Question 1

In Pakistan's collaboration with China for human spaceflight, which Pakistani astronaut candidates are undergoing advanced training at the Astronaut Center of China for a mission to the Tiangong Space Station, slated for late 2026?

Accepted Answer

Muhammad Zeeshan Ali and Khurram Daud

Question 2

ISRO's Gaganyaan program is progressing with uncrewed missions before the crewed flight. What is the updated target timeline for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, as indicated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan in late June 2026?

Accepted Answer

By the end of 2026

Question 3

What is the primary objective of India's Chandrayaan-4 mission, currently in the design phase with a planned launch around 2028?

Accepted Answer

Lunar sample return

Question 4

Bhutan aims to launch an in-house remote sensing satellite by 2027. Which Indian entity is collaborating with Bhutan on space technology initiatives, as highlighted during Bhutan Space Week 2026?

Accepted Answer

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

Question 5

Between January 2025 and April 2026, Pakistan's SUPARCO launched six Earth observation satellites. What is the primary stated purpose attributed to these satellites in recent reports?

Accepted Answer

Surveillance of India and surrounding regions

Question 6

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, an equal 50/50 partnership, is scheduled for launch in July 2025. What is its primary scientific objective?

Accepted Answer

To provide the most detailed and sensitive map of Earth's surface

Question 7

As of mid-2026, Pakistan is preparing to send astronauts to the China Space Station. What is the estimated launch timeframe for this mission, with a Pakistani astronaut serving as a payload expert?

Accepted Answer

Late 2026

Question 8

India's Chandrayaan-5 mission is a joint long-duration mission with which country, and what is a key feature planned for its rover?

Accepted Answer

Japan; a 350-kg rover capable of operating for nearly 100 days

Question 9

The Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) conducted its first microgravity experiment in August 2025 aboard the ISS. What type of seeds did they send to space as part of a global seed resilience mission?

Accepted Answer

Maldivian mangrove seeds

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT among the stated objectives of Bhutan's upcoming in-house remote sensing satellite, planned for launch by 2027?

Accepted Answer

Military surveillance of neighboring countries

Question 11

Pakistan's recent rapid satellite launches, particularly between January 2025 and April 2026, have been largely facilitated by which nation's launch vehicles and technical support?

Accepted Answer

China

Question 12

ISRO's Gaganyaan program plans for three uncrewed missions before the first crewed launch. What is the status of the second and third uncrewed Gaganyaan missions (G2 and G3) concerning their launch timeline in 2026, according to a May 2025 report?

Accepted Answer

They were slated to launch in 2026

Question 13

India has officially identified a landing site for its Chandrayaan-4 mission. Which specific lunar region has been selected for the lander's touchdown?

Accepted Answer

Mons Mouton in the South Polar region

Question 14

The Maldives Space Capital for High-Impact Fund (MSCHIF) has been launched with a significant investment. What is the primary goal of this fund?

Accepted Answer

To develop sovereign space capabilities for the Maldives and other island nations

Question 15

Nepal's 'Munal' satellite, a co-passenger satellite on an ISRO mission, is designed for what primary purpose?

Accepted Answer

Earth observation, specifically mapping vegetation density and environmental monitoring

South Asia's Ascending Space Ambitions: Pakistan's Astronauts, India's Lunar Return, and Regional Tech Races in 2026

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