NASA is a leader in working with other countries in space, partnering with over 100 nations. When NASA works with big international space groups like ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and ISRO (India), it shows that more and more countries are cooperating peacefully in space. This teamwork is really important for tackling problems that affect everyone, like protecting Earth from asteroids or cleaning up space junk.

NASA’s Landsat 5 is designed to investigate Earth (Sun-synchronous orbit), with hopes of unlocking critical data about its operational frameworks and scientific potential.

• NASA’s Landsat 5 lifted off on March 1, 1984, embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Continuous global Earth observation for resource management; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Earth observation satellite was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• The flight path for the Delta 3920 was charted with extraordinary precision by astrodynamicists. 
• The missions departure point was Vandenberg AFB, where the launch was successfully carried out. 
• Its total duration was Over 29 years (Guinness World Record holder). 
• The mission was conducted by NASA, NOAA, USGS. 
• The mission was classified as Completed (Highly Successful) upon completion. 

Landsat 5 leverages Multispectral Scanner (MSS), Thematic Mapper (TM) to enable efficient, real-time space science and reduce reliance on Earth-based control.

To achieve autonomy objectives, Landsat 5 integrated Advanced multispectral imaging (Thematic Mapper), advancing NASA’s capabilities in onboard processing and intelligent control systems. In this article, lets understand more about Objectives, Key Technologies Used and Commercial Involvement Faced in NASAs Landsat 5 which is useful in UPSC Prelims & UPSC Mains Papers.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

NASA Landsat 5 Space Mission Overview 

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

Landsat 5 Space Mission Global Contributions

Global network of ground stations played a key role in Landsat 5, contributing to payload development and mission operations.

• The involvement of General Electric/Lockheed Martin (built satellite) ensured access to reliable launch services and advanced satellite platforms. 
• Longest continuous global land remote sensing archive allowed multiple stakeholders to access and utilize mission outputs for extended scientific and technical purposes. 
• Through Landsat 5, NASA achieved Unprecedented long-term environmental monitoring data record, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in Landsat 5 Space Mission

The complexity of Landsat 5 increased due to issues like Numerous technical issues managed to extend operational life significantly, but thanks to swift identification and mitigation techniques, the mission was able to continue its objectives with minimal disruption.

• Despite hurdles such as Multiple instrument and system anomalies overcome, Landsat 5 proceeded as planned with only minor adjustments. 
• Environmental considerations were factored into Landsat 5, resulting in Decommissioned and maneuvered to disposal orbit as its end-of-life footprint. 

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!

Mission Timeline of Landsat 5 NASA Space Mission

• The mission concept was officially proposed on Late 1970s. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on Not applicable enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• By June 5, 2013 (Decommissioned), the spacecraft had met or exceeded its planned targets, and the mission entered its post-primary phase. 

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

UPSC Relevance of Landsat 5

• NASA’s recent explorations and technological feats are directly relevant to the science and tech portion of the UPSC Prelims exam.
• In GS Paper 3, NASA missions serve as examples to explain concepts such as innovation, sustainability, and the ethical use of advanced technologies.
• 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.
• The ethical and strategic challenges of NASA missions—like space militarization risks, autonomy, and data-sharing—are relevant to PSIR, Philosophy, and Geography optionals, especially in discussions on global security and technological responsibility.

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
educationprovince.com

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. Which space company has been selected by NASA to deliver cargo, experiments and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit?
1. Dragon-X
2. Blue origin
3. Astra space
4. Space X

Answer: Space X
Solution: NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, as the first U.S. commercial provider under the Gateway Logistics Services contract to deliver cargo, science experiments, and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit. The award is a significant step forward for NASA's Artemis program that will land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024 and build a sustainable human lunar presence. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will gain the experience necessary to mount a historic human mission to Mars. SpaceX will deliver critical pressurized and unpressurized cargo, science experiments, and supplies to the Gateway, such as sample collection materials and other items the crew may need on the Gateway and during their expeditions on the lunar surface. This contract award is another critical piece of our plan to return to the moon sustainably, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Gateway is the cornerstone of the long-term Artemis architecture and this deep space commercial cargo capability integrates yet another American industry partner into our plans for human exploration at the moon in preparation for a future mission to Mars.

Q2. In February 2021, which NASA rover landed on Mars?
1. Perseverance
2. Curiosity
3. Hope
4. Viking

Answer: Perseverance
Solution: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA's) Perseverance Rover has landed on Mars. This was one of the most crucial aspects of the Mars 2020 Mission. Perseverance is the most advanced, most expensive and most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars. It is different from previous missions because it is capable of drilling and collecting core samples of the most promising rocks and soils, and setting them aside in a cache on the surface of Mars. The landing site is Jezero Crater, an ancient river delta that has rocks and minerals that could only form in water. The landing occurred on 18th February 2021.

