NASA (which stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the main U.S. agency for space exploration. It was started back in 1958, partly because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first satellite. NASA is a world leader in exploring space, doing everything from building satellites and sending people into space to exploring other planets and carrying out advanced science. What NASA does helps create new technologies we can all use and encourages countries to work together peacefully in space.

NASA’s Apollo 17 is designed to investigate Moon (lunar landing - Taurus-Littrow valley), with hopes of unlocking critical data about its operational frameworks and scientific potential.

• The successful launch of Apollo 17 on December 7, 1972 set the stage for important scientific advancements.  
• The missions objective is ambitious yet crucial: to Final Apollo lunar mission; first scientist on Moon; extensive geology. This will provide new perspectives and could reshape current theories.  
• The detailed discussions after the Crewed lunar landing (J-Mission, night launch) provided very useful lessons for missions in the future.  
• People in the control room carefully watched the Saturn V (SA-512)s performance as it flew upwards. 
• Liftoff occurred at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida, kicking off the mission. 
• 12 days, 13 hours, 51 minutes, 59 seconds marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• NASA led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• It ended as Completed (Successful). 
• NASA’s Apollo 17, with a projected cost of Part of Apollo program total cost$450 million, marks a milestone in automated space operations. 

Apollo 17 carries CSM (America), LM (Challenger), LRV, scientific instrument suite for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

The Apollo 17 mission deployed LRV, advanced geological tools, orbital sounder, enabling next-generation robotic performance in unpredictable space environments. In this article, lets understand more about Objectives, Data Sharing Agreements and Challenges Faced in NASAs Apollo 17 which is useful in UPSC Prelims & UPSC Mains Papers.

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NASA Apollo 17 Space Mission Overview 

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Apollo 17 Space Mission Global Contributions

Apollo 17 was jointly executed with Tracking stations, promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• Through partnerships with North American Rockwell, Grumman, Boeing, Douglas, IBM, NASA integrated private sector innovations to streamline spacecraft development and deployment. 
• Extensive lunar samples and data shared supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
• Through Apollo 17, NASA achieved Culmination of Apollo lunar exploration; discovered orange soil, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

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Challenges & Risk in Apollo 17 Space Mission

Even with substantial challenges such as LRV fender repair on Moon, Apollo 17 was able to maintain operational continuity through rigorous diagnostics, system calibration, and expert mission control intervention.

• Among the primary risk factors for Apollo 17 was Night launch; successful long-duration mission and EVAs, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 
• As part of NASAs commitment to sustainable exploration, Apollo 17 resulted in ALSEP, LRV, LM descent stage left; S-IVB impact. 

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Mission Timeline of Apollo 17 NASA Space Mission

• The foundation for this mission was laid on Apollo program announced July 1960, when the proposal was first introduced. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on December 11, 1972 (Lunar landing) enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• On December 19, 1972 (Splashdown Pacific Ocean), mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of Apollo 17

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• Discussions in GS Paper 2 about international cooperation in space exploration can reference NASA’s joint missions with other countries and agencies.
• In the UPSC CSE General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude), NASA’s practice of making satellite and mission data publicly accessible can be used to illustrate institutional commitment to transparency.
• NASA Space Missions provide cross-cutting content useful in UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Geography, and Public Administration by exemplifying governance models, global diplomacy, and spatial data infrastructure.

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. Who among the following are among the 4 astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II as announced by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency on 4 April 2023?
1. Jeremy Hansen
2. Victor Glover
3. Christina Koch
4. Reid Wiseman
1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1, 3 and 4
3. 2, 3 and 4
4. All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA and the Canadian Space Agency CSA on 4 April 2023 announced the 4 astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II. The astronauts are Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman of NASA. The mission is scheduled to launch in November 2024 and will be the first crewed moon trip in fifty years. This will be the first crewed moon trip in fifty years. Reid Wiseman of NASA was first selected as an astronaut for the space organization in 2009. He will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission. Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency for astronaut training in 2009. Notably, he will be the first Canadian ever to travel to deep space. Glover made his first trip into space in 2021, flying SpaceX’s Crew Dragon on its second crewed mission and spending nearly six months at the International Space Station. The fourth crew member is Koch. Six spacewalks have been completed by Koch including the first all-female spacewalk in 2019. With 328 days in space, she holds the record for the longest solo spaceflight by a woman.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution TEMPO mission:
1. It is a joint venture mission launched by NASA and the European space agency.
2. It will measure the pollution level across the world measuring levels of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels.
3. It is placed in the earth's Geostationary orbit.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 and 3 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 3 only
Solution: The Indian Express: NASA’s high-resolution air pollution monitoring instrument TEMPO lifted atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution TEMPO mission is the first funded project of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program, which includes small, targeted science investigations designed to complement NASA's larger research missions. Hence statement 1 is not correct. It will measure atmospheric pollution covering most of North America, from Mexico City to the Canadian tar/oil sands, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific hourly and at high spatial resolution. Hence statement 2 is not correct. It will take important scientific observations, including that of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels. It monitors the effects of everything from rush-hour traffic to pollution from forest fires and volcanoes. The present pollution-monitoring satellites are in low Earth orbit LEO, but this new monitoring instrument is hosted in geostationary orbit. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the NISAR mission:
1. NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission.
2. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces every 24 days.
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: Option 1
Solution: Business Today: NASA-ISRO radar satellite to offer detailed insights into forests and wetlands: Know all about NISAR. NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR mission is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite. Scheduled for launch in early 2024, it is poised to facilitate the exploration of how shifts in Earth's forest and wetland ecosystems impact the global carbon cycle and influence climate change. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces every 12 days. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Q4. What is the name of the first spacecraft to land on the moon since 1972, launched by the United States in partnership with a Texas-based private company?
1. Apollo Nexus
2. Lunar Pioneer
3. Artemis
4. Odysseus
Answer: Odysseus
Solution: The United States has pulled off its first lunar landing in more than half a century with a spacecraft named Odysseus, built and operated by a Texas-based private company. Odysseus is an uncrewed robot lander built by Houston-based Intuitive Machines with funding from NASA. NASA administrator Bill Nelson hailed the landing as a triumph for humanity and a new adventure in science, innovation, and American leadership in space. This marks the first time in history that a commercial company, specifically an American company, has launched and led a voyage to the moon. Intuitive Machines' mission represents the first successful lunar landing by a private firm. The last US spacecraft to land on the moon was Apollo 17 in 1972. Only four countries, apart from the US, have successfully landed on the moon: the former Soviet Union, China, India, and Japan. Odysseus launched from Florida on February 15 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft carried NASA's scientific instruments and cargo for private clients, including the latest insulating jacket fabric produced by Columbia Sportswear. Odysseus, powered by solar energy, is expected to operate for about a week on the lunar surface before the lunar night renders it inoperable.

