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. NASA’s STS-6 Challenger is designed to investigate Earth (orbital flight), with hopes of unlocking critical data about its operational frameworks and scientific potential.

• On April 4, 1983, NASA launched STS-6 Challenger, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• This initiatives main objective, to Maiden flight of Challenger; deploy TDRS-1 satellite; first Shuttle EVA, was carefully chosen to fill a critical gap in our current knowledge or capabilities, promising to yield valuable new insights.  
• The decision to go ahead with this Crewed satellite deployment and EVA flight was made only after thorough safety checks and many practice runs.  
• This mission was one of the notable flights for the distinguished Space Shuttle (Challenger OV-099). 
• The spacecraft was launched from Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A, heading into orbit. 
• The entire mission took 5 days, 0 hours, 23 minutes, 42 seconds to complete. 
• The mission was conducted by NASA. 
• Mission result: Completed (Successful). 

STS-6 Challenger introduced TDRS-1 satellite with IUS, first use of new spacesuits, enhancing NASAs ability to conduct advanced research in deep space environments.

To achieve autonomy objectives, STS-6 Challenger integrated First Shuttle EVA, deployment of large TDRS/IUS stack, advancing NASA’s capabilities in onboard processing and intelligent control systems. In this article, lets understand more about Objectives, Key Technologies Used and Commercial Involvement Faced in NASAs STS-6 Challenger which is useful in UPSC Prelims & UPSC Mains Papers.

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NASA STS-6 Challenger Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-6 Challenger Space Mission Global Contributions

• TRW (TDRS), Boeing (IUS) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
• STS-6 Challenger exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by First Shuttle spacewalk; Challenger's first flight, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-6 Challenger Space Mission

A major obstacle during the execution of STS-6 Challenger involved TDRS-1 reached incorrect orbit (later corrected using its own thrusters), but it was effectively addressed through collaborative team efforts and reconfiguration of mission protocols.

• A key risk during STS-6 Challenger was TDRS IUS motor malfunctioned placing satellite in wrong orbit, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-6 Challenger NASA Space Mission

• The final spacecraft assembly wrapped up on Challenger delivered July 1982, paving the way for pre-launch assessments and validation. 
• The landing/flyby event occurred on April 9, 1983 (Landing at Edwards AFB), and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
• NASA declared the April 9, 1983 as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-6 Challenger

• UPSC Prelims often includes questions related to NASA missions, highlighting the intersection of space science, technology, and international developments.
• GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
• GS Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS Exam could present ethical dilemmas regarding public spending on high-risk scientific missions, using NASA’s funding strategies to evaluate responsible resource use.
• 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. Who among the following are among the 4 astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II as announced by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency on 4 April 2023?
1. Jeremy Hansen
2. Victor Glover
3. Christina Koch
4. Reid Wiseman
1. 1, 2 and 3
2. 1, 3 and 4
3. 2, 3 and 4
4. All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: All 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) announced the 4 astronauts who will venture around the Moon on Artemis II. The astronauts are Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Reid Wiseman of NASA. The mission is scheduled to launch in November 2024 and will be the first crewed moon trip in fifty years. Reid Wiseman of NASA was first selected as an astronaut for the space organization in 2009 and will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission. Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency for astronaut training in 2009 and will be the first Canadian ever to travel to deep space. Glover made his first trip into space in 2021, and Koch has completed six spacewalks, including the first all-female spacewalk in 2019.

Q2. The PSLV C34 rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota to put 22 satellites into orbit. This has happened for the first time in the history of _______.
1. NASA
2. Roskasmas
3. ISRO
4. CSA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India, responsible for the nation's space research and exploration efforts. It has successfully launched various satellites for communication, remote sensing, and navigation, and has also undertaken lunar and Mars missions.

