobel Prize awarded to IceCube for neutrino researchFrancis Halzen and the IceCube Neutrino Observatory have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for detecting high-energy neutrinos from outer space. This breakthrough allows scientists to observe cosmic events that were previously...
12 Oct 2026
ISRO and France progress on TRISHNA satelliteThe TRISHNA (Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) satellite is in an advanced stage of development. This is the third joint satellite project between India and France, following...
06 Oct 2026
Nobel Prize in Physics 2026 Awarded for High-Energy Neutrinos DiscoveryThe 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica and the subsequent discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. These...
03 Oct 2026
Realigning ISRO's Strategic Focus Toward Developmental Space TechnologyAmid expanding private sector participation in commercial satellite launches, analysts are urging the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to realign its primary focus back to utilizing space technology as a tool for public...
01 Oct 2026
IN-SPACe Issues Authorization Guidelines for Hosted Space PayloadsThe Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) released comprehensive guidelines for Indian and foreign entities operating hosted payloads on satellites. The rules cover authorization procedures, security...
September 2026
25 Sep 2026
Rising Concerns Over Space Weaponization and Orbital SecurityIncreased testing and potential deployment of on-orbit space control technologies have heightened international security concerns. Strategic experts are emphasizing the urgent need for legally binding multilateral governance frameworks...
24 Sep 2026
United Kingdom launches dedicated military space squadronThe United Kingdom is set to launch a new military space unit, named the No III Space Effects Squadron, dedicated to protecting its satellite infrastructure. The squadron is designed to disrupt, degrade, and deny hostile actions...
20 Sep 2026
U.S. Space Weapons Deployment Raises Strategic and Regulatory ConcernsThe deployment of space control weapons designed to disrupt or disable adversary satellites has renewed debate over outer space militarization. While existing international agreements like the 1967 Outer Space Treaty prohibit nuclear...
16 Sep 2026
Vulnerabilities in Space Warfare and Commercial Satellite NetworksRecent analyses on space-based warfare highlight severe risks posed by orbital weapons and targeted strikes on commercial satellite constellations. As developing economies increasingly rely on third-party satellite networks for...
12 Sep 2026
ISRO Develops Life Support Systems for Gaganyaan MissionThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) detailed the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) designed for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The system manages oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal, cabin...
11 Sep 2026
ISRO Emphasis Shifted Towards Space Applications for National DevelopmentPolicy evaluations of India's space program emphasize that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is increasingly prioritizing space technology applications for national socio-economic development. Focus areas include satellite...
10 Sep 2026
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched its Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-05, designed to provide high-resolution imaging data. The satellite will assist in real-time monitoring of weather patterns, forest cover,...
06 Sep 2026
Study Shows Peptides Can Survive Concentrated Sulphuric AcidLaboratory research has revealed that certain peptide chains can remain stable in highly concentrated sulphuric acid environments. The findings provide critical insights for astrobiology, expanding the theoretical chemical conditions...
06 Sep 2026
Planetary Study Reveals Ancient Mega-Floods on Mars Canyon SystemA new study published in the planetary science journal Icarus indicates that a catastrophic mega-flood originating from the Valles Marineris canyon system may have elevated ancient Martian sea levels by 34 metres. The research provides...
05 Sep 2026
Planetary Science: Evidence of Megafloods in Mars' Valles MarinerisA peer-reviewed study in the journal Icarus shows that massive catastrophic flooding from the Valles Marineris canyon system released over 1,200 trillion cubic metres of water on ancient Mars. The research indicates that these...
05 Sep 2026
Dual-Use Satellite Constellations and Modern Hybrid WarfareThe deployment of commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) mega-constellations like Starlink in active conflict zones has highlighted the vital role of dual-use space assets in modern warfare. LEO satellites deliver low-latency broadband...
05 Sep 2026
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed the 2,367 kg EOS-05 satellite into Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit using the GSLV-F17 launch vehicle. The state-of-the-art satellite will enhance India's Earth...
