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.

NASA’s OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L is designed to investigate Landsat 7 (for servicing demonstration), with hopes of unlocking critical data about its operational frameworks and scientific potential.

• OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L, launched on Planned mid-2020s (delayed), is expected to play a pivotal role in space research and technology.  
• Engineers and scientists have collaborated extensively to meet the missions key objective, which is to Demonstrate robotic satellite servicing technologies, refuel Landsat 7, requiring innovative technological solutions.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Satellite servicing technology demonstration was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• Mission planners selected the To be determined due to its established reliability and successful flight history. 
• The rocket launched from To be determined, starting its space journey. 
• From start to finish, the mission ran for Technology demonstration phase. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA. 
• According to NASA records, the mission was In development (experiencing delays/restructuring). 
• NASA allocated Over $2 billion (initial estimates, subject to change) for the ambitious OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L, pushing boundaries in aerospace innovation and planetary science. 

NASA outfitted OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L with Robotic arms, servicing tools, propellant transfer system, SPIDER assembly demo to support its goals in autonomous space exploration.

OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L incorporated Autonomous rendezvous, robotic grappling, satellite refueling, in-space assembly to enable autonomous decision-making and enhance adaptability in space environments. This comprehensive article on NASA OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L 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 OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L Space Mission Overview 

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

OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L Space Mission Global Contributions

• NASA relied on Maxar Technologies (spacecraft bus and robotic arms) to supply major components for the spacecraft and launch systems, enhancing mission efficiency. 
• By implementing Technology demonstration data to inform future servicing missions, NASA enabled real-time data exchange and cooperative research throughout the mission. 
• The global significance of OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L was reflected in its role as Aims to enable a new commercial satellite servicing industry, influencing the way nations coordinate and plan space missions. 

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Challenges & Risk in OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L Space Mission

Despite initial complications stemming from Cost overruns, schedule delays, technical complexity, the mission team behind OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L acted quickly to mitigate the risks, preserving scientific integrity and mission functionality throughout the duration of operations.

• Among the primary risk factors for OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L was Complex robotic operations on unprepared satellite, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 
• Environmental considerations were factored into OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L, resulting in Aims to extend life of existing satellites as its end-of-life footprint. 

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Mission Timeline of OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L NASA Space Mission

• Mission documentation was initiated on Mid-2010s (as Restore-L), launching the early planning phase. 
• On November 2020 (Servicing spacecraft); SPIDER later, engineers assessed the final design for mission readiness. 
• The spacecraft was fully assembled on Ongoing, meeting all design and integration criteria. 
• The spacecraft achieved its landing/flyby on Not applicable, enabling high-resolution imaging and data collection from the target zone. 
• NASA declared the After tech demo completion (planned) as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

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UPSC Relevance of OSAM-1 (On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1) / Restore-L

• The Prelims syllabus integrates recent breakthroughs from NASA missions, emphasizing their impact on global scientific progress.
• 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.
• GS Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS Exam could present ethical dilemmas regarding public spending on high-risk scientific missions, using NASA’s funding strategies to evaluate responsible resource use.
• Optional papers such as Anthropology, Geography, and Philosophy can use NASA’s deep space missions to examine human adaptability, technological ethics, and questions of existential risk and sustainability in modern science.

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. In which year did ISRO launch the Mars Orbiter Mission?
1. 2012
2. 2015
3. 2014
4. 2013
Answer: 4
Solution: ISRO launched its Mars Orbiter Mission on 5th November 2013. It was the maiden interplanetary mission of ISRO. The mission got inserted into Martian orbit on 24th September 2014 in its first attempt. The mission completed its 1000 Earth days in its orbit on 19th June 2017. The mission was launched with an objective to explore and observe Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and the Martian atmosphere. Mars Orbiter Mission was launched with an XL variant of the PSLV, PSLV C-25. Mars Orbiter Mission made ISRO the fourth space agency to achieve this feat after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency. India is the first Asian country to reach Martian orbit as well as the first nation in the world to achieve this in its maiden attempt. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) is also called Mangalyaan.

Q2. 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: 1
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.

