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 ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) mission, NASA aims to study Extrasolar planets (observing from Sun-Earth L2), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• On Planned 2029, the launch of ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) marked the commencement of a mission with far-reaching scientific goals.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Study atmospheres of a diverse sample of known exoplanets; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• This Astrophysics satellite (exoplanet atmosphere survey - ESA Cosmic Vision) served as a key test for new technologies and different ways of operating.  
• The powerful Ariane 62 (planned) stood poised on the launchpad, a testament to human ambition and engineering. 
• Guiana Space Centre, Kourou (planned) was the location where the mission was launched. 
• The entire mission took 4-year prime mission (planned) to complete. 
• ESA (lead), NASA (contribution) led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• The operation concluded as In development. 
• The mission had an estimated cost of ESA mission cost; NASA contribution capped, aiming to expand humanity’s reach into deep space. 

NASA outfitted ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) with Telescope with infrared spectrometer (AIRS - ARIEL InfraRed Spectrometer) to support its goals in autonomous space exploration.

Space-based infrared spectroscopy for exoplanet transit/eclipse observations enabled ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) 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 ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) Space Mission Overview 

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

ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) Space Mission Global Contributions

ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) was jointly executed with NASA (provides a sub-system of the spectrometer and detectors), promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• The Significant instrument contributions from various ESA member states and NASA in ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) significantly improved its ability to perform autonomous science and diagnostics. 
• Key contributors such as European aerospace industry (eg, Airbus as prime contractor) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
• The use of Data will be publicly available through ESA archives encouraged collaborative validation of autonomous technologies and mission outcomes. 
• With ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey), NASA’s innovative efforts led to Large-scale survey of exoplanet atmospheres, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

Challenges & Risk in ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) Space Mission

• Developing sensitive infrared instrumentation posed a potential mission-limiting condition, but proactive mitigation ensured continued operation of ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey). 
• The final status of the spacecraft from ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) — To operate at Sun-Earth L2 point — reflects NASA’s evolving approach to mission lifecycle management. 

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Mission Timeline of ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) NASA Space Mission

• The foundation for this mission was laid on Selected 2018 (ESA M4 mission), when the proposal was first introduced. 
• On Planned, engineers assessed the final design for mission readiness. 
• NASA officially concluded the spacecraft assembly on Planned, ensuring full structural integrity before further evaluations. 
• The NASA space mission successfully completed its landing/flyby on Not applicable, marking a key achievement in space exploration. 
• On 4 years after commissioning (planned), mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of ARIEL Mission (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey)

• NASA space missions are frequently covered in the UPSC Prelims, especially under science and technology, due to their importance in current affairs.
• In GS Paper 3, NASA missions serve as examples to explain concepts such as innovation, sustainability, and the ethical use of advanced technologies.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) may include questions around how organizations like NASA prioritize scientific advancement for public good over commercial interests, offering a lens to evaluate ethical service orientation.
• 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. Landsat 9 is a joint mission of which of the following organizations?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and US Geological Survey
3. European Space Agency and US Geological Survey
4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Indian Space Research Organisation
Answer: option 2
Solution: The correct answer is option 2. Recently, NASA has launched an earth monitoring satellite called Landsat 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite is a joint mission of NASA and the US Geological Survey. This satellite is referred to as NASA's new eye in the sky that will help study climate change. Landsat-9 is the continuation of a series of Earth-observing spacecraft stretching back almost 50 years. The first Landsat satellite was launched in 1972 and since then, Landsat satellites have collected images of earth and helped understand how land usage has changed over the decades. In 2008, it was decided that all Landsat images will be free and publicly available and the policy has helped scores of researchers, farmers, policy analysts, glaciologists, and seismologists. Landsat images have been used to study the health of forests, coral reefs, monitor water quality and melting glaciers. The Landsat 9 joins Landsat 8 that was launched in 2013 and the satellites together will collect images of Earth’s surface. It takes 8 days to capture the whole Earth. Landsat 9 carries instruments similar to the other Landsat satellites, but it is the most technologically advanced satellite of its generation. The instruments aboard Landsat 9 are the Operational Land Imager 2 and the Thermal Infrared Sensor 2. OLI-2 captures sunlight reflected off Earth’s surface and studies the visible, near-infrared, and short wave infrared portions of the spectrum. TIRS-2 has a four-element refractive telescope and photosensitive detectors that capture thermal radiation and help study the Earth’s surface temperature. Along with the European Union’s Sentinel-2 satellites, the Landsat Satellite will provide better estimation of the extent of climate change.

Q2. Under a NASA-ISRO collaborative programme, which of the following university has been chosen to join a research project backed by the Space Application Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation in December 2021?
1. Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Tamil Nadu
2. ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai
3. The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies
4. West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences
Answer: The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies
Solution: The correct answer is The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. The Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies has been chosen to join a research project backed by the Space Application Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation under a NASA-ISRO collaborative programme. NASA and ISRO are jointly developing a space-borne synthetic aperture radar to be launched in January 2023. NISAR will produce high-resolution data for large areas.

