NASAs job isnt just about making scientific discoveries. It also includes developing new technologies, figuring out how to communicate across vast distances in space, and keeping an eye on our own planet. The money NASA puts into things like space robots, systems that can think for themselves, and long-distance space communication has led to important tools for everyday people and for national defense, showing just how valuable NASA is.

In this article, we will go deeper about the STS-73 Columbia USML-2 mission for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach Earth (orbital flight), enhancing our understanding of its dynamics, importance in space science, and long-term mission utility.

• NASA’s STS-73 Columbia USML-2 lifted off on October 20, 1995, embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
• The principal objective set forth for this venture is to Second United States Microgravity Laboratory (USML-2) mission. This focus ensures that the mission will deliver high-impact results relevant to pressing global challenges or fundamental scientific inquiries.  
• Engineers and scientists decided this operation was a Crewed Spacelab microgravity research flight, which guided all the planning that came after.  
• Carefully, the team integrated the precious payload with the Space Shuttle (Columbia OV-102), a critical step before launch. 
• Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B served as the launch site for this important space mission. 
• From start to finish, the mission ran for 15 days, 21 hours, 52 minutes, 21 seconds. 
• NASA was responsible for launching and monitoring the mission. 
• It ended as Completed (Successful). 

STS-73 Columbia USML-2 is equipped with USML-2 Spacelab module with various microgravity experiments to support scientific innovation and real-time decision-making in space.

Powered by Spacelab module, diverse microgravity research equipment, STS-73 Columbia USML-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-73 Columbia USML-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-73 Columbia USML-2 Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-73 Columbia USML-2 Space Mission Global Contributions

NASA partnered with Some experiments had international collaboration for STS-73 Columbia USML-2, strengthening international efforts in robotic space exploration.

• STS-73 Columbia USML-2 carried Experiments from various research institutions designed to enable new research capabilities and reduce reliance on Earth-based operations. 
• Through partnerships with Some commercial experiments, NASA integrated private sector innovations to streamline spacecraft development and deployment. 
• The use of Scientific data shared with research community encouraged collaborative validation of autonomous technologies and mission outcomes. 
• With STS-73 Columbia USML-2, NASA’s innovative efforts led to Advanced microgravity research in multiple disciplines, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-73 Columbia USML-2 Space Mission

STS-73 Columbia USML-2 encountered critical challenges such as Managing complex Spacelab operations around the clock, which were mitigated through a combination of adaptive engineering, mission planning, and real-time systems management.

• Among the primary risk factors for STS-73 Columbia USML-2 was Long duration mission with intensive science operations, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-73 Columbia USML-2 NASA Space Mission

• On November 5, 1995 (Landing at KSC), the spacecraft reached its designated target, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. 
• After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked November 5, 1995 as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

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

UPSC Relevance of STS-73 Columbia USML-2

• The Prelims syllabus integrates recent breakthroughs from NASA missions, emphasizing their impact on global scientific progress.
• Discussions in GS Paper 2 about international cooperation in space exploration can reference NASA’s joint missions with other countries and agencies.
• NASA’s transparent communication about mission setbacks can be used in UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) to illustrate ethical behavior in maintaining public trust and institutional credibility.
• The societal, ethical, and scientific dimensions of NASA’s work, including planetary protection and interplanetary travel, are pertinent to Anthropology, Philosophy, and Geography optional papers, helping illustrate human response to unknown frontiers.

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 December 2021, SpaceX has launched 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from a California base. Which rocket has been used to launch these satellites?
1. Voyger Cassini
2. Falcon-9
3. Falcon-7
4. Rover-4
Answer: Falcon-9
Solution: A SpaceX rocket carried 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California on 18 December 2021. The two-stage Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from coastal Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon's first stage returned and landed on a SpaceX drone ship in the ocean. The mission was the 34th launch for Starlink, a constellation of nearly 2000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Q2. Recently seen in the news, DART mission is launched by _______.
1. CNSA
2. ISRO
3. NASA
4. ESA
Answer: NASA
Solution: Just two weeks after its launch, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft has opened its eye and returned its first images from space - a major operational milestone for the spacecraft and DART team. Hence option 3 is correct.

