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.

Through the STS-120 Discovery Node 2 mission, NASA aims to study International Space Station (Earth orbit), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• The launch of STS-120 Discovery Node 2 on October 23, 2007 signified the beginning of a new chapter in scientific discovery.  
• The scientific community has identified a pressing need, and thus, the primary objective of this endeavor is to Deliver Harmony (Node 2) module; relocate P6 truss. The anticipated results are expected to be transformative.  
• The detailed discussions after the Crewed ISS assembly flight (10A) provided very useful lessons for missions in the future.  
• Carefully, the team integrated the precious payload with the Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103), a critical step before launch. 
• The mission began with a launch from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida. 
• It remained active for 15 days, 2 hours, 23 minutes, 55 seconds. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA, ESA (astronaut). 
• The final outcome of the mission was Completed (Successful). 
• STS-120 Discovery Node 2 was launched with Part of ISS and Shuttle program costs in funding to improve autonomous systems and deepen space research capabilities. 

STS-120 Discovery Node 2 introduced Harmony (Node 2) module, P6 truss segment, enhancing NASAs ability to conduct advanced research in deep space environments.

Powered by ISS module installation, major truss relocation, solar array repair, STS-120 Discovery Node 2 aimed to reduce human intervention in complex space operations. In this article, we have break down the critical milestones, international impact, and strategic lessons of NASAs STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission, making it an useful resource for UPSC Aspirants in Mains GS Papers 2 and GS Paper 3, as well as for ethics and essay preparation.

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NASA STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission Overview 

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STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission Global Contributions

The STS-120 Discovery Node 2 mission saw significant collaboration with ESA (Harmony built in Italy, ESA astronaut) to enhance its scientific reach and technical innovation.

• Through Harmony module (ESA/ASI), STS-120 Discovery Node 2 tested mission-critical functions for future autonomous and long-duration missions. 
• Key contributors such as Boeing (ISS prime contractor) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
• ISS operational data shared supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
• STS-120 Discovery Node 2 had a significant impact on global space policy as Added key connecting node to ISS; complex solar array repair, influencing international collaboration and setting new standards for space exploration. 

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Challenges & Risk in STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission

STS-120 Discovery Node 2 overcame mission-threatening issues such as Torn solar array during P6 deployment required unplanned EVA by deploying alternative systems, refining software behavior, and executing contingency strategies developed during pre-launch testing.

• Four EVAs including unplanned solar array repair posed a potential mission-limiting condition, but proactive mitigation ensured continued operation of STS-120 Discovery Node 2. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-120 Discovery Node 2 NASA Space Mission

• The foundation for this mission was laid on ISS assembly sequence planning, when the proposal was first introduced. 
• NASA held its formal design review meeting on Harmony module CDR earlier. 
• The date November 7, 2007 (Landing at KSC) represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• By November 7, 2007, the spacecraft had met or exceeded its planned targets, and the mission entered its post-primary phase. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-120 Discovery Node 2

• Scientific advancements and innovations by NASA are a recurring theme in the UPSC Prelims, reflecting their global significance. 
• 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.
• NASA’s practices in public data dissemination, environmental monitoring, and international mission partnerships align well with themes in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optionals, particularly regarding transparency and global governance.

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. The term Project Kuiper is often seen in the news in the context of:
1. A Space project by NASA to study Kuiper Belt objects
2. It is an initiative to provide broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world
3. A study by IIT Bombay on a space object in the area of energy conservation
4. A manned mission by SpaceX to the biggest object in the Kuiper Belt

Answer: 2
Solution: It is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 are the first two satellites under this project, which will be used to test the communications and network technology.

Q2. Consider the following application of robotics in space
1. NASA launched the pathfinder mission with a robotic rover, Sojourner
2. The Sojourner rover has an obstacle avoidance program embedded in it as well as the rover can plan and navigate its own route
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 3
Solution: The contribution of robots has been important for outer space exploration. Unmanned robotic spacecraft have been used for the exploration of planets, stars etc., by space agencies such as NASA, ISRO and others. The Pathfinder mission that landed on Mars in 1997 used a robotic rover, Sojourner. The rover was equipped with an obstacle avoidance program and had the ability to plan and navigate routes for studying the surface of Mars. Hence statement 2 is correct.

Q3. In January 2022, an asteroid known as asteroid 7482 1994 PC1, safely passed by the Earth from a distance of how many million km?
1. 1.9
2. 2.1
3. 2.7
4. 3.5

Answer: 1.9
Solution: The correct answer is 1.9 million km. An asteroid larger than Burj Khalifa safely passed by Earth on 18 January 2022. Known as asteroid 7482 1994 PC1, the space rock measures 1.05 km across, while the world’s tallest building in Dubai stands at 0.83 km. It flew past the planet from a distance of 1.9 million km, which is five times the distance between the Earth and the Moon.

Q4. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first woman and next man on the Moon by 2024?
1. Orion
2. Apollo
3. Artemis
4. Nike

Answer: Artemis
Solution: NASA has unveiled its next-generation space suits for the upcoming Artemis programme. Artemis is scheduled to launch by 2024. It will be NASA’s first woman mission on the Moon. This space suit will be more flexible and easy to wear, NASA reported. NASA announced that it will allow astronauts to squat to pick up rocks and move more easily.

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to Artemis I Mission:
1. Artemis I is the first of NASA’s deep space exploration systems
2. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world
3. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3. On March 17, NASA rolled out its Artemis I moon mission to the launchpad for testing at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, United States. Artemis I is the first of NASA’s deep space exploration systems. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024.

Q6. 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: Coimbatore
Solution: 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.

Q7. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager-2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission

Answer: Artemis program
Solution: The correct answer is Artemis program. NASA’s Artemis mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface.

Q8. OneWeb will launch 36 satellites with which organization for low-orbit connectivity?
1. NASA
2. ISRO
3. ROSCOSMOS
4. CNSA

Answer: ISRO
Solution: OneWeb, the Low Earth orbit satellite company, will launch 36 satellites with Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on 26 March 2023. The launch aims at completing the first-generation LEO constellation and enabling the initiation of global coverage in 2023.

Q9. Recently, in April 2023, a Japanese lunar lander, carrying a rover developed in the United Arab Emirates, attempted to find its footing on the moon's surface and potentially mark the world's first lunar landing. What is the name of the lunar lander?
1. Prabhas
2. Rashid Rover
3. Vyom Mitra
4. Hakuto-R

Answer: Hakuto-R
Solution: The correct answer is Hakuto-R. A Japanese lunar lander, carrying a rover developed in the United Arab Emirates, attempted to find its footing on the moon's surface, and potentially mark the world's first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft.

Q10. In May 2023, NASA has awarded which of the following company to build a spacecraft that will send astronauts to and from the moon's surface?
1. Virgin Galactic
2. Blue Origin
3. Bigelow Aerospace, Inc.
4. SpaceX

Answer: Blue Origin
Solution: The correct answer is Blue Origin. NASA has awarded Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's company, a contract worth $3.4 billion to build a spacecraft that will send astronauts to and from the moon's surface. Blue Origin will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and verifying its Blue Moon lander to meet NASA's requirements for human landing systems.

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