Q3. 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: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3. On March 17, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration rolled out its Artemis I moon mission to the launchpad for testing at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. 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 and travel 280000 miles from the earth for over four to six weeks during the course of the mission. The Orion spacecraft is going to remain in space without docking to a space station, longer than any ship for astronauts has ever done before. The SLS rocket has been designed for space missions beyond the low-earth orbit and can carry crew or cargo to the moon and beyond. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024, and it also plans to land the first woman and first person of colour on the moon. With this mission, NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits and inspire a new generation of explorers.

Q4. On 7 September 2021, NASA announced that the Perseverance rover has completed the collection of the first sample of ______ Mars.
1. soil
2. dust
3. rock
4. snow
Answer: rock
Solution: The correct answer is rock. The Perseverance rover has collected 11 scientifically compelling rock core samples and one atmospheric sample. A core from Jezero Crater is slightly thicker than a pencil.

Q5. To study which one of the following was a spacecraft launched that would be farthest from the Sun and would run exclusively on solar power?
1. Jupiter's Trojan asteroids
2. Saturn's rings and moons
3. Mars' atmosphere
4. Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud
Answer: Jupiter's Trojan asteroids
Solution: The correct answer is Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. Lucy is NASA’s newly launched spacecraft, the US space agency’s first-ever mission to explore distant asteroids and seek out the origin of our solar system. Lucy is the first space mission to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids and would run exclusively on solar power. The swarms of Trojan asteroids associated with Jupiter are thought to be remnants of the primordial material that formed the outer planets. The Trojans orbit the Sun in two loose groups, with one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its path, and the other trailing behind. In history, no other space mission has been launched to as many different destinations in independent orbit around our sun. Lucy will show us, for the first time, the diversity of the primordial bodies that built the planets.

Q6. With reference to the Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART Mission, consider the following statements:
1. The mission is to test the new technology to be prepared in case an asteroid heads towards Earth.
2. It is the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space.
3. It is a joint Mission of NASA and the European Space Agency.
Which of the statement 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: 1 and 2 only
Solution: The correct answer is 1 and 2 only. In the first-of-its-kind, save-the-world experiment, NASA is about to hit hard a small, harmless asteroid millions of miles away. A spacecraft named Dart will zero in on the asteroid, intent on slamming it head-on at 14000 mph. It is NASA’s first planetary defence test mission named the Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART. The mission is to test the new technology to be prepared in case an asteroid heads towards Earth in the future. The aim is to test the newly developed technology that would allow a spacecraft to crash into an asteroid and change its course. After the mission has collided with the asteroid, scientists will study its impact on the trajectory of the asteroid with a range of telescopes deployed on different regions of the planet. DART is the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space.

Q7. In December 2022 which of the following Arab countries launched lunar spacecraft?
1. UAE
2. Saudi Arab
3. Qatar
4. Kuwait
Answer: UAE
Solution: The correct answer is UAE. 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 in the United Arab Emirates and is being delivered by the HAKUTO-R lander, engineered by a Japanese lunar exploration company in space.

Q8. The MAVEN Mission, which was launched in 2013 is related to which of the following?
1. Study the asteroids
2. To know about Venus
3. Study the Martian upper atmosphere.
4. Study the southern part of the Moon
Answer: option 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution MAVEN mission were launched in 2013. It is the first mission devoted to understanding the Martian upper atmosphere. The goal of this spacecraft is to determine the role that loss of atmospheric gas to space played in changing the Martian climate through time.

Q9. The GREAT instrument onboard NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy measured the ratio of main to heavy oxygen in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. Heavy oxygen contains how many neutrons?
1. 8
2. 10
3. 12
4. 14
Answer: 10
Solution: The correct answer is 10. The GREAT instrument onboard NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy measured the ratio of main to heavy oxygen in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. This made the first spectroscopic detection of heavy oxygen outside a laboratory. Heavy oxygen is so called because it has 10 neutrons, rather than the normal eight of main oxygen, the form we breathe. Heavy oxygen is seen as a signature of biological activity, common in the lower atmosphere. Both forms are byproducts of photosynthesis, but the main oxygen is consumed by the respiration of living things more than its heavy counterpart, leaving a larger concentration of heavy oxygen behind. Measuring heavy oxygen is complex because it looks so similar to main oxygen.

Q10. 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. Japanese firm Ispace attempted a lunar landing with a rover developed by the United Arab Emirates, which could have marked the first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft. The spacecraft traveled 870000 miles through space before attempting to land on the moon, and contact with the vehicle was lost during the landing attempt. Ispace had a for-profit business approach to lunar exploration, which differs from prior lunar missions executed by only three countries: the United States, the former Soviet Union, and China. The Rashid rover, the first Arab-built lunar spacecraft, was on board the lander and was equipped with multiple cameras and a Langmuir probe. Ispace plans to continue pursuing lunar exploration, including a mission to retrieve lunar soil samples on behalf of NASA's Artemis program using commercial lunar landers.

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