Q3. Which one of the following is not a launch vehicle technology?
1. GSLV
2. ASLV
3. PSLV
4. MSLV
Answer: MSLV
Solution: Launch vehicles or launch systems are used to transport spacecraft from the Earth's surface into space. To establish a sustainable orbit, a velocity of roughly Mach 25 or about 8 km/s is required. In 1964 during a test flight, NASA's largest launch vehicle, the Saturn SA-5, sent a record-breaking 19 tonnes into orbit. The development of launch vehicles in India began in the early 1970s. In 1980, the first experimental Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-3) was built. In 1992, an augmented version of this, ASLV, was successfully introduced.

Q4. 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: 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 space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface.

Q5. The James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December 2021 through.
1. Arian 2 rocket
2. Arian 4 rocket
3. Arian 5 rocket
4. Arian 1 rocket
Answer: Arian 5 rocket
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a 21st-century international space observatory that was launched on December 25, 2021. It arrived just at Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point in January 2022. An Ariane 5 rocket carried the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit. The European Space Agency's contribution to the mission includes the launch vehicle and launch site.

Q6. In December 2022 which of the following Arab countries launched lunar spacecraft?
1. UAE
2. Saudi Arab
3. Qatar
4. Kuwait
Answer: UAE
Solution: UAE successfully launches first-ever Arab-Built lunar spacecraft. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried into space the first ever Arab-built lunar spacecraft, on 12 Dec 2022. It was launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Rashid Rover was built by Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is being delivered by the HAKUTO-R lander, engineered by a Japanese lunar exploration company in space.

Q7. _____'s rover Perseverance to begin dropping samples of rock on surface of the Planet _____
1. Roscosmos, Jupiter
2. ISRO, Mars
3. NASA, Mars
4. JAXA, Earth
Answer: NASA, Mars
Solution: NASA's Mars rover Perseverance to begin dropping samples of rock on the surface of the Red Planet Mars. The materials have been packaged in small titanium tubes with the expectation they can be picked up by a future mission and brought home. It is a major milestone in the try to find out whether there is life on Mars. Perseverance will place 10 cylinders on the ground at its exploration site in Jezero Crater. They contain a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rocks that the robot has drilled over the past 15 months. The location for the drop is a flat piece of terrain that’s been nicknamed Three Forks.

Q8. Artemis III is a mission of which among the following space agencies?
1. CNSA
2. ISRO
3. ESA
4. NASA
Answer: NASA
Solution: Artemis III is a mission under NASA's Artemis program, aiming to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon. The mission is planned to land on the lunar South Pole region by 2025. It aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, paving the way for future missions to Mars. The Artemis program is named after the Greek goddess of the Moon and twin sister of Apollo, the namesake of the original Moon missions.

Q9. 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 or Roman Space Telescope (RST) is a NASA deep space infrared observatory. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. Hence statement 1 is correct. RST will be situated at Lagrange point 2, a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun. Hence statement 2 is correct. It will have a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q10. In May 2023, a Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of dragon spacecraft launched from Florida. It is a mission of which of the following?
1. Blue Origin
2. ISRO
3. Space X
4. NASA
Answer: Space X
Solution: The Falcon 9 carrier rocket, along with the Crew Dragon spacecraft and a commercial crew of four people, has successfully launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, according to SpaceX. The mission, called Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2), was launched at 5:37 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday. The first stage of the Falcon 9 rocket is expected to land at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is located near the launch site. Axiom Space, based in Houston, is sending a commercial crew to the International Space Station for the second time. The Ax-2 crew consists of retired NASA astronaut commander Peggy Whitson, US pilot John Shoffner, Saudi fighter pilot Ali Alqarni, and research technician Rayyanah Barnawi, who will be the first Saudi woman in space. The Ax-2 crew will join the regular crew at the ISS and participate in scientific work during their mission.

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