Spacecraft, Philae - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

1)   Federal Aviation Administration has given a license to a private US company for launching a spacecraft and landing on the moon in 2017. What is it called?

a. Moon Exploration
b. Moon Trip
c. Moon Express
d. None of the above
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: Moon Express

Explanation:
In what is the first move of its kind, the Federal Aviation Administration has given license to private US company Moon Express to launch a spacecraft and land on the moon in 2017.

  • Breakthrough US policy decision provides authorisation to Moon Express for a maiden flight of its robotic spacecraft onto the surface of the Moon according to a company media release.
  • No private space missions from earth have been allowed beyond its orbit and only state agencies have carried out outer space missions.
  • The company was founded in 2010 by Dr. Bob Richard. Naveen Jain and Dr. Barney Pell.
  • Moon Express 2017 mission approval is a landmark decision by the US government and is a pathfinder for private sector commercial missions beyond the orbit of Earth.
  • Federal interagency approval of the Moon Express 2017 lunar mission establishes an important precedent for the private sector to engage in peaceful space exploration.


2)   India will release the GSAT-__ spacecraft to launch during the close of 2016/start of 2017.

a. 2
b. 5
c. 7
d. 11
Answer  Explanation 

ANSWER: 11

Explanation:
India plans to launch GSAT 11 spacecraft during 2016 end or the beginning of 2017. This is the first generation high throughput communication satellite with a lift off mass of 5600 kgs operating in Ka-Ku bands

  • It is a multi beam satellite with 32 user beams and 8 hub beams over India
  • in Orbit testing of the satellite will be conducted from MCF in Hassan and other suitable locations
  • GSAT-11 will be released to announce procured launch services- currently the indigenous capability to launch weight class of satellite is not present.