India's first inter-planetary mission to Mars was successfully launched in which year?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — A, 2013. India's Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), nicknamed Mangalyaan, was ISRO's first interplanetary mission. It launched on 5 November 2013 from Sriharikota and entered Mars orbit on 24 September 2014, making India the first country to succeed in reaching Mars on its very first attempt.

Why the other options are wrong — (b) MOM had not yet launched in 2012 — it was still being cleared and prepared that year; the actual launch came in November 2013.  (c) By 2016, MOM had already been launched (2013) and had already entered Mars orbit (2014) — its extended mission was underway, not its launch.  (d) Also after MOM's actual 2013 launch and 2014 Mars-orbit insertion — not the correct year for either milestone.

Concept: The Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) was ISRO's first mission beyond Earth orbit — an interplanetary probe sent to study Mars. It marked two firsts for India: the first interplanetary mission, and (on reaching Mars) the first nation to succeed in a Mars mission on its maiden attempt.

State PCS 2024 Q7 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2024 Q7 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer