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.

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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
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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. 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.

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