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 have covered about IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Deep Space (observing X-ray polarization from cosmic sources), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• With its launch on December 9, 2021, IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) began a bold mission to explore new frontiers.  
• The principal objective set forth for this venture is to Measure X-ray polarization from neutron stars, black holes, etc. This focus ensures that the mission will deliver high-impact results relevant to pressing global challenges or fundamental scientific inquiries.  
• Everyone involved, including the crew and ground control, was very dedicated because they knew it was a Astrophysics satellite (X-ray polarimetry - Small Explorer Program) with special goals.  
• The advanced technology of the Falcon 9 made it a very capable choice for this demanding space mission. 
• Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A served as the launch site for this important space mission. 
• The mission was carried out over a period of Ongoing (2-year prime mission). 
• The mission was conducted by NASA, ASI (Italian Space Agency). 
• The mission was Operational. 
• NASA’s IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer), with a projected cost of NASA ~$188 million; ASI contribution significant, marks a milestone in automated space operations. 

Three X-ray telescopes with polarization-sensitive detectors onboard IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) are set to revolutionize autonomous science operations during long-duration missions.

Gas Pixel Detectors for X-ray polarimetry enabled IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) 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.

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NASA IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) Space Mission Overview 

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

IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) Space Mission Global Contributions

IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) was jointly executed with ASI (detectors, science data center, Malindi ground station), promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) utilized Key detector technology and ground support from Italy to test cutting-edge instruments and gather critical data in real-time. 
• Ball Aerospace (spacecraft), SpaceX (launch) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
• Data publicly available allowed multiple stakeholders to access and utilize mission outputs for extended scientific and technical purposes. 
• IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) had a transformative effect on global space policy by Opens new window (X-ray polarization) on high-energy universe, shaping future agreements and operational standards for space activities worldwide. 

Challenges & Risk in IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) Space Mission

• The mission had to manage critical challenges like Deployable boom for telescope focal length, which were addressed through engineering refinements and contingency strategies. 
• The sustainability outcome of IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) is characterized by its Operational in Earth orbit, aligning with modern space stewardship practices. 

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Mission Timeline of IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) NASA Space Mission

• The mission concept was officially proposed on Selected 2017. 
• The date Not applicable represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• With the end of the primary mission on December 2023 (End of 2-year prime mission), scientists began analyzing the extensive data gathered during the mission. 

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

UPSC Relevance of IXPE Telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer)

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• 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.
• Optional papers such as Anthropology, Geography, and Philosophy can use NASA’s deep space missions to examine human adaptability, technological ethics, and questions of existential risk and sustainability in modern science.

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
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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. In January 2019, NASA's planet-hunting spacecraft Tess discovered a new planet three times the size of Earth, NASA named this planet ______.
1. HD 31794b
2. HD 41479b
3. HD 21749b
4. HD 15149b
Answer: 3
Solution: In January 2019, NASA's planet-hunting spacecraft TESS discovered a new planet three times the size of Earth, NASA named this planet HD 21749b. As of August 2019, TESS has discovered around 24 exoplanets. The confirmed planet, HD 21749b, is about three times Earth's size and 23 times its mass, orbits every 36 days, and has a surface temperature around 300 degrees Fahrenheit or 150 degrees Celsius.

Q2. 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, the spacecraft was placed in an uncontrolled orbit around Ceres.

Q3. Which of the following space agencies were involved in the Crew Demo-2 mission?
1. SpaceX and ESA
2. NASA and ESA
3. NASA and SpaceX
4. JAXA and NASA
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is NASA and SpaceX. NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 is the second crew rotation mission, in which four astronauts fly a commercial spacecraft, and it is also the first time that two astronauts from international partners fly. NASA's SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts entered the International Space Station and conducted the second commercial crew rotation mission at the Microgravity Laboratory.

Q4. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above
Answer: 4
Solution: None of the above. The Tianwen-1 spacecraft was lifted off on a Long March 5 rocket, from the Wenchang launch centre in July 2020. The lander from Tianwen-1 has touched down on Utopia Planitia, a large plain in the northern hemisphere of Mars. The UAE's Mars Mission called Hope was announced in 2015 with the aim of creating mankind's first integrated model of the Red planet's atmosphere. Hence, pair 2 is incorrectly matched. The Mars 2020 Mission is designed to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life. Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Q5. Consider the following statements related to the Tianwen-1 Mission.
1. It was launched by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA.
2. It will be the first to place ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface, which will be able to study local geology, as well as rock, ice, and dirt distribution.
3. It is an all-in-one orbiter; the lander and rover will search the Martian surface for water, ice, investigate soil characteristics, and study the atmosphere, among completing other objectives.
Which of the above statement is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 2 and 3 only. The Tianwen-1 Mission was launched by China National Space Administration. It is an all-in-one orbiter; lander and rover will search the Martian surface for water, ice, investigate soil characteristics, and study the atmosphere, among completing other objectives. It will be the first to place ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface, which will be able to study local geology, as well as rock, ice, and dirt distribution.

Q6. The VIPER Mission is related to which of the following organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
2. Russian Federal Space Agency RFSA
3. European Space Agency ESA
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA. NASA has announced that it will launch its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, in 2023. NASA is undertaking the mission to understand if it is possible for human life to sustain there, by using locally available resources.

Q7. NISAR is a joint project of ISRO and ______.
1. CNSA
2. JAXA
3. NASA
4. DRDO
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is NASA. NISAR refers to NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images. Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it can collect data day and night in any weather. It will scan the globe every 12 days over the course of its three-year mission of imaging the Earth's land, ice sheets, and sea ice to give an unprecedented view of the planet.

Q8. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named by its crew.
1. Persistence
2. Resilience
3. Endurance
4. Perseverans
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Resilience. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named Resilience by its crew. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one Japanese astronaut onboard.

Q9. Students of Engineering college of ______ developed a Satellite named as SriShaktiSat for ISRO in Jan, 2021.
1. New Delhi
2. Coimbatore
3. Chennai
4. Kolkata
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Coimbatore. The students of Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore developed the satellite named SriShaktiSat. It was developed as part of a collaborative project with the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The satellite aims to help with communication and other space-related research. This project marks a significant achievement for the students and the institution, showcasing their technical skills and innovation.

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