NASAs space missions often make us think about important ethical questions, like how to explore space responsibly, making sure we dont harm other planets (planetary protection), and how to design machines that can make decisions on their own. Thinking about these issues helps us consider how to do things the right way, be accountable, and serve the public good.

In this article, we will go deeper about the STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval 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.

• On November 8, 1984, NASA launched STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Deploy two satellites; retrieve two stranded communications satellites. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• The people chosen for this Crewed satellite deployment and retrieval flight received special training tailored to what the mission required.  
• The advanced technology of the Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103) made it a very capable choice for this demanding space mission. 
• Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A was the location where the mission was launched. 
• 7 days, 23 hours, 44 minutes, 56 seconds marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The mission was conducted by NASA. 
• Overall, the mission was Completed (Successful), meeting most of its objectives. 

The payload of ANIK D2, LEASAT F1; retrieval of PALAPA B2, WESTAR VI aboard STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval enhances both mission autonomy and scientific output.

Powered by First retrieval and return of two commercial satellites, STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval 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-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval 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-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval Space Mission Global Contributions

NASAs collaboration with Canada (ANIK D2 deployment) on STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval advanced both technical development and diplomatic ties in space research.

• Through Satellites owned by commercial/international entities, STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval tested mission-critical functions for future autonomous and long-duration missions. 
• Telesat Canada, Hughes, Western Union, Perumtel played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
• STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval had a transformative effect on global space policy by Demonstrated unique satellite salvage capability, shaping future agreements and operational standards for space activities worldwide. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval Space Mission

Even with substantial challenges such as Retrieving and stowing two large satellites in payload bay, STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval was able to maintain operational continuity through rigorous diagnostics, system calibration, and expert mission control intervention.

• A key risk during STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval was Complex EVAs for satellite capture and stowage, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 
• STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval has a defined environmental footprint, described as Returned two satellites to Earth, which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval NASA Space Mission

• After months of preparation and travel, the spacecraft completed its planned landing/flyby on November 16, 1984 (Landing at KSC), fulfilling core mission objectives. 
• The spacecraft continued to perform beyond expectations even after the primary mission officially ended on November 16, 1984. 

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

UPSC Relevance of STS-51A Discovery Satellite Retrieval

• NASA’s recent explorations and technological feats are directly relevant to the science and tech portion of the UPSC Prelims exam.
• The influence of NASA’s technological advancements on India’s space ambitions can be analyzed in GS Paper 3, particularly in questions on indigenization and self-reliance in space tech.
• 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.
• In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

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. Consider the following statements about the James Webb Space Telescope.
1. It is a large infrared telescope that will study every phase in the history of the Universe.
2. It will orbit the Earth as it is positioned at the second Lagrange point or L2, approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth.
Select the correct statement(s):
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. None of the above

Answer: 1 only
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as the James Webb Space Telescope is indeed a large infrared telescope designed to study various phases in the history of the Universe. Statement 2 is incorrect because the telescope will orbit the Sun, not the Earth, at the second Lagrange point or L2, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.

Q2. Curiosity rover, of which organization, found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain?
1. ESA
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA

Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA's Curiosity rover discovered new evidence of an ancient lake on Mars, which was found in the form of rocks that show ripples from waves.

Q3. 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: Heavy oxygen, also known as 18O, contains 10 neutrons, which is more than the normal oxygen isotope 16O that contains 8 neutrons.

Q4. Consider the following statements about Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)
1. The GRACE mission is jointly launched by NASA and ISRO.
2. The objective of this mission is to monitor and study Earth's gravity field and its changes over time.
3. The GRACE mission is used for monitoring the Earth's resources, it can detect changes in the amount of water stored in the form of groundwater, surface water, and ice.
Choose the correct statement/s from the option given below:
1. 1 and 2 are Correct.
2. 2 and 3 are Correct
3. 1 and 3 are Correct.
4. All of the above

Answer: 2 and 3 are Correct
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect as the GRACE mission was launched by NASA and the German Aerospace Center, not ISRO. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the mission's objective is to monitor Earth's gravity field and it can detect changes in water storage.

Q5. The fault that occurred in which spacecraft has led to the delayed comeback of Sunita Williams to earth from space?
1. SpaceX Dragon
2. Soyuz 1A
3. Boeing Starliner
4. NASA Orion

Answer: Boeing Starliner
Solution: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced technical issues that resulted in the decision to delay the return of astronauts, including Sunita Williams, to Earth.

Q6. Which one of the following missions aims to revolutionize commercial spaceflight with a high-orbit mission and the first-ever private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts?
1. Artemis I
2. Inspiration4
3. Polaris Dawn
4. Axiom Mission 1

Answer: Polaris Dawn
Solution: The Polaris Dawn mission is designed to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown and will feature the first-ever private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

Q7. The NEEMO program, which conducts analog space missions in underwater environments, is an initiative of which country?
1. Japan
2. Russia
3. Germany
4. United States

Answer: United States
Solution: The NEEMO program, which stands for NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations, is conducted by NASA in the United States to simulate space mission conditions.

Q8. 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 led the design, development, and implementation of the James Webb Space Telescope, collaborating with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

Q9. 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: Statement 1 is correct as Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and its rings are made of ice and rock. Statement 2 is also correct as only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Clipper mission is aimed at studying Jupiter's moon Europa, not Saturn.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight, particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission:
1. The Crew Escape System (CES) on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction, using solid fuel engines.
2. The Gaganyaan crew module, in orbit, will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent.
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station.
How many of the above statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: All three
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Crew Escape System is designed to pull the crew module away in case of a malfunction, the crew module can use onboard thrusters for reentry, and it serves as a lifeboat after docking with a space station.

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