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.

This article focuses about STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM which aims on International Space Station (ISS), gathering key information to better understand its current role in ongoing research and spaceflight.

• On November 14, 2008, the launch of STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM marked the commencement of a mission with far-reaching scientific goals.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Deliver supplies and equipment using Leonardo MPLM; service S3/S4 SARJ; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• This Crewed ISS logistics and maintenance flight (ULF2) served as a key test for new technologies and different ways of operating.  
• Mission planners selected the Space Shuttle (Endeavour OV-105) due to its established reliability and successful flight history. 
• The missions departure point was Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, where the launch was successfully carried out. 
• 15 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes, 30 seconds was the length of the mission from launch to completion. 
• The entire mission was overseen by NASA, ASI (Italian Space Agency). 
• According to NASA records, the mission was Completed (Successful). 

Featuring Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) with supplies, STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

Extensive EVA work to clean and lubricate Solar Alpha Rotary Joint enabled STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM 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-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM Space Mission Global Contributions

Working alongside Italy (Leonardo MPLM), NASA’s STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM aimed to build a cooperative future for autonomous exploration.

• STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM utilized MPLM provided by Italy to test cutting-edge instruments and gather critical data in real-time. 
• NASA collaborated with Thales Alenia Space (MPLM) to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and reduce reliance on government-built infrastructure. 
• Through STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM, NASA achieved Ensured continued ISS operations with vital supplies and maintenance, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

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Challenges & Risk in STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM Space Mission

During various mission phases, STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM had to manage risks like Difficult SARJ cleaning and lubrication EVAs, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Among the primary risk factors for STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM was Four complex EVAs for SARJ repair and other tasks, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM NASA Space Mission

• Completion of the landing/flyby on November 30, 2008 (Landing at Edwards AFB) enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• The NASA space mission reached the end of its primary phase on November 30, 2008, successfully completing all planned objectives. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-126 Endeavour Leonardo MPLM

• NASA’s recent explorations and technological feats are directly relevant to the science and tech portion of the UPSC Prelims exam.
• The application of space-based data for disaster management and weather forecasting—an area where NASA contributes significantly—is important for GS Paper 3.
• NASA’s transparent communication about mission setbacks can be used in UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) to illustrate ethical behavior in maintaining public trust and institutional credibility.
• NASA’s advancements in Earth observation, international collaboration, and planetary exploration serve as rich case studies in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optional papers, particularly when discussing global commons and policy frameworks.

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 planets was explored by Cassini Mission launched by NASA, which ended in September 2017?
1. Sun
2. Neptune
3. Saturn
4. Jupiter
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Saturn. The Cassini-Huygens mission, commonly called Cassini, sent a probe to study the planet Saturn. It was the first to orbit Saturn and even the first one to land in the outer solar system. Cassini-Huygens was a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency.

Q2. The first space ship sent out of the solar system was:
1. Chandrayan - 2
2. Mangalyan
3. Pioneer - 1
4. Pioneer - 10
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Pioneer - 1. The first space ship sent out of the solar system was Pioneer - 1. It was launched in October 1958. It was a 38-kilogram spacecraft and was launched into space by NASA. It carried aboard a two-stage rocket namely the Thor-Able I, an early predecessor of the modern Delta rockets. It was lifted off from a launchpad at Kennedy Space Launch Centre.

Q3. Which one of the following belongs to India's inter-planetary mission?
1. SARAL
2. Jugnu
3. Mangalyaan
4. ANUSAT
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Mangalyaan. The Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), or Mangalyaan, is a space probe launched on November 5, 2013, by the Indian Space Research Organization. The mission made India the first Asian nation and the fourth in the world to reach the planet, after Roscosmos, NASA, and the European Space Agency. ISRO chairman is S. Somnath. ISRO spent 75 million dollars to launch the mission.

Q4. 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
1. Voyager-2
2. New Horizons
3. LISA Pathfinder
4. Evolved LISA
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is option 4. Evolved LISA, or eLISA, is a laser interferometric gravitational wave observatory in space consisting of three spacecraft positioned in a heliocentric orbit. The spacecraft are arranged in an equilateral triangle formation with arms that span one million kilometers in length. The eLISA mission aims to explore the Gravitational Universe from space for the first time by detecting gravitational waves.

Q5. 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: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Neither 1 nor 2. Recently, the United Arab Emirates' first-ever interplanetary Hope Probe mission has successfully entered orbit around Mars. 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. The 'Hope' mission is not only important for UAE but also for the whole of the Arab world, as it is the Arab world's first interplanetary mission.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding NISAR, which was recently in news:
1. It is a Joint initiative of ISRO and the European space agency, ESA.
2. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images.
Which of the above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 2 only. NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing an SUV-sized satellite called NISAR, which will detect movements of the planet's surface as small as 0.4 inches over areas about half the size of a tennis court. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. The satellite will be launched in 2022 from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota into a near-polar orbit.

Q7. 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: 3
Solution: The correct answer is option 3. 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.

Q8. With reference to Sentinel-6, consider the following statements
1. The mission is designed to measure the height of the ocean.
2. It has been developed by the ISRO.
Which of the statements given above is/are CORRECT?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is 1 only. The mission, called the Jason Continuity of Service mission, is designed to measure the height of the ocean, which is a key component in understanding how the Earth's climate is changing. The spacecraft consists of two satellites, one of them launched, and the other, called Sentinel-6B, to be launched in 2025. Hence statement 1 is correct. It has been developed jointly by the European Space Agency, NASA, European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, the USA's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the EU, with contributions from France's National Centre for Space Studies. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Q9. The term Inspiration4 sometimes mentioned in the news recently is related to
1. It is the first all-civilian, non-governmental spaceflight.
2. It is an indigenous missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation.
3. It is a satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
4. It is NASA's mars exploration program.
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is option 1. SpaceX announced that Inspiration4, its first all-civilian, non-governmental spaceflight, is on track for launch on September 15.

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: 3
Solution: The correct answer is It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil. Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying a fresh supply of 8,300 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo, has reached the International Space Station on February 21, 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. Hence, option 3 is correct.

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