Q3. What is the new name of the world’s most powerful telescope, earlier named as Next Generation Space Telescope, which is slated for launch in October 2018?
1. James Webb Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. Spitzer Space Telescope
4. Vainu Bappu Space Telescope

Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The telescope is named after James E. Webb, who was the administrator of NASA from 1961 to 1968 and played an integral role in the Apollo program. Initially, the mission was aimed at the 2015 launch then it was changed to 2018. In March 2018, NASA delayed JWST's launch an additional year to May 2020. In June 2018, NASA delayed the launch by an additional 10 months to March 2021. JWST was launched on 25 December 2021 on Ariane flight VA256. JWST is a successor to Hubble Space Telescope.

Q4. Which of the following instruments is not a part of NASA’s Psyche Mission?
1. X-band Gravity Science Investigation
2. Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer
3. Multispectral Imager
4. Alpha-particle X-ray spectrometer

Answer: Alpha-particle X-ray spectrometer
Solution: NASA's Psyche mission is going to be launched in August 2022. It will be the first launch to explore a giant metal asteroid known as Psyche in the main asteroid belt. The mission is being led by Arizona State University. Mission management, navigation and its operations will be done by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The mission will be launched in August 2022 from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. It is expected to arrive on the Psyche asteroid in 2026. The mission will spend 21 months studying and mapping the asteroid Psyche. Instruments on Psyche mission include X-band Gravity Science Investigation, Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer, and Multispectral Imager. The objective of the mission is to understand how planets and other bodies separated into layers such as cores, mantles, and crusts.

Q5. 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: It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
Solution: 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. NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil. Hence, option 3 is correct. Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft was launched on 19 February 2022 on an Antares rocket from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. After Cygnus capture, mission control in Houston will send ground commands for the station's arm to rotate and install it on the station's Unity module Earth-facing port. 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.

Q6. Who is the record holder for single longest space flight by NASA astronaut abroad the International Space Station?
1. Anton Sheaplerov
2. Pyotr Dubrov
3. Mark Vande Hei
4. None of the above

Answer: Mark Vande Hei
Solution: NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei completed a single mission aboard the International Space Station of 355 days on 30 March 2021. He was selected by NASA in 2009. Born in Virginia then raised in New Jersey and Minnesota, Vande Hei earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Saint John's University and a Master of Science in Applied Physics from Stanford University. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army through the ROTC program and served as a combat engineer. In 1999, he became an assistant professor of physics at the United States Military Academy in West Point. After extending the record for the longest single spaceflight in history by an American to 355 days, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei returned to Earth on Wednesday, March 30.

Q7. 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: Chandrayaan-2
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. Chandrayaan-2 was launched on 22 July 2019.

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. The Artemis program aims to demonstrate new technologies, capabilities, and business approaches needed for future explorations, including Mars. Artemis III will also test new space suits and other technologies to ensure astronauts can live and work on the Moon. The mission will use the Space Launch System rocket and the Orion spacecraft for the journey to the Moon.

Q9. With reference to Astrosat, the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
2. It is a multi-institute collaborative project, involving NASA, ISRO, JAXA and European Space Agency.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 1 only
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made an announcement of opportunity to allow scientists and researchers to analyse data from the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission, AstroSat. AstroSat was launched on 28 September 2015 by ISRO into a near-Earth equatorial orbit. AstroSat is the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. Hence, statement 1 is correct. The payloads cover the energy bands of Ultraviolet (Near and Far), limited optical and X-ray regime. One of the unique features of the AstroSat mission is that it enables the simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects with a single satellite. Onboard the AstroSat is a 38-cm wide UltraViolet Imaging Telescope, which is capable of imaging in far and near-ultraviolet bands over a wide field of view. It is a multi-institute collaborative project, involving IUCAA, ISRO, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Physical Research Laboratory, among others. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Q10. Who collaborated with NASA and Caltech to develop a low-cost camera for multispectral imaging of flame?
1. IIT Bombay
2. IIT Indore
3. IIT Delhi
4. IIT Kanpur

Answer: IIT Indore
Solution: IIT Indore and NASA-Caltech collaborate to develop low-cost camera for flame imaging. The camera is designed for multispectral imaging of flames. It is low-cost and can be used for research and industrial applications. The camera was developed in collaboration with NASA-Caltech. It can capture images in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions. It can help in understanding the combustion process and improving fuel efficiency.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions
Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims	Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims
Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims	Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims
Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims	Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

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