SSC ISRO, Space and Defence Questions with Answers

ISRO, space missions and defence are popular topics in SSC General Awareness because they are always in the news. Questions ask about satellites, missions, launch vehicles, missiles and the armed forces. This practice paper gives you fact tables and 21 questions with answers and short explanations.

Key Concepts to Remember

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) was formed in 1969, and its headquarters is in Bengaluru.
• India's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975, and the first Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
• Chandrayaan-1 (2008) found water molecules on the Moon, and Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission, 2013) made India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt.
• Chandrayaan-3 landed near the south pole of the Moon on 23 August 2023, making India the fourth country to land on the Moon.

Quick Fact Table

Armed Forces and Their Heads

Many questions in this topic are asked from the latest news, so read the recent launches and defence exercises along with this table. Remember the difference between a ballistic missile, which follows a high arc, and a cruise missile, which flies close to the earth with its own engine. Also remember that the Agni series is a long-range ballistic family, that Akash is a surface-to-air missile, and that Nag is an anti-tank missile.

Set 1: ISRO and Space Missions (Q1–Q7)

Q1. Where is the headquarters of ISRO?
Answer: Bengaluru
Solution: ISRO was formed in 1969.

Q2. Which was India's first satellite?
Answer: Aryabhata
Solution: It was launched in 1975.

Q3. Who is called the father of the Indian space programme?
Answer: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
Solution: He founded ISRO.

Q4. Which mission made India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt?
Answer: Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission)
Solution: It was launched in 2013.

Q5. Which mission found water molecules on the Moon?
Answer: Chandrayaan-1
Solution: It was launched in 2008.

Q6. From which place does ISRO launch its rockets?
Answer: Sriharikota
Solution: It is in Andhra Pradesh.

Q7. Which is India's first solar mission?
Answer: Aditya-L1
Solution: It was launched in 2023.

Set 2: Missiles and Equipment (Q8–Q14)

Q8. Who is called the Missile Man of India?
Answer: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Solution: He led India's missile programme.

Q9. Which missile is a supersonic cruise missile made with Russia?
Answer: BrahMos
Solution: It can be launched from land, sea and air.

Q10. Which missile series is a long-range ballistic missile?
Answer: Agni
Solution: It is surface to surface.

Q11. Which is a surface-to-air missile of India?
Answer: Akash
Solution: It is made by DRDO.

Q12. Which is India's indigenous light combat aircraft?
Answer: Tejas
Solution: It is made by HAL.

Q13. Which is India's first indigenous aircraft carrier?
Answer: INS Vikrant
Solution: It was commissioned in 2022.

Q14. Which organisation develops defence technology in India?
Answer: DRDO
Solution: Its headquarters is in New Delhi.

Set 3: Armed Forces (Q15–Q21)

Q15. Who is the supreme commander of the Indian armed forces?
Answer: The President
Solution: As provided in the Constitution.

Q16. On which date is Army Day celebrated?
Answer: 15 January
Solution: It marks General Cariappa taking over as the first Indian chief.

Q17. On which date is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?
Answer: 8 October
Solution: The IAF was formed in 1932.

Q18. On which date is Indian Navy Day celebrated?
Answer: 4 December
Solution: It marks the 1971 attack on Karachi harbour.

Q19. Which is the highest peacetime gallantry award in India?
Answer: Ashoka Chakra
Solution: Param Vir Chakra is for wartime.

Q20. Where is the National Defence Academy located?
Answer: Khadakwasla, Pune
Solution: It trains cadets of all three forces.

Q21. Who was the first Chief of Defence Staff of India?
Answer: General Bipin Rawat
Solution: The post was created in 2019.

Satellites and Launch Vehicles: Extra Facts

Remember that a geostationary satellite stays above one point of the equator at about 36,000 km, while a polar satellite passes over the poles and is used for mapping and weather study. NavIC is India's own system like GPS.

Common Mistakes in ISRO, Space and Defence

• Mixing PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles.
• Confusing Chandrayaan-1, 2 and 3 and their dates.
• Mixing the dates of Army, Air Force and Navy Days.
• Confusing the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashoka Chakra.
• Forgetting the headquarters of ISRO and DRDO.
• Not reading recent news on space and defence.

How to Practice These 21 Questions

1. Learn the mission and missile tables.
2. Note the dates of the armed forces days.
3. Solve one set daily.
4. Read recent launches every week.

Related Topics to Study Next

• SSC Science Questions
• SSC Current Affairs Questions
• 1000 Important SSC GK Questions
• SSC CGL Tier 1 Mini Mock

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the headquarters of ISRO?

Bengaluru.

Which was India's first satellite?

Aryabhata.

Who is the father of the Indian space programme?

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai.

Which mission reached Mars orbit?

Mangalyaan, the Mars Orbiter Mission.

Which is India's first solar mission?

Aditya-L1.

Who is called the Missile Man of India?

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam.

Which missile is made with Russia?

BrahMos.

When is Indian Army Day?

15 January.

When is Indian Air Force Day?

8 October.

How many such questions come in SSC exams?

Usually one to three questions.

Which topics are most important?

Missions, missiles, armed forces days and awards.

How should I prepare this topic for SSC exams?

Learn the tables, follow the news and practise questions.