Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous)

NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) NASA Space Mission, Launch Date & Status

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

NASA is a leader in working with other countries in space, partnering with over 100 nations. When NASA works with big international space groups like ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India), it shows that more and more countries are cooperating peacefully in space. This teamwork is really important for tackling problems that affect everyone, like protecting Earth from asteroids or cleaning up space junk.

In this article, we will learn about the NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) mission which will explore more about Asteroid 433 Eros (previously flyby of 253 Mathilde), capturing vital data that will support future exploration, human habitation, or satellite operations.

  • NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous), launched on February 17, 1996, is expected to play a pivotal role in space research and technology.  
  • This projects fundamental objective, to First mission to orbit and land on an asteroid (Eros), addresses key scientific questions that have long intrigued researchers in the field.  
  • It was an important Asteroid orbiter and lander (Discovery Program) that helped open the way for more advanced and challenging journeys into space.  
  • The Delta II 7925-8 was selected because its specific capabilities were a good match for the tough requirements of this space mission. 
  • Cape Canaveral, LC-17B was the location where the mission was launched. 
  • The mission was carried out over a period of Orbital mission at Eros ~1 year; landed after. 
  • This mission was managed by NASA. 
  • Final status of the mission: Completed (Successful). 
  • With a budget of $224 million, NASA launched NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) to advance scientific understanding and explore new frontiers. 

With Multi-Spectral Imager, X-ray/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer, Magnetometer, Laser Rangefinder, NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) incorporated Asteroid rendezvous, long-term orbital operations, controlled asteroid landing to enable autonomous decision-making and enhance adaptability in space environments. This comprehensive article on NASA NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Space mission helps UPSC aspirants understand the full life cycle of a modern space mission which is relevant for GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, and Essay.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

NASA NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Space Mission Overview 

NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Asteroid 433 Eros (previously flyby of 253 Mathilde)

Launch Date

February 17, 1996

Objective

First mission to orbit and land on an asteroid (Eros)

Mission Type

Asteroid orbiter and lander (Discovery Program)

Launch Vehicle

Delta II 7925-8

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral, LC-17B

Mission Duration

Orbital mission at Eros ~1 year; landed after

Agencies Involved

NASA

Mission Status

Completed (Successful)

Estimated Cost

$224 million

Proposal Date

Early 1990s

New Instruments/Payloads

Multi-Spectral Imager, X-ray/Gamma-Ray Spectrometer, Magnetometer, Laser Rangefinder

Key Technologies Used

Asteroid rendezvous, long-term orbital operations, controlled asteroid landing

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

- www.guacandrollcantina.com
📚 Exclusive Free UPSC Notes Created by Our Experts
Subjects PDF Link
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts Download Link
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants Download Link
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF Download Link
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors Download Link
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today! Download Link
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here Download Link

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Space Mission Global Contributions

  • Johns Hopkins APL (designed, built, managed) played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
  • Data archived in NASA PDS played a key role in maximizing the impact of mission data through shared scientific analysis. 
  • NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) had a transformative effect on global space policy by First in-depth study of a near-Earth asteroid from orbit, shaping future agreements and operational standards for space activities worldwide. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

N/A

Payload Contributions

N/A

Commercial Involvement

Johns Hopkins APL (designed, built, managed)

Data Sharing Agreements

Data archived in NASA PDS

Impact on Global Space Policy

First in-depth study of a near-Earth asteroid from orbit
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) Space Mission

A major obstacle during the execution of NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) involved Initial rendezvous abort due to thruster issue, but it was effectively addressed through collaborative team efforts and reconfiguration of mission protocols.

  • The team behind NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) overcame engineering constraints such as Engine misfire delayed Eros rendezvous; successful landing improvised through iterative system tuning. 
  • Spacecraft remains on Eros highlights the outcome of NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) in terms of environmental responsibility and space traffic safety. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Engine misfire delayed Eros rendezvous; successful landing improvised

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

Spacecraft remains on Eros

Challenges Faced

Initial rendezvous abort due to thruster issue

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!

