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.

This article focuses about DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) which aims on Venus (atmosphere and surface imaging), gathering key information to better understand its current role in ongoing research and spaceflight.

• The successful launch of DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) on Planned late 2020s (eg, 2029, subject to change) set the stage for important scientific advancements.  
• The principal objective set forth for this venture is to Analyze Venus atmosphere composition; study surface geology via descent imaging. This focus ensures that the mission will deliver high-impact results relevant to pressing global challenges or fundamental scientific inquiries.  
• The unique difficulties of a Venus atmospheric probe and flyby orbiter (Discovery Program) required the whole team to think creatively to find solutions.  
• Many people traveled from all over, hoping to see the amazing sight of the To be determined launching. 
• To be determined served as the launch site for this important space mission. 
• Atmospheric probe descent ~1 hour; orbiter may have extended mission was the length of the mission from launch to completion. 
• NASA played a key role in the success of the mission. 
• The final outcome of the mission was In development. 
• With a budget of ~$1 billion, NASA launched DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) to advance scientific understanding and explore new frontiers. 

With Probe: mass spectrometer, tunable laser spectrometer, atmospheric structure, imager Orbiter: camera, DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

Atmospheric entry probe surviving Venus conditions, advanced spectrometers enabled DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) 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 DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) Space Mission Overview 

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DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) Space Mission Global Contributions

• Goddard SFC (project management/probe instruments), Lockheed Martin (probe carrier/orbiter) played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
• The use of Data will be archived in NASA PDS encouraged collaborative validation of autonomous technologies and mission outcomes. 
• Through DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging), NASA achieved First US in-situ Venus atmosphere mission since 1978, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

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Challenges & Risk in DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) was Designing probe to withstand extreme temperature and pressure, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

• DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) encountered mission-specific risks such as Probe survival in harsh Venus atmosphere, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 
• DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) has a defined environmental footprint, described as Probe will be crushed on Venus surface as planned, which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

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Mission Timeline of DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) NASA Space Mission

• NASA initiated formal planning for the mission on Selected 2021. 
• On To be determined, engineers assessed the final design for mission readiness. 
• The final spacecraft assembly wrapped up on To be determined, paving the way for pre-launch assessments and validation. 
• The NASA space mission successfully completed its landing/flyby on Venus atmospheric entry planned late 2020s/early 2030s, marking a key achievement in space exploration. 
• NASA declared the Upon probe data transmission completion as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

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UPSC Relevance of DAVINCI Venus Probe Mission (Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry, and Imaging)

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• NASA’s exploration efforts, such as Mars and Psyche missions, can be cited in GS Paper 3 answers dealing with frontier technologies and research.
• 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.
• 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. Cygnus spacecraft launched by NASA is seen recently in the context of
1. It uses solar power to enter into its desired orbit
2. It provides real-time portal for Mars exploration
3. It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
4. It has been send to destroy targeted space debris

Answer: 3
Solution: NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil. Hence, option 3 is correct. Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying a fresh supply of 8300 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo, has reached International Space Station on 21 February 2022, less than two days after it was launched. This is Northrop Grumman's 17th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station for NASA. The Cygnus spacecraft is named the S.S. Piers Sellers in honour of the late NASA astronaut who spent nearly 35 days across three missions helping to construct the space station.

Q2. 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: 3
Solution: Artemis is an ongoing space mission run by NASA with the goal of landing the first female astronaut and next male astronaut on the Moon's South Pole by 2024. It is the US space agency's first crewed Moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. NASA is working on the Artemis program that aims to land humans on the moon by 2024. NASA's VIPER would land near the western edge of the Nobile Crater at the Moon's South Pole, one of the coldest areas in the solar system.

Q3. 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: 3
Solution: 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. NASA was created by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958. The Indian Mars Orbiter Mission, also called Mangalyaan, is a space probe orbiting Mars since 24 September 2014.

Q4. 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: 1
Solution: 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 Trojans orbit the Sun in two loose groups, with one group leading ahead of Jupiter in its path, and the other trailing behind.

Q5. Hayabusa-2 space mission belongs to which space agency?
1. JAXA
2. NASA
3. C. N. S. A
4. ISRO

Answer: 1
Solution: The Hayabusa-2 space mission belongs to JAXA space agency. In December 2014, JAXA launched Hayabusa-2 to collect samples from Ryugu. Hayabusa-2 is a Japanese spacecraft that studied the asteroid Ryugu, took samples, and returned them to Earth for analysis.

Q6. According to ISRO, the X-ray spectrometer CLASS of the ______________ Orbiter has mapped an abundance of sodium on the moon for the first time in October 2022.
1. Chandrayaan-2
2. ASTROSAT
3. NISAR
4. Mangalyaan

Answer: 1
Solution: The X-ray spectrometer CLASS on the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter has mapped an abundance of sodium on the moon for the first time, according to ISRO. The findings of the spectrometer were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters in the last week of September 2022. The new findings will be helpful in the study of surface-exosphere interaction on the moon.

Q7. Where will NASA send its next-generation atomic clock in 2019?
1. Mars
2. Moon
3. North Pole
4. Space

Answer: 4
Solution: NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock has been pushing the timekeeping frontiers in space, hence the correct answer is option 4. The instrument is hosted on General Atomics' Orbital Test Bed spacecraft that was launched aboard the Department of Defense Space Test Program 2 mission on June 25, 2019. Its goal is to test the feasibility of using an onboard atomic clock to improve spacecraft navigation in deep space.

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

Answer: 2
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. 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: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 3 only. The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution TEMPO mission is the first funded project of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program. 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. The present pollution-monitoring satellites are in low Earth orbit, but this new monitoring instrument is hosted in geostationary orbit.

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