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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 46

Topic: Science and technology

Q46

Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India's space programme :

  1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.

  2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world's first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.

  3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

  1. (a) 1 only
  2. (b) 2 and 3 only
  3. (c) 1 and 2 onlyCorrect answer
  4. (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution.

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only

  1. Statement 1 is correct: IN-SPACe is an autonomous single-window nodal agency under the Department of Space created in 2020 to promote, authorize, and supervise private space activities.
  2. Statement 2 is correct: in May 2024, Chennai-based Agnikul Cosmos launched Agnibaan SOrTeD powered by Agnilet, the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine.
  3. Statement 3 is incorrect: Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace develops the Vikram series of small satellite launch vehicles (using solid and cryogenic/liquid stages for its own rockets), not liquid fuel for ISRO's GSLV.

Trap: Rocket Lab's Electron flew on 3D-printed engines from 2017; Statement 2 holds only for the single-piece engine that Agnikul's launch is credited with.