Mars Polar Lander (MPL) NASA Mission: Launch Date, Status & Objectives

From the amazing Apollo Moon landings that first put people on the Moon, to using the Hubble Space Telescope to look deep into the universe, NASA has always helped us learn more and go further than ever before. The agency is famous for its missions that study our Earth, other planets, and faraway galaxies. This work gives us vital information to help understand big issues like climate change, how planets are formed, and the mysteries of the stars.

Through the Mars Polar Lander (MPL) mission, NASA aims to study Mars (Planum Australe - South Polar region), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• On January 3, 1999, the launch of Mars Polar Lander (MPL) marked the commencement of a mission with far-reaching scientific goals.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Study Martian south polar layered deposits; search for water ice. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• As a specific Mars lander (part of Mars Surveyor '98 program), its main goal was clearly defined, and everyone involved worked hard and stayed focused on achieving it.  
• The success of the entire mission depended on the Delta II 7425 working without any problems and providing enough power. 
• The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, LC-17B, heading into orbit. 
• The mission was carried out over a period of Failed on arrival (intended for ~90 sols). 
• It was a project spearheaded by NASA. 
• According to NASA records, the mission was Failed (Contact lost on arrival). 
• NASA invested ~$165 million (lander only) in Mars Polar Lander (MPL), targeting new discoveries through advanced robotics and space instrumentation. 

NASA outfitted Mars Polar Lander (MPL) with Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS) suite, Deep Space 2 microprobes to support its goals in autonomous space exploration.

Powered by Polar landing attempt, robotic arm, soil analysis, Mars Polar Lander (MPL) 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 Mars Polar Lander (MPL) 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 Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Space Mission Overview 

Mars Polar Lander (MPL) – Space Mission Profile for UPSC
Target Celestial Body	Mars (Planum Australe - South Polar region)
Launch Date	January 3, 1999
Objective	Study Martian south polar layered deposits; search for water ice
Mission Type	Mars lander (part of Mars Surveyor '98 program)
Launch Vehicle	Delta II 7425
Launch Site	Cape Canaveral, LC-17B
Mission Duration	Failed on arrival (intended for ~90 sols)
Agencies Involved	NASA
Mission Status	Failed (Contact lost on arrival)
Estimated Cost	~$165 million (lander only)
Proposal Date	Mid-1990s
New Instruments/Payloads	Mars Volatiles and Climate Surveyor (MVACS) suite, Deep Space 2 microprobes
Key Technologies Used	Polar landing attempt, robotic arm, soil analysis

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

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Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Space Mission Global Contributions

• NASA relied on Lockheed Martin (built spacecraft), JPL (managed) to supply major components for the spacecraft and launch systems, enhancing mission efficiency. 
• Through Not applicable (no data returned from surface), NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• Mars Polar Lander (MPL) exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by Failure led to restructuring of NASA's Mars program, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact
International Partners	N/A
Payload Contributions	N/A
Commercial Involvement	Lockheed Martin (built spacecraft), JPL (managed)
Data Sharing Agreements	Not applicable (no data returned from surface)
Impact on Global Space Policy	Failure led to restructuring of NASA's Mars program

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Challenges & Risk in Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Space Mission

Despite initial complications stemming from Apparent crash during landing sequence, the mission team behind Mars Polar Lander (MPL) acted quickly to mitigate the risks, preserving scientific integrity and mission functionality throughout the duration of operations.

• Mars Polar Lander (MPL) encountered mission-specific risks such as Suspected premature engine shutdown during descent, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 
• Mars Polar Lander (MPL) concludes with Spacecraft lost on Mars, which contributes to discussions around orbital sustainability and debris management. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges
Risk & Mitigation Log	Suspected premature engine shutdown during descent
Environmental & Sustainability Footprint	Spacecraft lost on Mars
Challenges Faced	Apparent crash during landing sequence

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Mission Timeline of Mars Polar Lander (MPL) NASA Space Mission

• NASA logged the mission idea as a future candidate on Mid-1990s. 
• The spacecraft achieved its landing/flyby on December 3, 1999 (Presumed impact), enabling high-resolution imaging and data collection from the target zone. 
• On Not applicable, mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones
Proposal Date	Mid-1990s
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	January 3, 1999
Landing / Flyby Date	December 3, 1999 (Presumed impact)
End of Primary Mission Date	Not applicable