04 Sep 2026
CAQM and ISRO Collaborate to Refine Stubble Burning Monitoring ProtocolsThe Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working alongside ISRO to upgrade stubble burning estimation protocols in Punjab and Haryana. Recognizing that current satellite pass schedules do not capture all farm fires, CAQM is...
03 Sep 2026
NASA Advances the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope MissionNASA is moving closer to launching the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, an observatory designed to build upon discoveries from the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes. Roman features a field of view 100 times larger than Hubble in...
01 Sep 2026
ISRO Advances Human-Rating of HLVM-3 Rocket for GaganyaanThe Indian Space Research Organisation is transforming its heavy-lift launcher into the Human-Rated LVM-3 for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. The modified rocket features enhanced structural redundancy, advanced safety systems, and a...
August 2026
31 Aug 2026
ISRO-Supported Study Identifies Solar Flare Warning SignalsA collaborative study involving ISRO scientists has identified early magnetic warning signs preceding major solar flares. The research reveals that small-scale, repeated energy releases progressively destabilize the magnetic field in...
30 Aug 2026
India space sector focuses on launch reliability and private participationIndia's space strategy is increasingly emphasizing launch reliability, frequent satellite deployments, and private sector participation managed through IN-SPACe. The transition aims to expand India's share in the global commercial space...
24 Aug 2026
Gaganyaan Mission Outlines Advanced Crew Escape System DesignDetails regarding the safety mechanisms for ISRO's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission highlighted the high-thrust 'puller' design of the Crew Escape System (CES). The system is engineered to detect launch vehicle anomalies within...
23 Aug 2026
Prime Minister Calls for Deep Integration of Space Startups with Agriculture and EcologyPrime Minister Narendra Modi urged Indian space startups to expand their scope beyond standard space applications and collaborate with sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and environmental conservation. Utilizing satellite imagery...
17 Aug 2026
Astronomers Uncover Mysterious Early Black Holes in Deep SpaceAn international team of astronomers has detected unusual red objects from the early universe representing rapidly growing black holes shrouded in dense gas clouds. These observations provide crucial observational evidence explaining...
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August 2026
16 Aug 2026
Astronomers Track Impending Rocket Impact on the MoonInternational astronomers are preparing to observe a unique space debris event as a spent SpaceX rocket stage is projected to impact the Moon near the Einstein crater. The collision provides a rare opportunity for scientists to study...
01 Aug 2026
Understanding the Formation of Blue Straggler StarsIndian astronomers have discovered new insights into the formation of Blue Straggler Stars, which appear younger and hotter than other stars in their clusters. The research indicates these stars are formed through mass transfer in...
July 2026
27 Jul 2026
NASA's PRAXIS Mission to Direct-Sample Planetary RingsNASA has unveiled the PRAXIS mission, a space exploration project designed to directly sample planetary ring systems for the first time. The mission will deploy a bio-inspired robotic explorer controlled by advanced artificial...
21 Jul 2026
Vikram-1 Rocket Marks Growth of Private Space SectorThe launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket marks an engineering triumph that advances India's ambitions in the commercial space flight domain. Developed by a private Indian aerospace manufacturer, the rocket is designed to...
18 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace Prepares Vikram-1 Rocket for Maiden FlightIndia's first private orbital rocket, Vikram-1, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, is prepared for its maiden lift-off. The entire flight sequence, spanning 14 phases from lift-off to orbit injection, will take approximately 15.46 minutes....
17 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace set for Vikram-1 private orbital launchSkyroot Aerospace is prepared to launch Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, on July 18 from Sriharikota. This marks a historic milestone for the Indian private space sector, demonstrating advanced hardware...
16 Jul 2026
ISRO Curbs Resignations Ahead of Gaganyaan MissionThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has issued a temporary internal directive refusing voluntary retirement and resignations for Group A scientific and technical personnel. The restriction applies to those associated with...