Q3. Recently the Voyager - 2 mission was in the news. Consider the following statements about this mission
1. This mission was launched by the European Space Agency.
2. This mission was launched for the study of the jovian planet Jupiter and Saturn.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 4
Solution: Voyager 2 is a space probe launched by NASA to study the outer planets and interstellar space beyond the Sun's heliosphere. A part of the Voyager program, it was launched 16 days before its twin, Voyager 1, on a trajectory that took longer to reach Jupiter and Saturn but enabled further encounters with Uranus and Neptune. Hence statement 1 is Incorrect. It is the only spacecraft to have visited either of these two ice giant planets. Voyager 2 was the fourth of five spacecraft to achieve the Solar escape velocity which allowed it to leave the Solar System. Voyager 2 successfully fulfilled its primary mission of visiting the Jovian system in 1979, the Saturnian system in 1981, Uranian system in 1986, and the Neptunian system in 1989. Voyager 2 is now in its extended mission of studying Interstellar Space and has been operating for 44 years and 9 days. Voyager 2 has begun to provide the first direct measurements of the density and temperature of the interstellar plasma. Voyager 2 remains in contact with Earth through the NASA Deep Space Network. In 2020, maintenance to the Deep Space Network cut outbound contact with the probe for eight months. Contact was reestablished on November 2, 2020, when a series of instructions was transmitted, subsequently executed, and relayed back with a successful communication message.

Q4. 'NISAR' is a joint project of ISRO and ______.
1. CNSA
2. JAXA
3. NASA
4. DRDO
Answer: 3
Solution: 'NISAR' is a joint project of ISRO and NASA. NISAR refers to NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images. Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it can collect data day and night in any weather. Function: It will scan the globe every 12 days over the course of its three-year mission of imaging the Earth's land, ice sheets, and sea ice to give an unprecedented view of the planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA - space agency of the USA) will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, and a payload data subsystem. NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA. Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar (called the S-band radar), the launch vehicle, and associated launch services. It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota into near-polar orbit in 2024.

Q5. 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: 4
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.

Q6. 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. Perseverance
Answer: 2
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, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. SpaceX launched the Crew-2 mission for NASA and carried the four astronauts to the International Space Station on 23rd April 2021. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the four astronauts to space in the company’s Crew Dragon spacecraft named Endeavour.

Q7. 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: 3
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2, and 3 only. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States is set to launch the Artemis-1 mission, which will take humans back to the Moon after more than half a century. Artemis-1 will be NASA's first non-crew mission to the Moon in recent history, paving the stage for the human orbital mission (Artemis-2) and manned landing mission (Artemis 3) in 2025.

Q8. Where will NASA send its next-generation atomic clock in 2019?
1. Mars
2. Moon
3. North Pole
4. Space
Answer: 4
Solution: NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock Mission - For more than two years, NASA's Deep Space Atomic Clock has been pushing the timekeeping frontiers in space, hence the correct answer is option 4.

Q9. ______ is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to launch a dual frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite.
1. GSAT-12
2. RISAT-1A
3. NISAR
4. GSAT-11
Answer: 3
Solution: NISAR is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to launch a dual frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite. The mission aims to provide global measurements of the causes and consequences of land surface changes using advanced radar imaging. The NISAR satellite will be equipped with a dual frequency (L-band and S-band) radar to observe and measure some of the planet's most complex processes, including ecosystem disturbances, ice-sheet collapse, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. The collaboration between NASA and ISRO signifies a significant partnership in space exploration and research.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) mission:
1. It is a joint venture mission launched by NASA and the European space agency.
2. It will measure the pollution level across the world measuring levels of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels.
3. It is placed in the earth's Geostationary orbit.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 and 3 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 3 only. The Indian Express: NASA's high-resolution air pollution monitoring instrument TEMPO lifted atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) mission: It is the first funded project of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program, which includes small, targeted science investigations designed to complement NASA's larger research missions. It will measure atmospheric pollution covering most of North America, from Mexico City to the Canadian tar/oil sands, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific hourly and at high spatial resolution. It will take important scientific observations, including that of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels. It monitors the effects of everything from rush-hour traffic to pollution from forest fires and volcanoes. The present pollution-monitoring satellites are in low Earth orbit (LEO), but this new monitoring instrument is hosted in geostationary orbit. A geostationary orbit is 36,000 kilometers above the equator, where the orbiting satellite will match the rotation of the Earth.

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