With more and more missions planned for the Moon, Mars, and even asteroids, NASA continues to lead the way in exploring deep space. Its work influences how countries around the world think about space, how we discuss environmental issues, and it inspires people to study and learn more – making NASA a fascinating topic from many different angles.

In this article, we will learn about the SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) mission which will explore more about Moon, Deep Space (as part of Artemis missions), capturing vital data that will support future exploration, human habitation, or satellite operations.

• SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) was successfully launched by NASA on Planned for Artemis IV (no earlier than 2028), opening the door to unprecedented space insights.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Provide increased lift capability for Space Launch System (SLS). This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Launch vehicle upper stage was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• The success of the entire mission depended on the SLS Block 1B configuration working without any problems and providing enough power. 
• The mission began with a launch from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B (planned). 
• The mission continued for Hours (duration of upper stage burns) before concluding. 
• NASA led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• The mission was In development. 
• NASA invested Part of multi-billion dollar SLS development in SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS), targeting new discoveries through advanced robotics and space instrumentation. 

Featuring Exploration Upper Stage with four RL10 engines, SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) incorporated Advanced cryogenic upper stage for heavy lift to enable autonomous decision-making and enhance adaptability in space environments. This comprehensive article on NASA SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) 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 SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) Space Mission Overview 

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

SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) Space Mission Global Contributions

• By involving Boeing (prime contractor for EUS), NASA leveraged commercial capabilities for hardware design, satellite manufacturing, and launch logistics. 
• Not applicable (launch vehicle component) supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
• SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) contributed directly to policy reform through its achievement of Enables more ambitious Artemis missions and larger payloads, impacting global frameworks for sustainability and remote sensing. 

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Challenges & Risk in SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) Space Mission

During various mission phases, SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) had to manage risks like Meeting performance requirements and schedule for Artemis IV, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Among the primary risk factors for SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) was Development of new large upper stage, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 
• As part of NASAs commitment to sustainable exploration, SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) resulted in Expendable upper stage. 

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Mission Timeline of SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) NASA Space Mission

• A formal proposal detailing the mission objectives was submitted on SLS program initiated ~2011; Block 1B concepts evolved. 
• The final design review was carried out on December 2022. 
• The spacecraft was fully assembled on In development, meeting all design and integration criteria. 
• The date Not applicable represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• The date Not applicable marked the successful conclusion of the missions scheduled scientific and operational tasks. 

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UPSC Relevance of SLS Block 1B Exploration Upper Stage (EUS)

• Understanding NASA’s space missions is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as these topics often feature under current science and tech developments.
• Discussions in GS Paper 2 about international cooperation in space exploration can reference NASA’s joint missions with other countries and agencies.
• 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.
• 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
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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 regarding the heliophysics missions.
1. These missions are brain-child of ISRO to explore the Sun.
2. It will observe the system that drives space weather near Earth.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2 only
Solution: The heliophysics missions are the brain-child of NASA. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. The missions will explore the sun and observe the system that drives space weather near Earth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the UAE's Hope Mars Mission:
1. With the successful Mars orbit insertion, the UAE becomes the third entity to reach the Red Planet, joining the European Space Agency and India.
2. Hope mission is the Arab world's second interplanetary mission.
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: Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: With the successful Mars orbit insertion, the UAE becomes the fifth entity to reach the Red Planet, joining NASA, the Soviet Union, the European Space Agency, and India. Hence statement 1 is not correct. The 'Hope' mission is the Arab world's first interplanetary mission. Hence statement 2 is not correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements.
1. ISRO has completed the development of NISAR in collaboration with NASA.
2. NISAR will produce extremely high-resolution images of the earth.
3. It will be put into orbit by a reusable rocket of SpaceX.
4. The data obtained from NISAR will be useful to estimate agricultural biomass over the full duration of the crop cycle.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1, 2, and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. All are correct
Answer: 1, 2 and 4 only
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organization has completed the development of radar capable of producing extremely high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with NASA. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is not correct as NISAR will be put into orbit by ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding NISAR.
1. It is the joint collaboration of ISRO and the European Space Agency.
2. 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.
3. ISRO will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar (called the S-band radar), the launch vehicle, and associated launch services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. 3 only
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Solution: NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing a satellite called NISAR. Hence statement 1 is not correct. 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. Hence statement 2 is correct. ISRO will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q5. In the context of space technology, what is Crew-2 Mission recently in the news?
1. A mini satellite launched by NASA.
2. The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe by NASA.
3. The astronauts launching mission to the International Space Station by NASA and SpaceX.
4. A space telescope development by NASA.
Answer: The astronauts launching mission to the International Space Station by NASA and SpaceX.
Solution: Four astronauts were launched to the International Space Station from Florida as part of a collaboration between NASA and SpaceX under the Commercial Crew Program. The mission is called Crew-2.

Q6. Which of the following institution announced its two new robotic missions namely Davinci+ and Veritas, to Venus to examine the atmosphere and geological features on the planet?
1. European Space Agency
2. Indian Space Research Organisation
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA has selected two missions to the planet Venus, Earth’s nearest neighbour. The missions called DAVINCI+ and VERITAS have been selected based on their potential for scientific value and the feasibility of their development plans.

Q7. The VIPER Mission is related to which of the following organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. Russian Federal Space Agency
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA has announced that it will launch its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, in 2023. NASA is undertaking the mission to understand if it is possible for human life to sustain there, by using locally available resources.

Q8. Spacecraft, Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout is related to which of the following space organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. Indian Space Research Organisation
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: Recently, NASA has announced that its new spacecraft, named Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout, has completed all required tests and has been safely tucked inside the Space Launch System rocket.

Q9. Perseverance rover has successfully collected its first rock sample for return to Earth. It is a mission of which of the following space organization?
1. Indian Space Research Organisation
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
4. European Space Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully collected its first rock sample for return to Earth. NASA has called it a perfect core sample.

Q10. Cygnus spacecraft launched by NASA is seen recently in the context of
1. It uses solar power to enter into its desired orbit
2. It provides real-time portal for Mars exploration
3. It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
4. It has been send to destroy targeted space debris
Answer: It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
Solution: Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying a fresh supply of 8300 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo, has reached the International Space Station. NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil.

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