NASAs job isnt just about making scientific discoveries. It also includes developing new technologies, figuring out how to communicate across vast distances in space, and keeping an eye on our own planet. The money NASA puts into things like space robots, systems that can think for themselves, and long-distance space communication has led to important tools for everyday people and for national defense, showing just how valuable NASA is.

In this article, we will discuss about STS-120 Discovery Node 2 for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach International Space Station (ISS), offering new insights into its environment, structure, and scientific relevance.

• NASA’s STS-120 Discovery Node 2 lifted off on October 23, 2007, embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
• The scientific community has identified a pressing need, and thus, the primary objective of this endeavor is to Deliver Harmony (Node 2) module; relocate P6 truss. The anticipated results are expected to be transformative.  
• This Crewed ISS assembly flight (10A) served as a key test for new technologies and different ways of operating.  
• The powerful Space Shuttle (Discovery OV-103) stood poised on the launchpad, a testament to human ambition and engineering. 
• The rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, starting its space journey. 
• The mission continued for 15 days, 2 hours, 23 minutes, 55 seconds before concluding. 
• NASA, ESA (astronaut) was responsible for launching and monitoring the mission. 
• Overall, the mission was Completed (Successful), meeting most of its objectives. 
• NASA’s STS-120 Discovery Node 2, with a projected cost of Part of ISS and Shuttle program costs, marks a milestone in automated space operations. 

STS-120 Discovery Node 2 carries Harmony (Node 2) module, P6 truss segment for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

NASA equipped STS-120 Discovery Node 2 with ISS module installation, major truss relocation, solar array repair to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-120 Discovery Node 2 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-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission Global Contributions

ESA (Harmony built in Italy, ESA astronaut) played a key role in STS-120 Discovery Node 2, contributing to payload development and mission operations.

• Through Harmony module (ESA/ASI), STS-120 Discovery Node 2 tested mission-critical functions for future autonomous and long-duration missions. 
• NASA relied on Boeing (ISS prime contractor) to supply major components for the spacecraft and launch systems, enhancing mission efficiency. 
• ISS operational data shared helped unify efforts across space agencies and research institutions, advancing shared knowledge and global capabilities. 
• The success of STS-120 Discovery Node 2 marked a major shift in space policy by Added key connecting node to ISS; complex solar array repair, promoting broader cooperation in future missions. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-120 Discovery Node 2 Space Mission

During various mission phases, STS-120 Discovery Node 2 had to manage risks like Torn solar array during P6 deployment required unplanned EVA, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Mitigating risks like Four EVAs including unplanned solar array repair was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-120 Discovery Node 2 NASA Space Mission

• The first steps toward mission development began with its proposal on ISS assembly sequence planning. 
• On Harmony module CDR earlier, engineers assessed the final design for mission readiness. 
• The landing/flyby event occurred on November 7, 2007 (Landing at KSC), and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
• After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked November 7, 2007 as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-120 Discovery Node 2

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
• UPSC IAS Exam GS Paper 4 may explore ethical implications of using autonomous technologies in space, with NASA missions serving as real-world examples to examine boundaries of human-machine decision-making.
• NASA’s advancements in Earth observation, international collaboration, and planetary exploration serve as rich case studies in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optional papers, particularly when discussing global commons and policy frameworks.

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 Ariel Space Mission adopted by the European Space Agency.

1. Ariel is the first mission of its kind dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of exoplanets.
2. Ariel will be launched in 2029.
3. It will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years.

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: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: Ariel is the first mission of its kind dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of exoplanets. Ariel will be launched in 2029 and will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years. Hence, all statements are correct.

Q2. NASA has recently introduced a team of 18 astronauts who will train for its Artemis moon-landing program. Consider the statements on Artemis Mission.

1. It aims to land the first woman on the Moon.
2. It aims to eventually land at the south pole region of the moon.

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: Both 1 and 2
Solution: NASA's Artemis program aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon in 2024, which confirms that statement 1 is correct. Additionally, the mission aims to land at the south pole region of the Moon, confirming that statement 2 is also correct.

Q3. Name the Space Telescope that on 6 January, 2015 discovered the 1000th exoplanet in Constellation Lyra.

1. Hubble
2. Chandrasekhar
3. Kepler
4. James Webb

Answer: Kepler
Solution: Kepler is the Space Telescope that discovered the 1000th exoplanet in Constellation Lyra on 6 January, 2015. Kepler is a NASA mission launched in 2009 to detect Earth-sized exoplanets.

Q4. Who has created a record for longest single spaceflight in 2019?

1. Nick Hague
2. Anne Mc Clam
3. Jessica Meir
4. Christina Koch

Answer: Christina Koch
Solution: Christina Koch created a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman in 2019, surpassing the earlier record of 288 days in space.

Q5. SpaceX Demo-2 mission, recently seen in the news, is an initiative of which of the following agency?

1. NASA
2. European Space Agency
3. ISRO
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight lifted off for the International Space Station, marking the first crewed flight to launch from American soil since 2011.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Ingenuity.

1. Ingenuity is a small robotic helicopter located on the moon.
2. It is the small coaxial, drone rotorcraft that will serve as a technology demonstrator for the potential use of flying probes on other worlds.

Which of the following 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: Ingenuity is a small robotic helicopter located on Mars, not on the moon, making statement 1 incorrect. Statement 2 is correct as it serves as a technology demonstrator for the potential use of flying probes on other worlds.

Q7. According to recent news, the Indian Space Research Organisation and the United States Space Agency NASA have agreed to form a working group for cooperation in which of the following endeavours?

1. Moon and Mars Missions of future
2. Meteogrology and Space Exploration
3. Heliophysics
4. All the above

Answer: All the above
Solution: ISRO and NASA have agreed to collaborate on various endeavours including Moon and Mars missions, meteorology, and space exploration, as well as heliophysics.

Q8. Boeing Starliner Spacecraft is related to which of the following space organization?

1. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
2. European Space Agency
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. Indian Space Research Organisation

Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: Boeing Starliner is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program and is designed for missions to low-Earth orbit.

Q9. 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: Perseverance Rover is developed by NASA, making statement 1 incorrect. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as the mission aims to understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life, and it is indeed the most advanced mobile laboratory sent to Mars.

Q10. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one ______ astronaut onboard.

1. Japanese
2. South Korean
3. Russian
4. Chinese

Answer: Japanese
Solution: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched in November 2020 had three American astronauts and one Japanese astronaut onboard.

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