General Awareness ยท Physics
Space Exploration and Astronomy
4,144 Questions
Review significant milestones in space exploration, including artificial satellites, reusable space shuttles, and historic lunar landings. This topic also covers astronomical phenomena and telescopic observations. Such scientific general knowledge is commonly tested in SSC, railways, and banking examinations.
Space shuttle missionsArtificial satellitesLunar and planetary landingsSpace telescopes and observatories
Space Exploration and Astronomy Questions
Which space agency is responsible for the development of the Ariane rocket family?
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Ariane rocket family is developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
What is the name of the first space telescope designed to study the cosmic microwave background?
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Hubble Space Telescope
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James Webb Space Telescope
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Planck
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Spitzer Space Telescope
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Planck space telescope was designed specifically to study the cosmic microwave background, the leftover radiation from the Big Bang.
Which space mission successfully landed a probe on Venus in 2015?
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Venus Express
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Magellan
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Pioneer Venus
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Akatsuki
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Akatsuki mission, launched by JAXA, successfully entered Venus's orbit in 2015 and has been studying the planet's atmosphere and surface.
In the web series 'The Expanse', what is the name of the alien protomolecule that holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe?
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The Protomolecule
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The Leviathan
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The Eros Virus
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The Obelisk
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Protomolecule is a mysterious alien substance that is central to the plot of 'The Expanse'. It possesses unique properties and holds the potential to transform humanity's understanding of the universe.
In the web series 'Love, Death & Robots', which episode features a group of astronauts who encounter a mysterious and deadly alien entity on a distant planet?
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Zima Blue
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Sonnie's Edge
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The Witness
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Beyond the Aquila Rift
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The episode 'Beyond the Aquila Rift' from 'Love, Death & Robots' follows a group of astronauts who encounter a strange and deadly alien entity while exploring a distant planet. It is a visually stunning and suspenseful episode that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
In the web series 'Star Trek: Discovery', what is the name of the starship that serves as the primary setting for the show?
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USS Discovery
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USS Enterprise
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USS Voyager
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USS Defiant
A
Correct answer
Explanation
USS Discovery is the starship that serves as the primary setting for the web series 'Star Trek: Discovery'. It is a state-of-the-art vessel equipped with advanced technology and a diverse crew of Starfleet officers.
In the web series 'The Expanse', what is the name of the faction that seeks to control the solar system through political and economic manipulation?
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The Belt
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The Inners
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The OPA
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The Protomolecule Builders
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Inners are a faction in 'The Expanse' that represents the wealthy and powerful elites of the inner planets, such as Earth and Mars. They seek to maintain their control over the solar system and exploit the resources of the outer planets.
In the web series 'Star Trek: Picard', what is the name of the synthetic life form created by Dr. Soong who becomes the new captain of the USS Stargazer?
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Commander Data
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Lieutenant Commander Worf
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Captain Jean-Luc Picard
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Lieutenant Commander Raffi Musiker
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Commander Data is the synthetic life form created by Dr. Soong who becomes the new captain of the USS Stargazer in 'Star Trek: Picard'. He is a highly intelligent and compassionate android who strives to understand and connect with humanity.
In (``The Martian Chronicles'') by Ray Bradbury, what is the name of the first human settlement on Mars?
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Green Bluff
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Port Lowell
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Bradbury City
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New Chicago
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Green Bluff is the initial human settlement on Mars in (``The Martian Chronicles''), where the colonists attempt to establish a new society.
In (``Contact'') by Carl Sagan, what is the name of the extraterrestrial civilization that establishes contact with Earth?
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The Seldonians
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The Vulcans
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The Vegans
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The Taurans
D
Correct answer
Explanation
The Taurans are the extraterrestrial civilization that sends a message to Earth in (``Contact''), triggering a series of events that challenge humanity's understanding of the universe.
In (``The Sparrow'') by Mary Doria Russell, what is the name of the Jesuit mission sent to make contact with an alien civilization?
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The Lazarus Project
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The Ark Mission
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The Sparrow Mission
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The Genesis Project
C
Correct answer
Explanation
The Sparrow Mission is the name of the Jesuit mission sent to establish contact with an alien civilization in (``The Sparrow'').
In (``The Three-Body Problem'') by Cixin Liu, what is the name of the alien civilization that threatens Earth's existence?
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The Trisolarans
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The Trisolaris
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The Trisolar Empire
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The Trisolar Federation
A
Correct answer
Explanation
The Trisolarans are the alien civilization that poses a threat to Earth's survival in (``The Three-Body Problem'').
In (``The Martian'') by Andy Weir, what is the name of the astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity to survive?
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Mark Watney
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Matt Damon
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Elon Musk
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Neil Armstrong
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Mark Watney is the name of the astronaut stranded on Mars in (``The Martian''), who must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive.
In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," what is the name of the supercomputer that calculates the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything?
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Deep Thought
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Marvin the Paranoid Android
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Slartibartfast
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Zaphod Beeblebrox
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Deep Thought is the supercomputer that calculates the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything in "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."
The Leonid meteor shower is associated with which comet?
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Halley
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Swift-Tuttle
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Encke
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Giacobini-Zinner
B
Correct answer
Explanation
The Leonid meteor shower is caused by debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle, which orbits the Sun every 133 years.