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.

In this article we have covered about STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around International Space Station (ISS), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss took off on September 9, 2006, beginning a mission that would expand the boundaries of human understanding.  
• The scientific community has identified a pressing need, and thus, the primary objective of this endeavor is to Deliver and install P3/P4 Truss and solar arrays to ISS. The anticipated results are expected to be transformative.  
• The unique difficulties of a Crewed ISS assembly flight (12A) required the whole team to think creatively to find solutions.  
• For this historic journey, the powerful Space Shuttle (Atlantis OV-104) was selected because it was a well-known and dependable rocket at the time. 
• The missions departure point was Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, where the launch was successfully carried out. 
• 11 days, 19 hours, 6 minutes, 35 seconds marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA. 
• Mission result: Completed (Successful). 

Featuring P3/P4 Integrated Truss Segment, new solar arrays, STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

Powered by Installation of major port-side solar arrays, STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss 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 STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss 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 STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss Space Mission Global Contributions

Developed with support from ISS partners, STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss reflects the growing importance of global partnerships in space technology.

• The involvement of Boeing, Lockheed Martin ensured access to reliable launch services and advanced satellite platforms. 
• STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss demonstrated a strong policy impact by Resumed ISS assembly after Columbia accident hiatus, fostering new partnerships and shaping future governance frameworks. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss was Multiple launch delays; deploying new set of solar arrays, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

• Mitigating risks like Three EVAs for truss and solar array installation was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss NASA Space Mission

• The landing/flyby event occurred on September 21, 2006 (Landing at KSC), and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
• On September 21, 2006, all core mission tasks were completed, marking the official end of the spacecraft’s planned journey. 

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

UPSC Relevance of STS-115 Atlantis ISS Assembly P3 P4 Truss

• The UPSC Prelims gives significant weight to space missions like those by NASA, reflecting their role in advancing science and technology.
• 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.
• In GS Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS Exam, scenarios involving how NASA managed catastrophic mission failures like the Challenger disaster can help examine institutional learning, accountability, and ethical crisis response.
• 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. 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 (ISRO) 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. The radar will be put into orbit by ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, hence statement 3 is not correct. The data obtained from NISAR will be useful to estimate agricultural biomass over the full duration of the crop cycle, hence statement 4 is correct.

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, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration 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. NASA plans to launch more spacecraft to retrieve the samples collected by Perseverance.

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 International Space Station on 21 February 2022, less than two days after it was launched. NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil.

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