NASAs job isnt just about making scientific discoveries. It also includes developing new technologies, figuring out how to communicate across vast distances in space, and keeping an eye on our own planet. The money NASA puts into things like space robots, systems that can think for themselves, and long-distance space communication has led to important tools for everyday people and for national defense, showing just how valuable NASA is.

With COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer), NASA seeks to deepen our knowledge of Deep Space (observing cosmic microwave background - CMB), exploring its capabilities, environment, and contributions to space exploration.

• NASA’s COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) lifted off on November 18, 1989, embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
• Engineers and scientists have collaborated extensively to meet the missions key objective, which is to Measure CMB spectrum and anisotropies; diffuse infrared background, requiring innovative technological solutions.  
• The people chosen for this Astrophysics satellite received special training tailored to what the mission required.  
• For this historic journey, the powerful Delta 5920 was selected because it was a well-known and dependable rocket at the time. 
• The mission began with a launch from Vandenberg AFB, SLC-2W. 
• The mission continued for Operations lasted about 4 years before concluding. 
• It was a project spearheaded by NASA. 
• It ended as Completed (Highly Successful). 
• NASA’s COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer), with a projected cost of ~$160 million (excluding launch), marks a milestone in automated space operations. 

COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) carries FIRAS (spectrometer), DMR (microwave radiometers), DIRBE (infrared photometer) for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

Powered by Cryogenically cooled instruments, precision differential microwave radiometry, COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) 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 COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) 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 COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) Space Mission Overview 

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COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) Space Mission Global Contributions

• Contributing to mission success, All three primary instruments (FIRAS, DMR, DIRBE) were developed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center on COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) brought new functionality to deep space autonomy. 
• Goddard SFC (project management/instrument development) played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
• Through Data led to Nobel Prize; publicly archived, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by Provided definitive evidence for Big Bang theory through CMB studies, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

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Challenges & Risk in COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) was Managing cryogenic dewar performance and lifetime, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

• Mitigating risks like Cryogen (liquid helium) lifetime for FIRAS and DIRBE was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 
• Sustainability and post-mission planning for COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) are evident in its Remains in Earth orbit (inactive). 

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Mission Timeline of COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer) NASA Space Mission

• On 1970s, the initial mission outline was submitted to NASA leadership. 
• On Not applicable, mission control confirmed the spacecraft’s successful encounter with its target, with all systems performing as expected. 
• The date December 23, 1993 (Deactivated) marked the successful conclusion of the missions scheduled scientific and operational tasks. 

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UPSC Relevance of COBE Satellite (Cosmic Background Explorer)

• The Prelims syllabus integrates recent breakthroughs from NASA missions, emphasizing their impact on global scientific progress.
• 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.
• From the use of satellite imagery in remote sensing (Geography) to space-based diplomacy (PSIR) and organizational leadership in mission planning (Public Administration), NASA missions support diverse analytical frameworks across optional papers.

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. The Parker Solar Probe Mission sometimes mentioned in the news recently is related to
1. Indian Space Research Organisation
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: 2
Solution: The Parker Solar Probe Mission is related to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Scientists using data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe have assembled the most complete picture yet of the inner structure and behaviour of the large cloud of space dust, known as the zodiacal cloud, that swirls throughout the solar system.

Q2. Landsat 9 is a joint mission of which of the following organizations?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and European Space Agency
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and US Geological Survey
3. European Space Agency and US Geological Survey
4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration and Indian Space Research Organisation
Answer: 2
Solution: Recently, NASA has launched an earth monitoring satellite called Landsat 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite is a joint mission of NASA and the US Geological Survey. This satellite is referred to as NASA's new eye in the sky that will help study climate change.

Q3. In December 2021, SpaceX has launched 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from a California base. Which rocket has been used to launch these satellites?
1. Voyager Cassini
2. Falcon 9
3. Falcon 7
4. Rover 4
Answer: 2
Solution: A SpaceX rocket carried 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California on 18 December 2021. The two-stage Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from coastal Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon's first stage returned and landed on a SpaceX drone ship in the ocean. The mission was the 34th launch for Starlink, a constellation of nearly 2,000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Q4. Recently seen in the news, DART mission is launched by _______.
1. CNSA
2. ISRO
3. NASA
4. ESA
Answer: 3
Solution: Just two weeks after its launch, NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test spacecraft has opened its eye and returned its first images from space, a major operational milestone for the spacecraft and DART team. Hence option 3 is correct.

Q5. 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.

Q6. Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched ________ more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station for NASA on 27 April 2022.
1. 3
2. 4
3. 5
4. 6
Answer: 2
Solution: Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX launched four more astronauts on a flight to the International Space Station 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.

Q7. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager 2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission
Answer: 2
Solution: NASA's Artemis mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System, which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions.

Q8. Hayabusa-2 space mission belongs to which space agency?
1. JAXA
2. NASA
3. CNSA
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.

Q9. 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.

Q10. The spacecraft launched by NASA to study the Sun is
1. Parker Solar Probe
2. Probing Sun
3. Mission on Sun
4. Hawking Solar Probe
Answer: 1
Solution: The Parker Solar Probe's mission is to study the outer corona of the Sun. Launched by NASA on August 12, 2018, it is designed to approach the Sun within 3.83 million miles, closer than any previous spacecraft. The mission aims to solve two key solar mysteries: how the solar wind accelerates and why the Sun's outer atmosphere is hotter than its surface.

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