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.

In this article we have covered about Valkyrie R5 Robot for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Earth (terrestrial testing, potential future space applications), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• NASA’s Valkyrie R5 Robot lifted off on Not applicable (robotic development project), embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Develop advanced humanoid robot for disaster relief/future space missions. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• As a specific Robotics technology development, its main goal was clearly defined, and everyone involved worked hard and stayed focused on achieving it.  
• People in the control room carefully watched the Not applicables performance as it flew upwards. 
• The rocket launched from Not applicable, starting its space journey. 
• Ongoing development and testing marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The operation was carried out under the leadership of NASA (Johnson Space Center). 
• According to NASA records, the mission was In development/testing phase. 

NASA outfitted Valkyrie R5 Robot with Advanced sensors (cameras, LIDAR), dexterous manipulators, bipedal locomotion to support its goals in autonomous space exploration.

NASA equipped Valkyrie R5 Robot with Humanoid robotics, autonomous operation, human-robot interaction to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot 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 Valkyrie R5 Robot Space Mission Overview 

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

Valkyrie R5 Robot Space Mission Global Contributions

Working alongside Some units provided to universities for research (eg, Edinburgh), NASA’s Valkyrie R5 Robot aimed to build a cooperative future for autonomous exploration.

• Through Research findings published in academic forums, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• With Valkyrie R5 Robot, NASA’s innovative efforts led to Potential for future robotic assistance on space missions, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

Challenges & Risk in Valkyrie R5 Robot Space Mission

Even with substantial challenges such as Achieving robust and autonomous humanoid robot capabilities, Valkyrie R5 Robot was able to maintain operational continuity through rigorous diagnostics, system calibration, and expert mission control intervention.

• Valkyrie R5 Robot navigated technical risks, including Complexity of humanoid robot control and stability, by deploying robust backup protocols and hardware redundancy. 

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Mission Timeline of Valkyrie R5 Robot NASA Space Mission

• A formal proposal detailing the mission objectives was submitted on Early 2010s (DARPA Robotics Challenge participation). 
• The full structure of the NASA space mission was successfully assembled on Multiple units built and upgraded over time, marking a major milestone in spacecraft readiness. 
• The date Not applicable represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• By Ongoing research project, the spacecraft had met or exceeded its planned targets, and the mission entered its post-primary phase. 

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UPSC Relevance of Valkyrie R5 Robot

• UPSC Prelims often includes questions related to NASA missions, highlighting the intersection of space science, technology, and international developments.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• Questions in General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics) under the UPSC CSE Exam may reference NASA’s planetary exploration policies to discuss intergenerational responsibility and long-term sustainability ethics.
• NASA’s advancements in Earth observation, international collaboration, and planetary exploration serve as rich case studies in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optional papers, particularly when discussing global commons and policy frameworks.

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. Which of the following missions are related to exploring the various facets of the Moon?
1. Artemis-I
2. Chang'e 4 project
3. VIPER Mission
4. Hope Mission
5. Crew 2 Mission
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
1. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
2. 2, 4 and 5 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Answer: 1, 2, and 3 only
Solution: The Artemis-I mission is NASA's first non-crew mission to the Moon, paving the way for future crewed missions. The Chang'e 4 project is a Chinese lunar mission that explores the far side of the Moon. The VIPER Mission is a NASA mission to explore the Moon's South Pole region. Therefore, the correct answer includes missions 1, 2, and 3 only.

Q2. _____'s rover Perseverance to begin dropping samples of rock on surface of the Planet _____
1. Roscosmos, Jupiter
2. ISRO, Mars
3. NASA, Mars
4. JAXA, Earth

Answer: NASA, Mars
Solution: NASA's rover Perseverance is set to drop samples of rock on the surface of Mars. This mission is a significant step in the exploration of Mars and aims to collect samples that may provide evidence of past life.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols Mission MAIA:
1. It is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency.
2. It aims to investigate the health impact of air pollution.
3. The duration of the mission is three years.
Which of the above statements 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 MAIA mission is indeed a joint effort between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, focusing on the health impacts of air pollution. The mission is planned to last for three years, making all statements correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements:
1. The Perseverance rover is designed to explore the Jezero crater on Mars.
2. It is NASA's Mars rover with primary objective of looking for signs of ancient microbial life.
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: Both 1 and 2
Solution: Both statements are correct. The Perseverance rover is designed to explore the Jezero crater and its primary objective is to search for signs of ancient microbial life.

Q5. Consider the following about Cassini Mission:
1. It is a joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.
2. Its recent findings show the presence of hydrogen cyanide on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus.
3. Methanol, Ethane, and Oxygen have also been found in the plumes of water vapour erupting from the surface of Enceladus.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: All three
Solution: All statements are correct. The Cassini mission was a collaboration between multiple space agencies, and it discovered hydrogen cyanide along with other compounds in the plumes of Enceladus.

Q6. Group Captains _______________ and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS.
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh

Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is the backup astronaut.

Q7. Consider the following statements regarding Axiom Mission 4:
1. Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station ISS, organized in collaboration with NASA.
2. The flight will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and will last for 14 days.
3. Two Indian astronauts have been chosen for the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: Option 4
Solution: All statements are correct. Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight organized in collaboration with NASA, using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft for a duration of 14 days, and two Indian astronauts have been selected for the mission.

Q8. What is the name of the astronaut who was selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS in August 2024?
1. Sharmila Bhattacharya
2. Ashwin Vasavada
3. Kamlesh Lulla
4. Shubhanshu Shukla

Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station in August 2024.

Q9. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere.
The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above

Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn; it is a mission to Venus. The satellite is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket, but the primary objective is to study Venus, not Saturn.

Q10. Which private company launched the lunar lander Athena to explore the Moon's south pole in February 2025?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Intuitive Machines
4. Firefly Aerospace

Answer: Intuitive Machines
Solution: Intuitive Machines launched the lunar lander Athena on February 26, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

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