Q5. What are the names of the SpaceX mission and the crew module involved in the first-ever private spacewalk?
1. Inspiration5 and Starliner
2. Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
3. Artemis I and Dragonfly
4. Axiom Mission and Falcon 9
Answer: Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
Solution: Polaris Dawn is the SpaceX mission that carried out the first private spacewalk in orbit. The crew module used in this mission is called Crew Dragon, SpaceX's capsule for ferrying astronauts to space and back. This mission was aimed at pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight by testing spacesuit designs and Crew Dragon's depressurization procedures. The crew included Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, both of whom conducted the spacewalk while tethered to the Crew Dragon module.

Q6. Where did ISRO launch India's first analog space mission to simulate interplanetary habitat conditions?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4. Leh, Ladakh
Answer: Leh, Ladakh
Solution: ISRO launched India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Delhi, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon by replicating the extreme challenges astronauts would encounter in extraterrestrial environments. Ladakh's harsh climate, with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius in summer and dropping to -20 degrees Celsius to -35 degrees Celsius in winter, along with heavy snowfall, makes it an ideal analog location. Analog missions, as defined by NASA, are field tests conducted in Earth locations resembling extreme space environments, which help in testing technologies before deploying them in space. This mission will test various technologies like robotic equipment, habitats, communication systems, power generation, mobility, infrastructure, and storage, along with studying behavioral aspects like isolation, confinement, team dynamics, and menu fatigue. Analog missions reduce the need for time, money, and manpower by testing in Earth environments before full-scale space applications. These missions are crucial for planning near-term and future space exploration to destinations like asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, playing a key role in problem-solving and preparing for spaceflight research.

Q7. Which organization led the design and development of James Webb Space Telescope JWST?
1. Canadian Space Agency
2. SpaceX
3. Russian Federal Space Agency
4. NASA
Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration led the design, development, and implementation of the James Webb Space Telescope JWST. The JWST is a collaborative international effort between NASA, the European Space Agency ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency CSA. NASA was primarily responsible for developing the telescope's key components, including its mirrors and scientific instruments. The project was overseen by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, with major contributions from industry partners such as Northrop Grumman. The telescope was launched on December 25, 2021, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket provided by the European Space Agency.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Saturn:
1. Saturn is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, whereas its rings consist of billions of pieces of bright-white water ice and rock.
2. Only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA.
3. NASA launched the Clipper mission to study Saturn's moon Europa, which is similarly dynamically linked to Saturn and contains a subsurface ocean as well.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: option 1
Solution: A recent study challenges previous estimates about the age of Saturn's rings, suggesting they may be as old as the Solar System but maintain their brightness through a self-cleaning mechanism. Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, while its rings are made up of bright-white water ice and rock, with some pieces as small as dust grains and others as large as houses. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA: Pioneer 11 flyby, Voyager 1 and 2 flybys, Cassini orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. NASA launched the Europa Clipper mission to study Jupiter's moon Europa, not Saturn. Europa is believed to have a subsurface ocean and is a key target in the search for extraterrestrial life. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to China's Chang'e 5 lunar probe:
I. It is named after the Chinese Moon goddess.
II. It is China's first attempt at a sample-return mission.
III. It will be the first probe to bring back material from the Moon, since NASA's Luna 24 mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. II and III only
3. I and III only
4. I, II and III
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Chang'e 5 is named after the Chinese Moon goddess, Chang'e. It is China's first attempt at a sample-return mission to the Moon. This mission aims to bring back material from the Moon, which has not been done since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission in 1976. Therefore, statements I and II are correct, while statement III is incorrect as it refers to the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission, not NASA's mission.

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