NASA’s STS-41G Discovery: Objectives, Timeline & Spacecraft for UPSC

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 will discuss about STS-41G Discovery for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach Earth (orbital flight), offering new insights into its environment, structure, and scientific relevance.

• The successful launch of STS-41G Discovery on October 5, 1984 set the stage for important scientific advancements.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Deploy ERBS; first American woman EVA; first Canadian astronaut; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• As a specific Crewed satellite deployment and scientific flight, its main goal was clearly defined, and everyone involved worked hard and stayed focused on achieving it.  
• Mission planners selected the Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103) due to its established reliability and successful flight history. 
• The rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida, starting its space journey. 
• 8 days, 5 hours, 23 minutes, 33 seconds marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The mission was conducted by NASA. 
• Overall, the mission was Completed (Successful), meeting most of its objectives. 

STS-41G Discovery carries Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS), OSTA-3 pallet for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

Satellite deployment, EVA, IMAX camera were essential to STS-41G Discovery, supporting navigation, real-time data analysis, and autonomous mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-41G Discovery 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-41G Discovery Space Mission Overview 

STS-41G Discovery – Space Mission Profile for UPSC
Target Celestial Body	Earth (orbital flight)
Launch Date	October 5, 1984
Objective	Deploy ERBS; first American woman EVA; first Canadian astronaut
Mission Type	Crewed satellite deployment and scientific flight
Launch Vehicle	Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103)
Launch Site	Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, Florida
Mission Duration	8 days, 5 hours, 23 minutes, 33 seconds
Agencies Involved	NASA
Mission Status	Completed (Successful)
Estimated Cost	N/A
Proposal Date	N/A
New Instruments/Payloads	Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS), OSTA-3 pallet
Key Technologies Used	Satellite deployment, EVA, IMAX camera

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

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STS-41G Discovery Space Mission Global Contributions

STS-41G Discovery was developed in collaboration with Canada (Marc Garneau's flight), emphasizing global cooperation in advancing space autonomy.

• The use of ERBS data shared for climate research encouraged collaborative validation of autonomous technologies and mission outcomes. 
• STS-41G Discovery had a transformative effect on global space policy by Included first Canadian; Kathryn Sullivan first US woman EVA, shaping future agreements and operational standards for space activities worldwide. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact
International Partners	Canada (Marc Garneau's flight)
Payload Contributions	N/A (Canadian astronaut participation)
Commercial Involvement	N/A
Data Sharing Agreements	ERBS data shared for climate research
Impact on Global Space Policy	Included first Canadian; Kathryn Sullivan first US woman EVA

Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in STS-41G Discovery Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by STS-41G Discovery was Managing diverse international crew and experiments, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

• Among the primary risk factors for STS-41G Discovery was Successful satellite deployment and EVA, which was identified early and strategically resolved. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges
Risk & Mitigation Log	Successful satellite deployment and EVA
Environmental & Sustainability Footprint	N/A
Challenges Faced	Managing diverse international crew and experiments

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Mission Timeline of STS-41G Discovery NASA Space Mission

• The date October 13, 1984 (Landing at KSC) represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• On October 13, 1984, all core mission tasks were completed, marking the official end of the spacecraft’s planned journey. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones
Proposal Date	N/A
Critical Design Review (CDR) Date	N/A
Assembly Complete Date	N/A
Launch Date	October 5, 1984
Landing / Flyby Date	October 13, 1984 (Landing at KSC)
End of Primary Mission Date	October 13, 1984

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

UPSC Relevance of STS-41G Discovery

• Awareness of international space missions, especially NASA’s, is vital for success in the Prelims, given their link to science, technology, and current affairs.
• NASA’s exploration efforts, such as Mars and Psyche missions, can be cited in GS Paper 3 answers dealing with frontier technologies and research.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) may include questions around how organizations like NASA prioritize scientific advancement for public good over commercial interests, offering a lens to evaluate ethical service orientation.
• Optional papers such as Anthropology, Geography, and Philosophy can use NASA’s deep space missions to examine human adaptability, technological ethics, and questions of existential risk and sustainability in modern science.

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 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 the JWST is designed to study various phases of the universe's history. Statement 2 is incorrect because the JWST will orbit the Sun at the second Lagrange point, not the Earth.

Q2. Curiosity rover, of which organization, found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain?
1. ESA
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA

Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA's Curiosity rover discovered evidence of an ancient lake on Mars, indicating past water activity.

Q3. 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: Heavy oxygen, also known as 18O, contains 10 neutrons, while the normal oxygen (16O) has 8 neutrons.

Q4. Consider the following statements about Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment GRACE.
1. The GRACE mission is jointly launched by NASA and ISRO.
2. The objective of this mission is to monitor and study Earth's gravity field and its changes over time.
3. The GRACE mission is used for monitoring the Earth's resources; it can detect changes in the amount of water stored in the form of groundwater, surface water, and ice.
Choose the correct statement/s from the option given below:
1. 1 and 2 are Correct.
2. 2 and 3 are Correct
3. 1 and 3 are Correct.
4. All of the above

Answer: 2 and 3 are Correct
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect as the GRACE mission was launched by NASA and the German Aerospace Center. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the mission monitors Earth's gravity field and water resources.

Q5. The fault that occurred in which spacecraft has led to the delayed comeback of Sunita Williams to earth from space?
1. SpaceX Dragon
2. Soyuz 1A
3. Boeing Starliner
4. NASA Orion

Answer: Boeing Starliner
Solution: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced technical issues, leading to the decision to delay the return of astronauts, including Sunita Williams.

Q6. Which one of the following missions aims to revolutionize commercial spaceflight with a high-orbit mission and the first-ever private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts?
1. Artemis I
2. Inspiration4
3. Polaris Dawn
4. Axiom Mission 1

Answer: Polaris Dawn
Solution: The Polaris Dawn mission is designed to achieve a high Earth orbit and will feature the first private spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

Q7. The NEEMO program, which conducts analog space missions in underwater environments, is an initiative of which country?
1. Japan
2. Russia
3. Germany
4. United States

Answer: United States
Solution: The NEEMO program is run by NASA in the United States to simulate space mission conditions in underwater habitats.

Q8. Which organization led the design and development of James Webb Space Telescope JWST?
1. Canadian Space Agency
2. SpaceX
3. Russian Federal Space Agency
4. NASA

Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA led the design and development of the James Webb Space Telescope, collaborating with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.

Q9. Consider the following statements regarding Saturn:
1. Saturn is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, whereas its rings consist of billions of pieces of bright-white water ice and rock.
2. Only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA.
3. NASA launched the Clipper mission to study Saturn's moon Europa, which is similarly dynamically linked to Saturn and contains a subsurface ocean as well.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: option 1
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and its rings are made of ice and rock. Statement 2 is also correct as only four NASA spacecraft have visited Saturn. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Clipper mission is focused on Jupiter's moon Europa, not Saturn.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the safety protocols followed during human spaceflight, particularly in the context of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission:
1. The Crew Escape System CES on ISRO's human-rated launch vehicle is designed to pull the crew module away from the launch vehicle in case of a malfunction, using solid fuel engines.
2. The Gaganyaan crew module, in orbit, will use onboard thrusters to attempt reentry in case of an emergency and control its descent.
3. After docking with a space station, the crew module remains docked and serves as a lifeboat for the crew in case of an emergency aboard the station.
How many of the above statements are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: Option 3
Solution: All three statements are correct regarding the safety protocols of the Gaganyaan mission. The Crew Escape System is designed to ensure crew safety, and the crew module can control its descent and serve as a lifeboat after docking.

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