A
Thermal convection currents operating within the satellite's pressurized cabin.
B
Sudden fluctuations in terrestrial power grids during data transmission.
C
High-energy subatomic radiation particles altering a memory state from 0 to 1 or vice versa.
D
Mechanical vibrations caused by rocket booster separation.
Correct answer: (c) High-energy subatomic radiation particles altering a memory state from 0 to 1 or vice versa.
Explanation
Option C is correct because a bit flip error is a memory state change caused by high-energy subatomic radiation particles hitting semiconductor memory in space. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not describe the primary cause of bit flips in space hardware.
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.