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.

With OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer), NASA seeks to deepen our knowledge of Asteroid Bennu, exploring its capabilities, environment, and contributions to space exploration.

• On September 8, 2016, the launch of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) marked the commencement of a mission with far-reaching scientific goals.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Study asteroid Bennu, collect sample, return sample to Earth. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• The detailed discussions after the Asteroid sample return (New Frontiers Program) provided very useful lessons for missions in the future.  
• The success of the entire mission depended on the Atlas V 411 working without any problems and providing enough power. 
• Liftoff occurred at Cape Canaveral, SLC-41, kicking off the mission. 
• It remained active for Over 7 years (through sample return). 
• This mission was managed by NASA. 
• Overall, the mission was Sample returned to Earth; spacecraft on extended mission (OSIRIS-APEX), meeting most of its objectives. 
• The mission had an estimated cost of $800 million (excluding launch), aiming to expand humanity’s reach into deep space. 

With OCAMS (cameras), OVIRS, OTES (spectrometers), OLA (laser altimeter), TAGSAM (sampler), OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

To achieve autonomy objectives, OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) integrated Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), asteroid proximity operations, advancing NASA’s capabilities in onboard processing and intelligent control systems. In this article, lets understand more about Objectives, Key Technologies Used and Commercial Involvement Faced in NASAs OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) which is useful in UPSC Prelims & UPSC Mains Papers.

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NASA OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) Space Mission Overview 

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

OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) Space Mission Global Contributions

OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) was jointly executed with Canada (OLA instrument), contributions from France, Japan, promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• The Canadian Space Agency provided OLA in OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) significantly improved its ability to perform autonomous science and diagnostics. 
• Key contributors such as Lockheed Martin (spacecraft), Goddard (management), University of Arizona (PI) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
• Through Sample analysis by global team; data to PDS, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• The global significance of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) was reflected in its role as Largest US sample return since Apollo; insights into early solar system, influencing the way nations coordinate and plan space missions. 

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Challenges & Risk in OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) Space Mission

The complexity of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) increased due to issues like Bennu's unexpectedly rocky surface for sample collection, but thanks to swift identification and mitigation techniques, the mission was able to continue its objectives with minimal disruption.

• A key risk during OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) was Complex TAGSAM operation on rugged asteroid surface, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 
• The long-term presence or disposal of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) is summarized by its Sample capsule returned; main spacecraft on extended mission, an important aspect of mission planning. 

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Mission Timeline of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer) NASA Space Mission

• On Around 2009, the initial mission outline was submitted to NASA leadership. 
• On April 2014, engineers assessed the final design for mission readiness. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on December 3, 2018 (Bennu arrival); Oct 20, 2020 (TAG); Sept 24, 2023 (Sample return) enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• On September 24, 2023 (With sample capsule landing), all core mission tasks were completed, marking the official end of the spacecraft’s planned journey. 

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UPSC Relevance of OSIRIS-REx Mission (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer)

• UPSC Prelims often includes questions related to NASA missions, highlighting the intersection of space science, technology, and international developments.
• NASA’s exploration efforts, such as Mars and Psyche missions, can be cited in GS Paper 3 answers dealing with frontier technologies and research.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) may include questions around how organizations like NASA prioritize scientific advancement for public good over commercial interests, offering a lens to evaluate ethical service orientation.
• UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Anthropology, and Public Administration can benefit from NASA examples when discussing themes like soft power, collective leadership, and institutional accountability in high-stakes missions.

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 designed to study various phases in the history of the Universe. Statement 2 is incorrect because the telescope will not orbit the Earth but will orbit the Sun at the second Lagrange point, L2, which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers away 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 evidence of an ancient lake on Mars, indicated by rocks with wave-like patterns, suggesting the presence of water in the past.

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, compared to the 8 neutrons in the more common form of oxygen, 16O.

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 jointly launched by NASA and the German Aerospace Center, not ISRO. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the mission aims to monitor Earth's gravity field and detect changes in water resources.

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 delayed 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: option 3
Solution: Polaris Dawn is designed to push the boundaries of commercial spaceflight, aiming to reach high Earth orbit and conduct 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: option 4
Solution: The NEEMO program, which simulates space mission conditions in underwater habitats, is run by NASA in the United States.

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, which is a collaborative effort involving 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: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and its rings are made of ice and rock. 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: Option 3
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 emergency reentry, and it serves as a lifeboat after docking with a space station.

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