15 Jul 2026
NASA Astronaut Anil Menon Launches to ISSIndian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon, along with two Russian cosmonauts, launched successfully on an eight-month mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The team will conduct scientific research and technology...
13 Jul 2026
China successfully achieves its first vertical landing of a reusable rocketChina has successfully completed its first-ever flight and vertical landing of a reusable test rocket, marking a milestone in its space program. Reusable rocket technology is crucial for reducing launch costs and increasing the...
13 Jul 2026
ISRO tests crucial Gaganyaan crew module systemsThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted separation tests of the umbilical mechanism for the Gaganyaan crew module. This system acts as the critical physical link supplying power, fuel, and communication...
12 Jul 2026
US Regulator Approves Earendil-1 Orbital Mirror MissionA US regulator has green-lighted the Earendil-1 mission, which aims to launch a massive reflective mirror into a non-geostationary orbit. Named after a character in J.R.R. Tolkien's Silmarillion, the satellite is designed to reflect...
11 Jul 2026
Japan's JAXA Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket PrototypeThe Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched and landed a prototype of a reusable rocket at its test site in Noshiro, Akita region. The prototype reached a modest altitude of 10 meters (33 feet) before executing a...
09 Jul 2026
Russia Deploys Electronic Jamming Against Ukrainian Starlink TerminalsRussian forces have increasingly deployed advanced electronic warfare systems to jam and disrupt SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet terminals used by the Ukrainian military. Starlink has been crucial for Ukraine's real-time...
07 Jul 2026
Citizen Scientist Discovers Unique Bow-and-Arrow GalaxyAn amateur citizen scientist has discovered a rare, structurally unique radio galaxy resembling a bow and arrow. This discovery was made by analyzing public astronomical data from deep-space radio surveys, highlighting the growing...
07 Jul 2026
Private Indian Satellite Mission Drishti Loses Contact Post Solar StormMission Drishti, the world's first OptoSAR satellite developed by a private Indian space technology company, has lost communication following a severe solar storm. The satellite was successfully launched in May 2026 aboard a SpaceX...
06 Jul 2026
Skyroot Aerospace to Launch Payloads on Vikram-1Skyroot Aerospace has announced that Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, will carry six diverse payloads. These include micro-art, diamond jewellery, and scientific instruments, marking a significant...
06 Jul 2026
SOLVE Platform to Ensure Safety of Gaganyaan AstronautsISRO is utilizing the Solid Motor based SOLVE platform to test the deceleration and safety systems for the Gaganyaan mission. These tests are critical for ensuring that the crew module can safely land back on Earth after its orbital...
06 Jul 2026
ISRO Successfully Conducts Gaganyaan SOLVE Ground TestThe Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the first ground test of its Solid Motor based SOLVE platform. ISRO is developing this platform to carry out Integrated Parachute Tests for validating the...
Practise Space
10 of our latest questions on this topic (out of 57).
Question 1 of 10
The 'IceCube Neutrino Observatory', recently in the news, is located in which region?
Mains practice
Emerging non-traditional security risks, ranging from maritime threats and critical space infrastructure vulnerabilities to cyber risks and supply chain disruptions, pose severe challenges to developing nations. Discuss how India can balance domestic structural reforms with strategic multilateral partnerships to build resilience against these multifaceted threats.
15 marks
The convergence of climate risks, geopolitical supply chain shocks, and technology-driven governance underscores the need for proactive policymaking in developing nations. Discuss how India can integrate space technology, disaster mitigation frameworks, and active diplomatic engagement to build comprehensive national resilience.
15 marks
The successful orbital launch of Vikram-1 by Skyroot Aerospace marks a turning point in India's space program. Analyze the opportunities and strategic challenges associated with scaling up private sector participation in strategic sectors like space and defense. Suggest an effective regulatory framework that balances commercial innovation with national security requirements.
15 marks
Previous years' questions
Past exam questions sorted by topic are coming here. Until then, the full papers are in our previous papers library.