NASA believes in sharing its scientific findings openly. The information from its satellites is used by people all over the world to watch over the environment, deal with disasters, and study our climate. By being open and sharing what it learns with everyone, NASA helps make sure science is fair and benefits people everywhere.

In this article we have covered about Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Deep Space (instrument on Hubble Space Telescope), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• The successful launch of Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) on February 11, 1997 (Installed during STS-82 servicing mission) set the stage for important scientific advancements.  
• This initiatives main objective, to Provide Hubble with versatile UV, visible, near-IR spectroscopy and imaging, was carefully chosen to fill a critical gap in our current knowledge or capabilities, promising to yield valuable new insights.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Spectrograph/imager instrument on HST was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• Mission planners selected the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-82) due to its established reliability and successful flight history. 
• Liftoff occurred at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, kicking off the mission. 
• Operational since 1997 (repaired in 2009) marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA. 
• Overall, the mission was Operational, meeting most of its objectives. 
• With a budget of Part of HST servicing mission costs, NASA launched Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) to advance scientific understanding and explore new frontiers. 

With STIS instrument itself, with multiple gratings and detectors, Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

Advanced detectors, coronagraphic capabilities, multi-mode spectroscopy enabled Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) 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 Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) Space Mission Overview 

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

Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) Space Mission Global Contributions

• Ball Aerospace (built STIS) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
• Data part of HST archive, publicly available ensured open access to mission findings, promoting collaborative research among international and commercial partners. 
• Through Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph), NASA achieved Key instrument for black hole searches, stellar/galactic studies, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

Challenges & Risk in Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) Space Mission

Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) overcame mission-threatening issues such as On-orbit repair of failed power supply by deploying alternative systems, refining software behavior, and executing contingency strategies developed during pre-launch testing.

• The mission had to manage critical challenges like Power supply failure in 2004; repaired by STS-125, which were addressed through engineering refinements and contingency strategies. 
• Part of Hubble Space Telescope highlights the outcome of Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) in terms of environmental responsibility and space traffic safety. 

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Mission Timeline of Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph) NASA Space Mission

• Mission documentation was initiated on Developed in 1980s/early 1990s, launching the early planning phase. 
• The spacecraft achieved its landing/flyby on February 1997 (Installation on HST), enabling high-resolution imaging and data collection from the target zone. 
• On Ongoing with HST, mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of Hubble Space Telescope STIS Instrument (Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph)

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• Topics related to NASA’s planetary missions and advanced space technologies are highly relevant to GS Paper 3, which covers developments in science and technology.
• 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.
• UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Anthropology, and Public Administration can benefit from NASA examples when discussing themes like soft power, collective leadership, and institutional accountability in high-stakes missions.

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 of the following statements is are correct regarding the Perseverance Rover?
1. It is a mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
2. The mission is designed to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life.
3. It is the most advanced, most expensive and most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars.

Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 2 and 3 only
Solution:
Statement 1 is not correct as Perseverance Rover was launched by NASA.
Statement 2 is correct as the mission aims to understand Mars geology and seek signs of ancient life.
Statement 3 is also correct as it is the most advanced mobile laboratory sent to Mars.

Q2. The Parker Solar Probe Mission sometimes mentioned in the news recently is related to
1. Indian Space Research Organisation
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution:
The Parker Solar Probe is a NASA mission that studies the Sun and its outer atmosphere, providing insights into solar phenomena and their effects on the solar system.

Q3. Consider the following statements with reference to the Inspiration4 mission:
1. It is a mission by NASA to take civilians into the space.
2. Inspiration4 will orbit the Earth at a level higher than the International Space Station.

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 only
Solution:
Statement 1 is incorrect as Inspiration4 is a SpaceX mission, not NASA.
Statement 2 is correct as it will orbit at a higher altitude than the International Space Station.

Q4. The term MUSE is talked about in the context of
1. genes introduced in the genetically modified crops for the expression of pest resistant properties
2. a constellation of nine spacecraft that will capture the first multiscale in-space measurements of fluctuations in the magnetic field and motions of the solar wind known as solar wind turbulence
3. AI induced technique of identification of paw print of wildlife tigers under CA|TS
4. forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and the eruptions in that outermost region that are at the foundation of space weather

Answer: option 4
Solution:
MUSE refers to the forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and related solar phenomena.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope:
1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point.
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope.

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:
All statements are correct regarding the objectives, location, and field view of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Q6. Who among the following led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020?
1. Swati Mohan
2. Anita Sengupta
3. Ashwin Vasavada
4. Kamlesh Lulla

Answer: Swati Mohan
Solution:
Swati Mohan led the guidance, operations, and control for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, including the landing of the Perseverance rover.

Q7. The James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December 2021 through
1. Arian 2 rocket
2. Arian 4 rocket
3. Arian 5 rocket
4. Arian 1 rocket

Answer: Arian 5 rocket
Solution:
The James Webb Space Telescope was launched on December 25, 2021, using an Ariane 5 rocket.

Q8. Consider the following statements about the James Webb Space Telescope.
1. It is a large infrared telescope that will study every phase in the history of the Universe.
2. It will orbit the Earth as it is positioned at the second Lagrange point or L2, approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth.

Select the correct statement(s):
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. None of the above

Answer: 1 only
Solution:
Statement 1 is correct as JWST is designed to study the universe's history. Statement 2 is incorrect as it will not orbit the Earth but will orbit the Sun at L2.

Q9. _______ has successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1.
1. India
2. China
3. USA
4. Japan

Answer: China
Solution:
China successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1 in 2016.

Q10. Who among the following are among the 4 astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II as announced by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency on 4 April 2023?
1. Jeremy Hansen
2. Victor Glover
3. Christina Koch
4. Reid Wiseman

1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1, 3 and 4
3. 2, 3 and 4
4. All 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:
All four astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman will participate in the Artemis II mission.

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