NASA’s WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Mission – Timeline, Crew & Spacecraft

With more and more missions planned for the Moon, Mars, and even asteroids, NASA continues to lead the way in exploring deep space. Its work influences how countries around the world think about space, how we discuss environmental issues, and it inspires people to study and learn more – making NASA a fascinating topic from many different angles.

In this article we have covered about WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Deep Space (all-sky infrared survey), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) was successfully launched by NASA on December 14, 2009, opening the door to unprecedented space insights.  
• The principal objective set forth for this venture is to All-sky survey in four infrared bands; find asteroids, brown dwarfs. This focus ensures that the mission will deliver high-impact results relevant to pressing global challenges or fundamental scientific inquiries.  
• This flight is recognized as a Astrophysics satellite (infrared survey), highlighting its overall importance and contribution.  
• The huge size and complicated nature of the Delta II 7320-10C amazed everyone who got a close look at it. 
• The spacecraft was launched from Vandenberg AFB, SLC-2W, heading into orbit. 
• Its total duration was Ongoing (NEOWISE extended mission). 
• The entire mission was overseen by NASA. 
• The final outcome of the mission was Operational (as NEOWISE). 
• The mission had an estimated cost of ~$320 million, aiming to expand humanity’s reach into deep space. 

With Infrared telescope with four detector arrays, WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

NASA’s WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) used Cryogenically cooled telescope for sensitive all-sky IR survey to push the boundaries of robotic intelligence and spacecraft autonomy. By exploring international partnerships, data-sharing frameworks, and global policy impacts, this article on NASAs WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Space Mission offers valuable insights for UPSC Prelims and Mains GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3 and Essay preparation.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

NASA WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Space Mission Overview 

WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) – Space Mission Profile for UPSC
Target Celestial Body	Deep Space (all-sky infrared survey)
Launch Date	December 14, 2009
Objective	All-sky survey in four infrared bands; find asteroids, brown dwarfs
Mission Type	Astrophysics satellite (infrared survey)
Launch Vehicle	Delta II 7320-10C
Launch Site	Vandenberg AFB, SLC-2W
Mission Duration	Ongoing (NEOWISE extended mission)
Agencies Involved	NASA
Mission Status	Operational (as NEOWISE)
Estimated Cost	~$320 million
Proposal Date	Late 1990s
New Instruments/Payloads	Infrared telescope with four detector arrays
Key Technologies Used	Cryogenically cooled telescope for sensitive all-sky IR survey

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

📚 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

WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Space Mission Global Contributions

• By involving Ball Aerospace (spacecraft/instrument), JPL (mission management), NASA leveraged commercial capabilities for hardware design, satellite manufacturing, and launch logistics. 
• All-sky catalog and data publicly released played a key role in maximizing the impact of mission data through shared scientific analysis. 
• The success of WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) marked a major shift in space policy by Discovered thousands of asteroids and new brown dwarfs, promoting broader cooperation in future missions. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact
International Partners	N/A
Payload Contributions	N/A
Commercial Involvement	Ball Aerospace (spacecraft/instrument), JPL (mission management)
Data Sharing Agreements	All-sky catalog and data publicly released
Impact on Global Space Policy	Discovered thousands of asteroids and new brown dwarfs

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 WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) Space Mission

WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) encountered critical challenges such as Transition from cryogenic to warm operations for NEOWISE mission, which were mitigated through a combination of adaptive engineering, mission planning, and real-time systems management.

• The team behind WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) overcame engineering constraints such as Cryogen depletion ended full survey; reactivated for NEOWISE through iterative system tuning. 
• Sustainability and post-mission planning for WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) are evident in its Operational in Earth orbit. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges
Risk & Mitigation Log	Cryogen depletion ended full survey; reactivated for NEOWISE
Environmental & Sustainability Footprint	Operational in Earth orbit
Challenges Faced	Transition from cryogenic to warm operations for NEOWISE mission

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

Mission Timeline of WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) NASA Space Mission

• The first steps toward mission development began with its proposal on Late 1990s. 
• On Not applicable, mission control confirmed the spacecraft’s successful encounter with its target, with all systems performing as expected. 
• Although the primary mission officially ended on October 2010 (Cryogen depleted); Reactivated as NEOWISE Dec 2013, there was potential for continued data collection and extended operations. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones
Proposal Date	Late 1990s
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	December 14, 2009
Landing / Flyby Date	Not applicable
End of Primary Mission Date	October 2010 (Cryogen depleted); Reactivated as NEOWISE Dec 2013