Q3. Consider the following about Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft:
1. It is a joint mission of ESA and NASA.
2. It was launched in December 1995 to study the Sun and the dynamics in its outer atmosphere, called the corona.
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: option 3
Solution: The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) is a collaborative project between the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA. Since its launch in December 1995, SOHO's mission has been to conduct detailed observations of the Sun. To achieve uninterrupted observations, SOHO was placed in orbit around the first Lagrangian point, located approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth in the direction of the Sun. This unique position allows SOHO to maintain a stable stance relative to both Earth and the Sun. Equipped with 12 scientific instruments, SOHO has been instrumental in studying various aspects of the solar atmosphere and has contributed to the discovery of thousands of comets.

Q4. Which one of the following statements is true for James Webb Space Telescope launched in December 2021?
1. It orbits the Sun, about 15 lakh km away from the Earth.
2. It orbits the Earth, about 15 lakh km away.
3. It is stationary in space nearly 10 lakh km away from the Earth.
4. It revolves around the Moon nearly 3.5 lakh km away from the Earth.
Answer: It orbits the Sun, about 15 lakh km away from the Earth.
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is positioned at the Second Lagrange Point (L2), which is nearly 1.5 million kilometers away from the Earth, in the direction opposite to the Sun. This location allows the JWST to stay in line with the Earth as it orbits the Sun, providing a stable environment for observations. The telescope is equipped with a large mirror and infrared capabilities, enabling it to observe the universe with unprecedented clarity and depth. The JWST's mission includes exploring the universe's earliest galaxies, studying the formation of stars and planets, and investigating potential atmospheres of exoplanets for signs of life.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding CubeSats:
1. CubeSats are a type of miniaturized satellite designed for space research that follow a standardized unit size of 10 cm³.
2. CubeSats are limited to Earth observation and cannot be used for deep space missions.
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: 1 only
Solution: CubeSats are indeed miniaturized satellites that typically follow a standardized unit size of 10 cm³. They are not limited to Earth observation; they have been used in deep space missions as well. For instance, the MarCO CubeSats were used in a mission to Mars, demonstrating their capability for deep space exploration.

Q6. 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 system's first stage, called Super Heavy, detached three minutes into the flight, allowing the Starship upper stage to continue toward space. The test mission aims to improve the Starship's reentry and landing capabilities.

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. Starliner will return uncrewed, allowing NASA and Boeing to gather additional testing data without risking the astronauts' safety.

Q8. What are the names of the SpaceX mission and the crew module involved in the first-ever private spacewalk?
1. Inspiration5 and Starliner
2. Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
3. Artemis I and Dragonfly
4. Axiom Mission and Falcon 9
Answer: Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
Solution: Polaris Dawn is the SpaceX mission that carried out the first private spacewalk in orbit. The crew module used in this mission is called Crew Dragon, SpaceX's capsule for ferrying astronauts to space and back. This mission was aimed at pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight by testing spacesuit designs and Crew Dragon's depressurization procedures.

Q9. What is the name of the astronaut who was selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2024?
1. Sharmila Bhattacharya
2. Ashwin Vasavada
3. Kamlesh Lulla
4. Shubhanshu Shukla
Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in August 2024. The Axiom-4 mission is part of a series of missions organized by Axiom Space to facilitate private and commercial spaceflight. Shubhanshu Shukla will be among the few astronauts representing India in international space missions, marking a significant achievement for the country.

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding lunar landings:
1. No private company has successfully landed its spacecraft on the moon.
2. Only five national space agencies have accomplished a soft lunar landing.
3. The moon's atmosphere provides minimal resistance, making parachutes an effective landing mechanism.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 2 and 3 only
Answer: option 2
Solution: Intuitive Machines became the first private company to land on the moon in February 2024, followed by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1. Since private lunar landings have occurred, the claim that no private company has done so is incorrect. Before private companies, only five national space agencies had achieved successful soft lunar landings: the Soviet Union, the United States, China, India, and Japan. The moon has no atmosphere, which makes parachutes completely ineffective for landing. Instead, spacecraft must rely on precisely controlled thrusters to slow down and land safely.

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