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 discuss about STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach International Space Station (ISS), offering new insights into its environment, structure, and scientific relevance.

• On September 8, 2000, the launch of STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics marked the commencement of a mission with far-reaching scientific goals.  
• This initiatives main objective, to Prepare Zvezda service module for arrival of Expedition 1 crew, was carefully chosen to fill a critical gap in our current knowledge or capabilities, promising to yield valuable new insights.  
• Successfully completing this Crewed ISS logistics and outfitting flight (2A2b) was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
• The huge size and complicated nature of the Space Shuttle (Atlantis OV-104) amazed everyone who got a close look at it. 
• The mission began with a launch from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B. 
• The entire mission took 11 days, 19 hours, 12 minutes, 15 seconds to complete. 
• NASA, Roscosmos led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• The operation concluded as Completed (Successful). 

Featuring Spacehab Double Module, supplies for Zvezda, STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics incorporated EVA to connect cables between Zarya and Zvezda to enable autonomous decision-making and enhance adaptability in space environments. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics 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 STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics Space Mission Global Contributions

NASAs collaboration with Russia (Zvezda module) on STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics advanced both technical development and diplomatic ties in space research.

• With support from Spacehab, Inc, the mission benefitted from streamlined production, modern engineering, and rapid integration. 
• STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics demonstrated a strong policy impact by Critical step in preparing ISS for permanent human occupancy, fostering new partnerships and shaping future governance frameworks. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics Space Mission

• STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics encountered mission-specific risks such as One EVA for external connections, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics NASA Space Mission

• On September 20, 2000 (Landing at KSC), mission control confirmed the spacecraft’s successful encounter with its target, with all systems performing as expected. 
• NASA declared the September 20, 2000 as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of STS-106 Atlantis ISS Logistics

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• Discussions in GS Paper 2 about international cooperation in space exploration can reference NASA’s joint missions with other countries and agencies.
• Questions in General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics) under the UPSC CSE Exam may reference NASA’s planetary exploration policies to discuss intergenerational responsibility and long-term sustainability ethics.
• In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

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. Which one of the following is not a launch vehicle technology
1. GSLV
2. ASLV
3. PSLV
4. MSLV
Answer: MSLV
Solution: The correct answer is MSLV.

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 correct answer is James Webb Space Telescope.

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: The correct answer is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA.

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 correct answer is Resilience.

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.

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: The correct answer is 4.

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: The correct answer is Kalpana Chawla.

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: The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3 only.

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 correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

The Indian Express: Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA announced on Wednesday that it is partnering with the Italian Space Agency ASI to build and launch the MAIA mission.

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: The correct answer is 10.

This made the first spectroscopic detection of heavy oxygen outside a laboratory. Heavy oxygen 18O is so called because it has 10 neutrons, rather than the normal eight of main oxygen 16O, the form we breathe.

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: The correct answer is Hakuto-R.

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.

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