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

UPSC Relevance of WISE Telescope (Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer)

• NASA’s recent explorations and technological feats are directly relevant to the science and tech portion of the UPSC Prelims exam.
• The influence of NASA’s technological advancements on India’s space ambitions can be analyzed in GS Paper 3, particularly in questions on indigenization and self-reliance in space tech.
• Questions in General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics) under the UPSC CSE Exam may reference NASA’s planetary exploration policies to discuss intergenerational responsibility and long-term sustainability ethics.
• UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Anthropology, and Public Administration can benefit from NASA examples when discussing themes like soft power, collective leadership, and institutional accountability in high-stakes missions.

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. On October 19, 2017, which space agency has approved second extension of its Dawn Mission at Ceres Dwarf planet?
1. Space X
2. NASA
3. ISRO
4. CNSA
Answer: 2
Solution: NASA has approved the second extension of its Dawn mission at Ceres dwarf planet on October 19, 2017. Dawn was a space probe launched by NASA in 2007. It was designed to study two protoplanets in the asteroid belt, Vesta and Ceres. It exhausted all of its hydrazine fuel and retired in 2018. The Dawn mission was managed by Jet propulsion laboratory. Currently, spacecraft was placed in an uncontrolled orbit around Ceres. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is the space agency of India. National Aeronautics and Space NASA is an independent space agency of the United States. Space X is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company. China National Space Administration CNSA is the space agency of China.

Q2. Which one of the following belongs to India's inter-planetary mission?
1. SARAL
2. Jugnu
3. Mangalyaan
4. ANUSAT
Answer: 3
Solution: The Mars Orbiter Mission MOM or Mangalyaan is a space probe launched on November 5, 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organization. The mission made India the first Asian nation and the fourth in the world to reach the planet, after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency. ISRO chairman is S. Somnath. ISRO spent 75 million dollars to launch the mission.

Q3. Consider the following statements about Deep Ocean Mission:
A) This mission was launched by DRDO and NASA.
B) The mission proposes to explore the deep ocean similar to space exploration.
C) One of the main aims of the mission is to explore and extract Polymetallic nodules.
Choose the correct statement.
1. A and B
2. B and C
3. Only A
4. A, B, C
Answer: 2
Solution: The mission proposes to explore the deep ocean similar to the space exploration started by ISRO. The nodal agency for this mission is the Ministry of Earth Sciences MoES. Underwater robotics and manned submersibles are key components of the Mission which will help India harness various living and non-living water, mineral and energy resources from the seabed and deep water. Hence Statement A is Incorrect and B is Correct. The tasks that will be undertaken over this period include deep-sea mining, survey, energy exploration and the offshore-based desalination. These technological developments are funded under an umbrella scheme of the government called Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science OSMART. One of the main aims of the mission is to explore and extract polymetallic nodules PMN. These are small potato-like rounded accretions composed of minerals such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper and iron hydroxide. Hence Statement C is Correct. These metals can be extracted and used in electronic devices, smartphones, batteries and even for solar panels. The International Seabed Authority ISA, an autonomous international organisation established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, allots the area for deep-sea mining.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Synthetic Aperture Radar or SAR:
1. A Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR or SAR is a coherent mostly airborne or space-borne side-looking radar system that utilizes the flight path of the platform to simulate an extremely large antenna, and that generates high-resolution remote sensing imagery.
2. ISRO has completed the development of a Synthetic Aperture Radar capable of producing high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with the Russian space agency.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 1
Solution: A Synthetic Aperture Radar SAR or SAR is a coherent mostly airborne or space-borne side-looking radar system that utilizes the flight path of the platform to simulate an extremely large antenna, and that generates high-resolution remote sensing imagery. Hence statement 1 is correct. ISRO has completed the development of a Synthetic Aperture Radar capable of producing high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with the U.S. space agency NASA. Hence statement 2 is not correct. The mission is targeted to be launched in 2022.

Q5. Which space organization successfully created a New World Record by launching 143 Satellites in a single mission?
1. ISRO
2. NASA
3. SpaceX
4. CNSA
Answer: 3
Solution: SpaceX successfully created a New World Record by launching 143 Satellites in a single mission. The satellites were launched using the Falcon 9 Reusable rockets from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, United States of America. With this, SpaceX bettered the Indian Space Research Organization ISRO's record of deploying 104 satellites in a single mission in February 2017. The Launch is also the first dedicated mission for SpaceX under SmallSat Rideshare program called Transporter-1. With the launch of the satellites, SpaceX is planning to provide Global broadband internet coverage by 2021. Out of 143 satellites, 133 were Commercial and Government CubeSats, microsats, and 10 were Starlink satellites.

