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 will learn about the Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) mission which will explore more about Earth (suborbital flight), capturing vital data that will support future exploration, human habitation, or satellite operations.

• With its launch on May 5, 1961, Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) began a bold mission to explore new frontiers.  
• This projects fundamental objective, to First US human spaceflight, demonstrate astronaut and spacecraft capability, addresses key scientific questions that have long intrigued researchers in the field.  
• Successfully completing this Crewed suborbital test flight was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
• This mission was one of the notable flights for the distinguished Mercury-Redstone (MR-7). 
• The spacecraft was launched from Cape Canaveral, LC-5, Florida, heading into orbit. 
• The mission continued for 15 minutes, 22 seconds before concluding. 
• The entire mission was overseen by NASA. 
• The operation concluded as Completed (Successful). 
• The cost of $277 million (Project Mercury total) was dedicated to NASA’s Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7), enhancing data collection and mission autonomy. 

Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) introduced Mercury spacecraft No 7, periscope, physiological sensors, enhancing NASAs ability to conduct advanced research in deep space environments.

Powered by Redstone rocket, Mercury capsule, manual attitude control, Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) aimed to reduce human intervention in complex space operations. In this article, we have break down the critical milestones, international impact, and strategic lessons of NASAs Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Space Mission, making it an useful resource for UPSC Aspirants in Mains GS Papers 2 and GS Paper 3, as well as for ethics and essay preparation.

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NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Space Mission Overview 

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Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Space Mission Global Contributions

• The involvement of McDonnell Aircraft (spacecraft), Chrysler Corp (booster) ensured access to reliable launch services and advanced satellite platforms. 
• The success of Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) marked a major shift in space policy by Demonstrated US human spaceflight capability during Space Race, promoting broader cooperation in future missions. 

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Challenges & Risk in Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Space Mission

During various mission phases, Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) had to manage risks like Technical delays, weather, intense pressure, first US human flight, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Mitigating risks like Launch escape system, extensive testing, backup astronaut was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 

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Mission Timeline of Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) NASA Space Mission

• Mission documentation was initiated on Project Mercury initiated October 1958, launching the early planning phase. 
• On Spacecraft delivered December 9, 1960, engineers completed the integration of all mission components, bringing the spacecraft one step closer to launch. 
• The landing/flyby event occurred on May 5, 1961 (Splashdown Atlantic Ocean), and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
• With the end of the primary mission on May 5, 1961 (Astronaut and spacecraft recovery), scientists began analyzing the extensive data gathered during the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7)

• 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 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.
• 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. In Feb 2019, NASA announced a new space telescope mission dedicated to understanding the origins of life and the universe. What is the name of the mission?
1. SPACEx
2. SPHEREx
3. LIFEx
4. SUNx
Answer: SPHEREx
Solution: NASA announced a new space telescope mission dedicated to understanding the origins of life and the universe. It is called the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer or SPHEREx. The space agency is aiming for a 2023 launch. It will observe and collect data on over 300 million galaxies, some as far as 10 billion light-years away from Earth, and 100 million stars in our own Milky Way, every six months.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Solar Orbiter mission:
1. It will take the closest images of the Suns polar region for the first time.
2. It has been jointly launched by the European space agency and NASA.
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: Both 1 and 2
Solution: Solar Orbiter's primary mission is to examine the sun's Polar Regions. It will be the first orbiter to take the closest picture of the suns poles for the first time. Hence, statement 1 is correct. It is a collaborative mission between the European Space Agency and NASA to study the Sun. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q3. Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect with reference to the Cassini Mission?
1. It is a cooperation mission between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA and the Japanese Space Agency to study the atmosphere of planet Saturn.
2. Huygens is a lander that landed on Titan, one of Saturns moons, in 2005.
3. It is the first space probe to visit Saturn.
Select the correct codes from below -
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above
Answer: 1 and 3 only
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect: Launched in 1997, the Cassini mission is a cooperation mission between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency. The spacecraft was launched on October 15, 1997. This was the first landing ever accomplished in the outer Solar System. Statement 2 is correct: Cassini-Huygens is an unmanned spacecraft sent to the planet Saturn. The lander, called Huygens, landed on Titan in 2005. Statement 3 is incorrect: Cassini is the fourth space probe to visit Saturn and the first to enter orbit. Its design includes a Saturn orbiter and a lander for the moon Titan.

Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to the Inspiration4 mission:
1. It is a mission by NASA to take civilians into 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: 2 only
Solution: Statement 1 is incorrect: SpaceX announced that Inspiration4 mission is ready for launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida in the USA. It is the world's first all-civilian mission to orbit and involves taking a group of four private citizens to circle the Earth for three days, and then splashing down into the Atlantic Ocean. Statement 2 is correct: Inspiration4 will orbit the Earth at 575km, higher than the International Space Station 408km and the Hubble space telescope 547km. This will be the farthest distance travelled by a crewed mission since 2009, when astronauts last went to repair the Hubble.

