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. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope (HST) targets Deep Space (observing astronomical objects) with a dedicated mission to investigate its habitability potential, scientific output, and strategic significance.

• On April 24, 1990 (from STS-31 Discovery), NASA launched Hubble Space Telescope (HST), initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Observe universe in visible, ultraviolet, near-infrared; long-term observatory; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Astrophysics satellite (Great Observatories program) was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• The Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-31) was selected because its specific capabilities were a good match for the tough requirements of this space mission. 
• The rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, starting its space journey. 
• Its total duration was Ongoing (over 30 years). 
• The operation was carried out under the leadership of NASA, ESA. 
• The mission was Operational. 
• NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope (HST), with a projected cost of Initial ~$15-25 billion; total with servicing missions >$10 billion, marks a milestone in automated space operations. 

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is equipped with Multiple generations of cameras and spectrometers (eg, WFPC2, ACS, STIS, COS) to support scientific innovation and real-time decision-making in space.

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) showcases Large space-based optical telescope, astronaut servicing for upgrades/repairs, marking a significant step toward intelligent, self-directed exploration missions. This comprehensive article on NASA Hubble Space Telescope (HST) 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 (HST) Space Mission Overview 

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

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Mission Global Contributions

Hubble Space Telescope (HST) was jointly executed with ESA (solar arrays, Faint Object Camera, astronaut participation), promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• Hubble Space Telescope (HST) featured Significant hardware and operational contributions from ESA that enabled autonomous calibration, targeting, and sample collection. 
• With support from Lockheed (spacecraft), Perkin-Elmer/Hughes Danbury (optics), Ball Aerospace (instruments), the mission benefitted from streamlined production, modern engineering, and rapid integration. 
• All data eventually becomes public; vast astronomical archive helped unify efforts across space agencies and research institutions, advancing shared knowledge and global capabilities. 
• Hubble Space Telescope (HST) demonstrated a strong policy impact by Revolutionized astronomy and public view of universe; iconic images, fostering new partnerships and shaping future governance frameworks. 

Challenges & Risk in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Space Mission

A major obstacle during the execution of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) involved Spherical aberration in primary mirror (corrected by STS-61), but it was effectively addressed through collaborative team efforts and reconfiguration of mission protocols.

• Hubble Space Telescope (HST) navigated technical risks, including Initial mirror flaw (corrected); gyroscope and instrument failures (serviced), by deploying robust backup protocols and hardware redundancy. 
• The long-term presence or disposal of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is summarized by its Operational in Earth orbit; future deorbit or reboost TBD, an important aspect of mission planning. 

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Mission Timeline of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) NASA Space Mission

• NASA initiated formal planning for the mission on 1940s concept; serious proposals 1970s. 
• Engineers and scientists celebrated the success of the landing/flyby event on Not applicable, a major milestone for the mission. 
• After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked Ongoing (no fixed end date due to servicing) as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of Hubble Space Telescope (HST)

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• Discussions in GS Paper 2 about international cooperation in space exploration can reference NASA’s joint missions with other countries and agencies.
• In the UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics), aspirants may be asked to evaluate whether the pursuit of advanced space technology, such as NASA’s missions, aligns with ethical duties toward humanity’s broader needs.
• In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

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 regarding the heliophysics missions.
1. These missions are brain-child of ISRO to explore the Sun.
2. It will observe the system that drives space weather near Earth.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2 only
Solution: The heliophysics missions are the brain-child of NASA. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. The missions will explore the sun and observe the system that drives space weather near Earth. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q2. 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: Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: 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. Hence statement 1 is not correct. 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. Hence statement 2 is not correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements.
1. ISRO has completed the development of NISAR in collaboration with NASA.
2. NISAR will produce extremely high-resolution images of the earth.
3. It will be put into orbit by a reusable rocket of SpaceX.
4. The data obtained from NISAR will be useful to estimate agricultural biomass over the full duration of the crop cycle.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1, 2, and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. All are correct
Answer: 1, 2 and 4 only
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organization has completed the development of radar capable of producing extremely high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with NASA. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding NISAR.
1. It is the joint collaboration of ISRO and the European Space Agency.
2. 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.
3. ISRO will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. 3 only
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Solution: NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing a satellite called NISAR. Hence statement 1 is not correct.

Q5. 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: option 3
Solution: 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.

Q6. Which of the following institution announced its two new robotic missions namely Davinci+ and Veritas, to Venus to examine the atmosphere and geological features on the planet?
1. European Space Agency
2. Indian Space Research Organisation
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA has selected two missions to the planet Venus, Earth's nearest neighbour. The missions called DAVINCI+ and VERITAS have been selected based on their potential for scientific value and the feasibility of their development plans.

Q7. The VIPER Mission is related to which of the following organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. Russian Federal Space Agency
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA has announced that it will launch its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, in 2023. NASA is undertaking the mission to understand if it is possible for human life to sustain there, by using locally available resources.

Q8. Spacecraft, Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout is related to which of the following space organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
2. Indian Space Research Organisation
3. European Space Agency
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: Recently, NASA has announced that its new spacecraft, named Near-Earth Asteroid Scout or NEA Scout, has completed all required tests and has been safely tucked inside the Space Launch System rocket.

Q9. Perseverance rover has successfully collected its first rock sample for return to Earth. It is a mission of which of the following space organization?
1. Indian Space Research Organisation
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
3. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
4. European Space Agency
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: NASA's Perseverance rover has successfully collected its first rock sample for return to Earth. NASA has called it a perfect core sample.

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: It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
Solution: NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil.

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