Consider the following conceptual advancements in space exploration:
1. Solar sails use radiation pressure from sunlight to propel spacecraft without conventional fuel.
2. Tether propulsion relies on the Earth's magnetic field for continuous acceleration.
3. Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters generate thrust by expelling plasma at extremely high speeds.

Which of the above technologies provide feasible alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Question

Consider the following conceptual advancements in space exploration:
1. Solar sails use radiation pressure from sunlight to propel spacecraft without conventional fuel.
2. Tether propulsion relies on the Earth's magnetic field for continuous acceleration.
3. Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters generate thrust by expelling plasma at extremely high speeds.

Which of the above technologies provide feasible alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 1, 2, and 3

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Both solar sails and Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters are feasible alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion, whereas tether propulsion has limitations that prevent it from being a broadly applicable propulsion method.

Statement 1 is correct: Solar Sails utilize radiation pressure from sunlight to generate thrust. It requires no fuel, making it ideal for long-duration space missions. Successfully demonstrated in missions like IKAROS (JAXA) and LightSail 2 (The Planetary Society).

Statement 2 is not correct: Electrodynamic tethers interact with the Earth's magnetic field to generate thrust. However, they are not a general alternative to chemical propulsion because they work only in specific environments (like near-Earth orbits). It is not practical for deep-space travel.

Statement 3 is correct: Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) Thrusters use electromagnetic forces to accelerate plasma, generating high-speed thrust. It is considered a promising propulsion system for deep-space missions.

Space Exploration

Advanced Propulsion Technologies

Website Link

Test Your Knowledge

Student Resources


M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following conceptual advancements in space exploration: 1. Solar sails use radiation pressure from sunlight to propel spacecraft without conventional fuel. 2. Tether propulsion relies on the Earth's magnetic field for continuous acceleration. 3. Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters generate thrust by expelling plasma at extremely high speeds. Which of the above technologies provide feasible alternatives to conventional chemical propulsion? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2, and 3