Q5. Consider the following application of robotics in space
1. NASA launched the pathfinder mission with a robotic rover, Sojourner.
2. The Sojourner rover has an obstacle avoidance program embedded in it as well as the rover can plan and navigate its own route.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: Both 1 and 2
Solution: The contribution of robots has been important for outer space exploration. Unmanned robotic spacecraft have been used for the exploration of planets, stars etc., by the space agencies such as NASA, ISRO and other space agencies. The Pathfinder mission that landed on Mars in 1997 used a robotic rover, Sojourner. The rover was equipped with an obstacle avoidance program and had the ability to plan and navigate routes for studying the surface of Mars. Hence statement 2 is correct. In 2003, NASA sent twin robotic rovers Spirit and Opportunity to Mars. These rovers are equipped with six wheels and have their own motor which is powered by solar energy. ISRO in its next mission to Mars Mangalyaan 2 is planning to send robotic rovers for exploration and research.

Q6. Consider the following statements with reference to Artemis I Mission:
1. Artemis I is the first of NASAs deep space exploration systems.
2. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world.
3. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024.
Which of the statements given above 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: Artemis I is the first of NASA's deep space exploration systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world and travel 280000 miles from the earth for over four to six weeks during the course of the mission. Hence, statement 2 is correct. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024, and it also plans to land the first woman and first person of colour on the moon. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q7. Consider the following about Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory STEREO:
1. Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory STEREO is a NASA mission that consists of two nearly identical spacecraft that observe the Sun from different perspectives in space.
2. The mission aims to establish a one-to-one cause and effect relationship between coronal mass ejections CMEs as seen at the Sun, the acceleration of particles in interplanetary space, and terrestrial consequences.
3. The mission also provides stereoscopic imaging of the Sun and solar phenomena, such as CMEs, solar flares, and coronal holes.
How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None
Answer: All three
Solution: Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory STEREO is a NASA mission that consists of two nearly identical spacecraft that observe the Sun from different perspectives in space. The mission aims to establish a one-to-one cause and effect relationship between coronal mass ejections CMEs as seen at the Sun, the acceleration of particles in interplanetary space, and terrestrial consequences. The mission also provides stereoscopic imaging of the Sun and solar phenomena, such as CMEs, solar flares, and coronal holes.

Q8. Which space agency, in conjunction with NASA, participated in the joint launch of the CALIPSO mission?
1. ISRO
2. CNES
3. Roscosmos
4. CNSA
Answer: CNES
Solution: NASA has announced the conclusion of its CALIPSO Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation mission, which analysed climate, weather, and air quality for 17 years. CALIPSO, launched jointly by NASA and France's CNES, used LIDAR Light Detection and Ranging technology to record over 10 billion measurements and generate thousands of scientific reports. The mission involved two satellites, CALIPSO and CloudSat, which were launched in 2003 and orbited the Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit. They measured cloud altitudes and various atmospheric particles properties, such as dust, sea salt, ash, and soot. These observations contributed to sophisticated models to understand complex atmospheric processes, including cloud formation, atmospheric convection, precipitation, and particle transport. One notable application of CALIPSO's data was during the 2020 Australian wildfires when it observed smoke plumes rising as high as 15 to 20 kilometres above the Earth's surface, reaching the stratosphere.

Q9. With reference to the SpaDeX mission, recently seen in news, consider the following statements:
1. The SpaDeX mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA to demonstrate in-space docking technology.
2. The mission will make India the second country in the world to achieve in-space docking capabilities.
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: Neither 1 nor 2
Solution: The SpaDeX mission by ISRO aims to independently demonstrate in-space docking and undocking technologies, critical for India's space station plans. The SpaDeX mission is an independent ISRO programme and is not a collaborative effort with NASA or any other international space agency. It involves two satellites, Chaser and Target, designed and operated by ISRO. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect. The mission will make India the fourth country in the world, after the U.S., Russia, and China, to achieve in-space docking capabilities, not the second. Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding NASA's SPHEREx Mission:
1. NASA has developed SPHEREx, a space telescope, to explore the origins of the universe.
2. The mission aims to provide insights into cosmic inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe that occurred a fraction of a second after the Big Bang.
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: Both 1 and 2
Solution: NASA's SPHEREx space telescope is set for launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on March 4 to study the early universe and map the distribution of galaxies across the cosmos. SPHEREx Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer has been designed to study the origins of the universe and search for water reservoirs in the Milky Way. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. One of its primary goals is to study cosmic inflation, the rapid expansion of the universe that happened within a fraction of a second after the Big Bang, approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. The telescope will create a 3D map of the cosmos in 102 colors, collecting data on more than 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars. Alongside SPHEREx, NASA is sending PUNCH, a mission to study the solar corona and solar wind. SPHEREx will measure the collective glow of light from intergalactic space and analyze star-forming regions within our galaxy. The data gathered could help scientists better understand the physics driving cosmic inflation.

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