Question 4 from UPSC CSE 2022 - S&T

Question

Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the 'Fractional Orbital Bombardment System' often talked about in media?

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Strategy: - Focus on "Fractional Orbital Bombardment System" as a military delivery concept.
- Exclude options describing planetary missions, asteroid interventions, or comet-related activities.
- Select the option detailing a missile placed in Earth orbit that then deorbits over a target, aligning with the system's intended purpose for surprise bombardment.

Key Info: Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS) is a military strategic weapon system. It was initially developed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War and has recently been associated with China.

FOBS operates by launching a nuclear or conventional warhead into a partial low Earth orbit. The missile's trajectory makes it appear as a satellite. At a predetermined point, the payload performs a 'deorbital burn' to descend toward its target.

Key advantages include:
- Ambiguity in target location until the final deorbit maneuver.
- Ability to approach from unexpected directions.
- Potential to evade early-warning radar systems and bypass conventional missile defenses designed for shorter, more predictable paths.

FOBS differs from Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) as it completes only a fraction of a full orbit, making its intent and trajectory harder to track. It is unrelated to asteroid defense, space exploration, or celestial body landings. While treaties like the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT II) restricted such systems, technological advancements have renewed their relevance.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.