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. Through the DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) mission, NASA aims to study Sun-Earth L1 point (observing Earth and solar wind), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) was launched on February 11, 2015, marking a significant step forward in space exploration.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Monitor solar wind for space weather; provide full-disc Earth images; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• This flight is recognized as a Space weather and Earth observation satellite, highlighting its overall importance and contribution.  
• This mission was one of the notable flights for the distinguished Falcon 9 v11. 
• Liftoff occurred at Cape Canaveral SFS, SLC-40, kicking off the mission. 
• The mission was carried out over a period of Ongoing. 
• NOAA, NASA, US Air Force played a key role in the success of the mission. 
• The mission was Operational. 
• ~$340 million (total, including refurbishment and launch) was spent on DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory), a key NASA initiative supporting deep space autonomy and exploration. 

The payload of EPIC (Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera), NISTAR (radiometer), PlasMag (solar wind) aboard DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) enhances both mission autonomy and scientific output.

NASA’s DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) used Refurbished an earlier satellite concept (Triana) to push the boundaries of robotic intelligence and spacecraft autonomy. By exploring international partnerships, data-sharing frameworks, and global policy impacts, this article on NASAs DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Space Mission offers valuable insights for UPSC Prelims and Mains GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3 and Essay preparation.

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NASA DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Space Mission Overview 

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

DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Space Mission Global Contributions

• With support from SpaceX (launch), the mission benefitted from streamlined production, modern engineering, and rapid integration. 
• EPIC images publicly available; space weather data for NOAA helped unify efforts across space agencies and research institutions, advancing shared knowledge and global capabilities. 
• DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) contributed directly to policy reform through its achievement of Primary US operational deep space solar wind monitor, impacting global frameworks for sustainability and remote sensing. 

Challenges & Risk in DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) Space Mission

Despite initial complications stemming from Resurrecting a previously cancelled mission concept, the mission team behind DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) acted quickly to mitigate the risks, preserving scientific integrity and mission functionality throughout the duration of operations.

• DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) encountered mission-specific risks such as Refurbishing and launching a long-stored spacecraft, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 
• Environmental considerations were factored into DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory), resulting in Operational at Sun-Earth L1 point as its end-of-life footprint. 

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Mission Timeline of DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory) NASA Space Mission

• The mission concept was officially proposed on Original Triana concept late 1990s; DSCOVR revived early 2010s. 
• On Refurbishment completed before launch, engineers completed the integration of all mission components, bringing the spacecraft one step closer to launch. 
• On June 7, 2015 (L1 halo orbit insertion), the spacecraft reached its designated target, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. 
• On February 2017 (End of 2-year prime mission), mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of DSCOVR Satellite (Deep Space Climate Observatory)

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) could present case studies based on the teamwork and leadership displayed during high-stakes NASA missions, assessing ethical decision-making in extreme environments.
• NASA Space Missions provide cross-cutting content useful in UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Geography, and Public Administration by exemplifying governance models, global diplomacy, and spatial data infrastructure.

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. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager-2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission
Answer: Artemis program
Solution: The Artemis program aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. The expected launch time for Artemis 1 is August 2022, though earlier this was supposed to be in May 2022. So far, NASA has successfully completed the wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on June 20. NASA successfully launched the CAPSTONE mission on Rocket Lab's Electron rocket. The spacecraft and the CubeSat satellite are on their way to a lunar orbit. The mission carries a dedicated payload flight computer and radio that will perform calculations to determine whether the CubeSat is on the right path.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the XPoSat satellite:
1. The XPoSat was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission.
2. This mission makes India the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite.
3. XPoSat carries two payloads, named POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: option 2
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as the XPoSat was launched by ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission. Statement 2 is incorrect as India is not the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite. Statement 3 is correct as XPoSat carries two payloads, POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.

Q3. Which collaborative space mission involves the European Space Agency ESA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, aiming to study the Sun's corona through precision formation flying?
1. Europa Clipper
2. Proba-3
3. VIPER
4. Hera mission
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Proba-3 mission, set to launch in September 2024, is a joint effort between the European Space Agency ESA and the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere. To overcome the challenge of observing the corona due to the bright light emitted by the Sun, Proba-3 will use a unique approach by launching two satellites that will fly together in a precise formation, creating an artificial eclipse in space.

Q4. Which telescope is currently considered to be the most powerful in its reach?
1. Spitzer Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. James Webb Space Telescope
4. Keck Observatory
Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope JWST is a space telescope developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency ESA and the Canadian Space Agency CSA. The telescope is named after James E. Webb, who was the administrator of NASA from 1961 to 1968 and played an integral role in the Apollo program. JWST was launched on December 25, 2021, and is considered the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Q5. Which company conducted the fourth test mission of the Starship rocket that survived reentry and achieved a demo landing?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. NASA
4. Boeing
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully survived reentry through Earth's atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean during its fourth test mission after launching from south Texas. The two-stage spacecraft consists of the Starship cruise vessel mounted atop its Super Heavy rocket booster. The rocket's previous attempts saw it breaking apart during reentry in March and exploding minutes after liftoff in April 2023. Despite losing many tiles and a damaged flap, the Starship managed a soft landing in the ocean.

Q6. Group Captains _______________ and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS.
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh
Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: India has selected two Indian Air Force IAF pilots, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station ISS. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the prime astronaut, an experienced test pilot with over 2000 flying hours, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is the backup astronaut with approximately 3000 flying hours.

Q7. 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 issues that led to the decision to delay the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. NASA identified helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft's reaction control thrusters, which were critical in the decision-making process. The decision was made to ensure safety, resulting in Wilmore and Williams staying in space until February 2025.

Q8. Which company launched the mission on September 28, 2024, to retrieve NASA astronauts stranded on the ISS due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Rocket Lab
4. Northrop Grumman
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX launched its Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, to the International Space Station ISS using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission's main objective is to return NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS due to propulsion system issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft.

Q9. Where did ISRO launch India's first analog space mission to simulate interplanetary habitat conditions?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4. Leh, Ladakh
Answer: Leh, Ladakh
Solution: ISRO launched India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Delhi, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon by replicating the extreme challenges astronauts would encounter in extraterrestrial environments.

Q10. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere.
The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above
Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn, but rather a mission to Venus. The primary objective of Shukrayaan-I is to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus, not Saturn. Shukrayaan-I is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Given the incorrect information about the target planet, the correct option is None of the above.

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