Mission Timeline of NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous) NASA Space Mission
  • Early 1990s marks the date when the mission was first approved for consideration. 
  • The NASA space mission successfully completed its landing/flyby on February 14, 2000 (Eros orbit insertion); Feb 12, 2001 (Eros landing), marking a key achievement in space exploration. 
  • NASA declared the February 28, 2001 (Last contact after landing) as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Early 1990s

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

February 17, 1996

Landing / Flyby Date

February 14, 2000 (Eros orbit insertion); Feb 12, 2001 (Eros landing)

End of Primary Mission Date

February 28, 2001 (Last contact after landing)

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of NEAR Shoemaker (Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous)
  • Awareness of international space missions, especially NASA’s, is vital for success in the Prelims, given their link to science, technology, and current affairs.
  • GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
  • UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) could present case studies based on the teamwork and leadership displayed during high-stakes NASA missions, assessing ethical decision-making in extreme environments.
  • Whether exploring climate data from NASA satellites (Geography), understanding U.S. space policy impacts (PSIR), or ethical decision-making in high-risk missions (Philosophy), NASA Space Missions offer integrated value across multiple UPSC CSE Optional subjects.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
educationprovince.com

Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope
Which of the above statements are correct
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aims to address critical astrophysics questions about dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics, confirming statement 1 as correct. It will be located at Lagrange point 2, validating statement 2. Additionally, its field of view will be significantly larger than that of the Hubble Telescope, making statement 3 correct as well.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Shenzhou 16 mission recently in the news
1. Shenzhou 16 is a Chinese spaceflight to the Tiangong space station
2. The Shenzhou-16 crew will replace the three-member crew of the Shenzhou-15 which was sent last year
3. This is China's fifth manned mission to its now fully functional space station since 2021 and it is also the first time China has sent a civilian into orbit
How many of the given above statements are correct
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: All three
Solution: The Shenzhou 16 mission is indeed a Chinese spaceflight to the Tiangong space station, confirming statement 1. The crew of Shenzhou 16 is set to replace the crew from Shenzhou 15, validating statement 2. Furthermore, this mission marks China's fifth manned mission to the space station since 2021 and includes a civilian, making statement 3 correct.

Q3. Which among the following is a recent scientific mission of ISRO comprehensive study of the Sun
1. Aditya - L1
2. Bhaskara - L2
3. Solar Mission - L1
4. Solar Orbiter
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Aditya L1 is India's first scientific expedition aimed at studying the Sun, confirming it as the correct answer.

Q4. Recently NASA has partnered with which one among the following countries to launch Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols MAIA Mission
1. Russia
2. U.S.A
3. Italy
4. Japan
Answer: Italy
Solution: NASA has partnered with the Italian Space Agency ASI to build and launch the Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols mission.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the features of NISAR Satellite
1. The S-band payload has been made by the US and the L-band by the ISRO
2. It can completely map earth in 14-15 days and capable of monitoring the vegetation cover and snow cover
Which of the above statements is/are correct
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2 Only
Solution: The NISAR mission can map the Earth every 14-15 days and monitor vegetation and snow cover, confirming statement 2 as correct. However, the S-band payload is developed by ISRO and the L-band by the US, making statement 1 incorrect.

Q6. Which company has been chosen by NASA to develop the US Deorbit Vehicle for the International Space Station
1. Blue Origin
2. Boeing
3. SpaceX
4. ISRO
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: NASA awarded SpaceX an 843 million dollar contract to develop the US Deorbit Vehicle, which is designed to safely bring the International Space Station out of orbit.

Q7. What is the name of the SpaceX mission that aims to test new space technologies and involve a spacewalk by non-government astronauts
1. Polaris Dawn
2. Inspiration4
3. Starship Alpha
4. Artemis 4
Answer: Polaris Dawn
Solution: The Polaris Dawn mission, launching on August 26, 2024, will send a private crew, including Jared Isaacman, to high altitudes and involve a spacewalk by non-government astronauts.

Q8. Consider the following space stations
1. International Space Station
2. Tiangong Space Station
3. Bharatiya Anthariksh Station BAS-1
How many of the above-mentioned space stations are currently in orbit
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. None
Answer: option 2
Solution: The International Space Station and the Tiangong Space Station are currently operational, while the Bharatiya Anthariksh Station is still under development. Thus, only two of the mentioned space stations are in orbit.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims

Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims

Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC

Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice