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-29 Discovery for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Earth (orbital flight), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• On March 13, 1989, NASA launched STS-29 Discovery, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Deploy TDRS-D satellite; conduct scientific experiments; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• Engineers and scientists decided this operation was a Crewed satellite deployment and scientific flight, which guided all the planning that came after.  
• Carefully, the team integrated the precious payload with the Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103), a critical step before launch. 
• The launch of the mission happened at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B. 
• The mission lasted for 4 days, 23 hours, 38 minutes, 52 seconds. 
• NASA played a key role in the success of the mission. 
• Final status of the mission: Completed (Successful). 

Featuring TDRS-D satellite with IUS, various secondary experiments, STS-29 Discovery aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

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NASA STS-29 Discovery Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-29 Discovery Space Mission Global Contributions

• The involvement of TRW (TDRS), Boeing (IUS) ensured access to reliable launch services and advanced satellite platforms. 
• Through STS-29 Discovery, NASA underscored its leadership by achieving Continued expansion of TDRS communications network, encouraging updates to international space guidelines. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-29 Discovery Space Mission

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Mission Timeline of STS-29 Discovery NASA Space Mission

• The date March 18, 1989 (Landing at Edwards AFB) represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• With the end of the primary mission on March 18, 1989, scientists began analyzing the extensive data gathered during the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-29 Discovery

• The UPSC Prelims gives significant weight to space missions like those by NASA, reflecting their role in advancing science and technology.
• Historical milestones in space exploration, like the Apollo program or Artemis missions, can enrich answers in GS Paper 1 under world history or post-independence global developments.
• 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.
• 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. In December 2021, SpaceX has launched 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from a California base. Which rocket has been used to launch these satellites?
1. Voyger Cassini
2. Falcon-9
3. Falcon-7
4. Rover-4
Answer: Falcon-9
Solution: The correct answer is Falcon-9. A SpaceX rocket carried 52 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from California on 18 December 2021. The two-stage Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from coastal Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Falcon's first stage returned and landed on a SpaceX drone ship in the ocean. The mission was the 34th launch for Starlink, a constellation of nearly 2000 satellites in low Earth orbit.

Q2. NISAR is a joint project of ISRO and ______.
1. CNSA
2. JAXA
3. NASA
4. DRDO
Answer: NASA
Solution: The correct answer is NASA. NISAR is a joint project of ISRO and NASA. NISAR refers to NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images. Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it can collect data day and night in any weather. 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. National Aeronautics and Space Administration will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, and a payload data subsystem. NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA. Indian Space and Research Organisation will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar called the S-band radar, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services. It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota into near-polar orbit in 2024.

Q3. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first women and next man of the Moon by 2024?
1. Orion
2. Apollo
3. Artemis
4. Nike
Answer: Artemis
Solution: The correct answer is Artemis. NASA has unveiled its next-generation space-suits for the upcoming Artemis programme. Artemis is scheduled to launch by 2024. It will be NASA's first woman mission on the Moon. This space-suit will be more flexible and easy to wear, NASA reported. NASA announced that it will allow astronauts to squat to pick up rocks and move more easily.

Q4. Students of Engineering college of ______ developed a Satellite named as SriShaktiSat for ISRO in Jan, 2021.
1. New Delhi
2. Coimbatore
3. Chennai
4. Kolkata
Answer: Coimbatore
Solution: The correct answer is Coimbatore. The students of Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore developed the satellite named SriShaktiSat. It was developed as part of a collaborative project with the Indian Space Research Organisation. The satellite aims to help with communication and other space-related research. This project marks a significant achievement for the students and the institution, showcasing their technical skills and innovation.

Q5. Aerospace company SPACE X sent 4 citizens into space on the first private flight on 15 September 2021, What was the name of the mission which was given?
1. New Horizons-2021
2. Inspiration-4
3. PSLV-C46
4. PSLV-C45 / EMISAT
Answer: Inspiration-4
Solution: The correct answer is Inspiration-4. From Florida's Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX launched its Inspiration-4 mission with a crew made up entirely of civilians. Jared Isaacman, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, led the company's first private voyage to orbit and is funding the entire journey. Commander Jared Isaacman, pilot Sian Proctor, medical officer Hayley Arceneaux, and mission specialist Chris Sembroski made up the four-person crew. Resilience and its four members completed a three-day orbit of the planet before splashing down on September 18 off the coast of Florida.

Q6. Consider the following statements:
1. ESA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART mission on 11 October 2022.
2. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in Space.
3. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only 1
2. Both 1 and 3
3. Both 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Both 2 and 3
Solution: The correct answer is Both 2 and 3. NASA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART mission on 11 October 2022. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in Space. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. This is the first time humanity has altered the motion of a celestial body.

Q7. The spacecraft launched by NASA to study the Sun is -
1. Parker Solar Probe
2. Probing Sun
3. Mission on Sun
4. Hawking Solar Probe
Answer: Parker Solar Probe
Solution: The correct answer is Parker Solar Probe. Launched by NASA on August 12, 2018, the Parker Solar Probe's mission is to study the outer corona of the Sun. Named after physicist Eugene Parker, pioneer in heliophysics and solar wind research. Utilizes a custom heat shield made of carbon-carbon composite to withstand extreme solar temperatures. Designed to approach the Sun within 3.83 million miles 6.16 million kilometers, closer than any previous spacecraft. Carries four instrument suites to measure magnetic fields, solar wind particles, and image the solar corona. The mission aims to solve two key solar mysteries: how the solar wind accelerates and why the Sun's outer atmosphere corona is hotter than its surface. Data from the probe is helping to improve forecasts of space weather that affects life and technology on Earth. As of 2023, it's still operational, providing unprecedented information about the Sun's activity. The mission is slated to end in 2025, after 24 planned orbits and seven gravity assists from Venus.

Q8. 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. 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. 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. Heavy oxygen is seen as a signature of biological activity, common in the lower atmosphere. Both forms are byproducts of photosynthesis, but the main oxygen is consumed by the respiration of living things more than its heavy counterpart, leaving a larger concentration of heavy oxygen behind. Measuring heavy oxygen is complex because it looks so similar to main oxygen.

Q9. Which country's space agency has launched project DART Mission?
1. USA
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
Answer: USA
Solution: The correct answer is USA. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test DART, the world's first full-scale mission to test technology for defending Earth against potential asteroid or comet hazards. Launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. DART is the first-ever mission dedicated to investigating and demonstrating one method of asteroid deflection by changing an asteroid's motion in space through kinetic impact. DART is a joint project between NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory APL. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the USA which is responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics, and aerospace research. It was established in 1958 with headquarters at Two Independence Square, Washington, D.C., United States. Dwight D. Eisenhower was its founder.

Q10. The PSLV C34 rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota to put 22 satellites into orbit. This has happened for the first time in the history of _______.
1. NASA
2. Roscosmos
3. ISRO
4. CSA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO: Establishment Year: 1969 Headquarters: Bengaluru, India ISRO is the space agency of India, responsible for the nation's space research and exploration efforts. It has successfully launched various satellites for communication, remote sensing, and navigation, and has also undertaken lunar and Mars missions, such as the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission Mangalyaan respectively.

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