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UPSC Relevance of Mars Polar Lander (MPL)

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• Historical milestones in space exploration, like the Apollo program or Artemis missions, can enrich answers in GS Paper 1 under world history or post-independence global developments.
• 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.
• 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
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 one of the following is not a launch vehicle technology
1. GSLV
2. ASLV
3. PSLV
4. MSLV
Answer: MSLV
Solution: Launch vehicles or launch systems are used to transport spacecraft from the Earth's surface into space. To establish a sustainable orbit, a velocity of roughly Mach 25 or about 8 km/s is required. In 1964 during a test flight, NASA's largest launch vehicle, the Saturn SA-5, sent a record-breaking 19 tonnes into orbit. The first American Gemini flight, an unpiloted test that made four orbits and was successfully recovered, took place on April 8, 1964. The development of launch vehicles in India began in the early 1970s. In 1980, the first experimental Satellite Launch Vehicle SLV-3 was built. In 1992, an augmented version of this, ASLV, was successfully introduced.

Q2. What is the name of the space telescope that has reached its final destination, a million miles away from earth in January 2022
1. James Webb Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. Swift Gamma Ray Burst Explorer
4. COROT
Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope has arrived at its final destination, i.e. the cosmic parking spot a million miles away from earth. It has reached the second Lagrange point or L2. It will begin its science mission by summer, which includes using its high-resolution infrared instruments to peer back in time 13.5 billion years to the first generation of galaxies that formed after the Big Bang.

Q3. Which space organization has rolled out its massive mega Moon rocket to a launch pad on 17 March 2022 for key tests
1. China National Space Administration CNSA
2. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO
3. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA
4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Solution: NASA rolled out its massive mega Moon rocket to a launch pad on 17 March 2022 for key tests. The 322-foot-tall stack designed to carry out NASA's uncrewed Artemis I mission around the moon and back to Earth is made up of NASA's Space Launch System SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft that sits atop of a mobile launcher. NASA plans to send humans on the moon by 2025.

Q4. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named by its crew
1. Persistence
2. Resilience
3. Endurance
4. Perseverans
Answer: Resilience
Solution: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named Resilience by its crew. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one Japanese astronaut onboard. SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, and French astronaut Thomas Pesquet launched the Crew-2 mission for NASA and carried the four astronauts to the International Space Station on 23rd April 2021.

Q5. Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched ________ more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station ISS for NASA on 27 April 2022
1. 3
2. 4
3. 5
4. 6
Answer: 4
Solution: Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched four more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station ISS for NASA on 27 April 2022. The SpaceX launch vehicle, consisting of a two-stage Falcon 9 rocket topped with a Crew Dragon capsule dubbed Freedom, lifted off from Florida. The crew will begin a six-month science mission orbiting some 250 miles 420 km above Earth.

Q6. In Oct 2020, NASA named the Cygnus Spacecraft after the astronaut _____
1. Rakesh Sharma
2. Ravish Malhotra
3. Sunita Williams
4. Kalpana Chawla
Answer: Kalpana Chawla
Solution: NASA named the Cygnus Spacecraft after Kalpana Chawla in October 2020. Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-origin woman to travel to space. She was a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. However, she lost her life in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003.

Q7. With reference to Artemis I, consider the following statements
1. It will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration
2. It is the first uncrewed flight beyond the Moon and return to Earth
3. NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits through this mission
Which of the statements given above is/are correct
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: 1, 2 and 3 only
Solution: Artemis I is the first of NASA's deep space exploration systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on a 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. Hence, statement 2 is correct. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits and inspire a new generation of explorers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q8. 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 Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols mission is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency ASI. Hence statement 1 is correct. This will investigate the health impacts of air pollution in the world's most populated cities. Hence statement 2 is correct. During the course of the three-year mission, statement 3 is correct.

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: Heavy oxygen 18O is so called because it has 10 neutrons, rather than the normal eight of main oxygen 16O, the form we breathe. Heavy oxygen is seen as a signature of biological activity, common in the lower atmosphere. 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: 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. 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.

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