RAS question
How many student satellites and payloads have been authorised by IN-SPACe, as mentioned in the article?
Correct answer: (A) 17.
IN-SPACe has authorised 17 student satellites and payloads, of which 11 have already been successfully launched.
Explanation
The figure to remember is 17, because the DD News report states that the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has authorised 17 student satellites and payloads. The same report adds that 11 of these have already been successfully launched. This matters because the article is about ISRO expanding student participation in space missions through structured programmes, technical mentorship, integration support and launch opportunities. The number therefore refers not to all ISRO student activities, competitions or internships, but specifically to student satellites and payloads authorised by IN-SPACe. Option A matches that precise count.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) 25 is wrong because the cited report gives 17 as the number of student satellites and payloads authorised by IN-SPACe.
- (C) 12 is wrong because the report does not use it for the authorised student satellites and payloads count; the stated figure is 17.
- (D) 8 is wrong because it understates the count mentioned in the report, which says IN-SPACe has authorised 17 student satellites and payloads.
Concept
This tests Science and Technology current affairs, especially India's space-sector institutions and student participation in space missions. RAS often asks such factual counts when a government body, programme and measurable outcome are linked in the news.