Q6. Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect with reference to the Cassini Mission?
1. It is a cooperation mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA and the Japanese Space Agency to study the atmosphere of planet Saturn.
2. Huygens is a lander that landed on Titan, one of Saturn's moons, in 2005.
3. It is the first space probe to visit Saturn.
Select the correct codes from below -
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above
Answer: 4
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect: Launched in 1997, the Cassini mission is a cooperation mission between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency. The spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997. This was the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System. Statement 2 is correct: Cassini–Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. The lander, called Huygens, landed on Titan in 2005. Statement 3 is incorrect: Cassini is the fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit. Its design includes a Saturn orbiter and a lander for the moon Titan.

Q7. Spacecraft, Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout is related to which of the following space organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. Indian Space Research Organisation
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: 1
Solution: Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA has announced that its new spacecraft, named Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout, has completed all required tests and has been safely tucked inside the Space Launch System SLS rocket. NEA Scout is a miniaturized spacecraft, known as a CubeSat, developed under NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems AES Program. AES pioneers new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities, and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond low-Earth orbit. Its main mission is to fly by and collect data from a near-Earth asteroid. It will take about two years to cruise to the asteroid and will be about 93 million miles away from Earth during the asteroid encounter. It will also be America's first interplanetary mission using special solar sail propulsion. So far, spacecraft have been using solar energy to power them and execute critical functions. This will be the first time that a spacecraft uses it as wind to generate thrust and move forward. It is one of several payloads that will hitch a ride on Artemis I, which is expected to be launched in November 2021. Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and SLS rocket. It is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and Mars. NEA Scout launches to the Moon in 2021 with a fleet of other small satellites aboard Artemis 1. At the Moon, NEA Scout will deploy its 86-square-meter solar sail and slowly spiral out of lunar orbit. It will travel to a near-Earth asteroid and perform a slow fly-by, capturing up-close images of the surface.

Q8. Which company developed New Shepard launch system, which got flying approval recently?
1. Boeing
2. Blue Origin
3. SpaceX
4. Virgin Galactic
Answer: 2
Solution: Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company of Jeff Bezos, has successfully launched and landed its New Shepard vehicle on its latest mission NS-14. The founder of Blue Origin is Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin is a private space company headquartered in Kent, Washington USA. Blue origin plans to send an astronaut on the moon with NASA's Artemis Program.

Q9. Which space company has been selected by NASA to deliver cargo, experiments and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit?
1. Dragon-XL
2. Blue origin
3. Astra space
4. Space X
Answer: 4
Solution: NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, as the first U.S. commercial provider under the Gateway Logistics Services contract to deliver cargo, science experiments, and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit. The award is a significant step forward for NASA's Artemis program that will land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024 and build a sustainable human lunar presence. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will gain the experience necessary to mount a historic human mission to Mars. SpaceX will deliver critical pressurized and unpressurized cargo, science experiments, and supplies to the Gateway, such as sample collection materials and other items the crew may need on the Gateway and during their expeditions on the lunar surface. This contract award is another critical piece of our plan to return to the moon sustainably, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Gateway is the cornerstone of the long-term Artemis architecture and this deep space commercial cargo capability integrates yet another American industry partner into our plans for human exploration at the moon in preparation for a future mission to Mars.

Q10. Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched ________ more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station ISS for NASA on 27 April 2022.
1. 3
2. 4
3. 5
4. 6
Answer: 4
Solution: Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched four more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station ISS for NASA on 27 April 2022. The SpaceX launch vehicle, consisting of a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket topped with a Crew Dragon capsule dubbed Freedom, lifted off from Florida. The crew will begin a six-month science mission orbiting some 250 miles 420 km above Earth. The crew includes a medical doctor turned spacewalker and a geologist specializing in Martian landslides. The mission, designated Crew 4, is the fourth full-fledged ISS crew NASA has launched aboard a SpaceX vehicle since the private rocket venture founded by Musk began flying U.S. space agency astronauts in 2020. The Crew 4 team will be welcomed aboard by the seven existing ISS occupants, including the four Crew 3 members they will be replacing - three Americans and a German ESA crewmate due to end their mission in early May - and three Russian cosmonauts.

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