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.

This article focuses about Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) which aims on Extrasolar planetary systems, gathering key information to better understand its current role in ongoing research and spaceflight.

• Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) took off on Cancelled (was planned for ~2014-2020), beginning a mission that would expand the boundaries of human understanding.  
• At its core, the mission has a singular, critical objective: to Detect and characterize Earth-like planets around nearby stars. All resources and efforts are aligned to ensure this outcome is successfully met.  
• The unique difficulties of a Astrophysics mission concept (flagship) required the whole team to think creatively to find solutions.  
• People in the control room carefully watched the Not applicables performance as it flew upwards. 
• The rocket lifted off from Not applicable, beginning its journey into space. 
• The mission was carried out over a period of Not applicable. 
• It was a project spearheaded by NASA (concept studies). 
• Mission result: Cancelled/Deferred Indefinitely. 
• The cost of Multi-billion dollar class (conceptual) was dedicated to NASA’s Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF), enhancing data collection and mission autonomy. 

Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) leverages Coronagraphs, interferometers (various concepts TPF-C, TPF-I) to enable efficient, real-time space science and reduce reliance on Earth-based control.

Powered by Advanced starlight suppression, high-contrast imaging/interferometry, Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) 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 Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) 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 Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) Space Mission Overview 

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

Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) Space Mission Global Contributions

The Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) mission saw significant collaboration with ESA had parallel Darwin mission concept to enhance its scientific reach and technical innovation.

• Contributing to mission success, Not applicable on Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) brought new functionality to deep space autonomy. 
• By implementing Not applicable, NASA enabled real-time data exchange and cooperative research throughout the mission. 
• Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) had a significant impact on global space policy as Influenced technology development for exoplanet imaging, influencing international collaboration and setting new standards for space exploration. 

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Challenges & Risk in Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) Space Mission

Despite facing technical difficulties like Deemed too ambitious/costly for its time; budget cuts, the mission team implemented timely corrective actions that ensured Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) stayed aligned with its core scientific and operational goals.

• Extreme technical challenges and high cost was one of the significant issues faced during Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF), requiring coordinated mitigation efforts. 
• Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) concludes with Not applicable, which contributes to discussions around orbital sustainability and debris management. 

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Mission Timeline of Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF) NASA Space Mission

• The foundation for this mission was laid on Late 1990s/Early 2000s (Decadal Survey recommendation), when the proposal was first introduced. 
• A key design milestone was achieved during the CDR held on Not applicable. 
• The full structure of the NASA space mission was successfully assembled on Not applicable, marking a major milestone in spacecraft readiness. 
• The mission safely reached its landing/flyby destination on Not applicable, staying on track with the projected timeline. 
• NASA declared the Not applicable as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

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UPSC Relevance of Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF)

• Scientific advancements and innovations by NASA are a recurring theme in the UPSC Prelims, reflecting their global significance. 
• GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
• Questions in General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics) under the UPSC CSE Exam may reference NASA’s planetary exploration policies to discuss intergenerational responsibility and long-term sustainability ethics.
• The societal, ethical, and scientific dimensions of NASA’s work, including planetary protection and interplanetary travel, are pertinent to Anthropology, Philosophy, and Geography optional papers, helping illustrate human response to unknown frontiers.

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. Which of the following is/are correctly Matched?
1. Hope Probe - Israel
2. Ingenuity Helicopter - NASA USA
3. Lunar Polar Exploration LUPEX - India
4. Tianwen-1 - China

Answer: 2, 3 and 4 only
Solution: India and Japan are working together on a joint lunar polar exploration LUPEX mission that aims to send a lander and rover to the Moon's South Pole around 2024.

The Chinese experiment Tianwen-1, the first mission to Mars from China, successfully underwent orbital insertion on February 10. Tianwen-1 carries an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. Unlike NASA rovers, Tianwen-1 will orbit Mars for a few months before attempting to land in May. The spacecraft has a suite of instruments to address a range of scientific questions, including a ground-penetrating radar instrument to look for water under the Martian surface.

NASA's Perseverance rover, launched in 2020, aims to search for signs of past life and collect rock samples for future return to Earth.

Q2. Aerospace company SPACE X sent 4 citizens into space on the first private flight on 15 September 2021, What was the name of the mission which was given?
1. New Horizons-2021
2. Inspiration-4
3. PSLV-C46
4. PSLV-C45 EMISAT

Answer: Inspiration-4
Solution: From Florida's Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX launched its Inspiration-4 mission with a crew made up entirely of civilians. Jared Isaacman led the mission, funding the entire journey. The crew completed a three-day orbit of the planet before splashing down on September 18 off the coast of Florida.

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to Deep Space Optical Communications mission of NASA:
1. The information was beamed to earth in near Infrared radiation.
2. It is the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications.
3. The mission was experimented on Psyche spacecraft which is situated near Saturn.
How many of the above statements are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: Option 2
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as the information was beamed to earth in near Infrared radiation. Statement 2 is correct as it is the farthest-ever demonstration of optical communications. Statement 3 is incorrect as the Psyche spacecraft is not situated near Saturn.

Q4. On which rocket was the X-37B robot spaceplane launched for its seventh mission?
1. Saturn V
2. Atlas V
3. Falcon 9
4. Falcon Heavy

Answer: Falcon Heavy
Solution: The US military's secretive X-37B robotic spaceplane launched atop SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket for the first time. This marks the seventh mission of the X-37B and the first time it has journeyed to orbit aboard the Falcon Heavy.

Q5. Who among the following is credited with designing the world's smallest satellite?
1. G. Madhavan Nair
2. B.N. Suresh
3. Rifath Sharook
4. A.S. Kiran Kumar

Answer: Rifath Sharook
Solution: Rifath Sharook, an 18-year-old student from Tamil Nadu, developed the world's smallest and lightest satellite weighing a mere 64 grams. The satellite is named Kalam Sat after former President APJ Abdul Kalam and was launched by a NASA sounding rocket.

Q6. Who launched the Europa Clipper mission?
1. European Space Agency ESA
2. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
3. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO
4. Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos

Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Solution: NASA has launched the Europa Clipper, the largest spacecraft it has ever built for a planetary mission, aimed at examining whether Jupiter's moon Europa has conditions suitable to support life.

Q7. 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 various institutions. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Axiom Mission 4:
1. Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station ISS, organized in collaboration with NASA.
2. The flight will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and will last for 14 days.
3. Two Indian astronauts have been chosen for the upcoming Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: Option 4
Solution: Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight to the ISS organized in collaboration with NASA. The flight will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and will last about 14 days. Two Indian astronauts have been chosen for the mission.

Q9. What is the primary goal of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR mission?
1. Climate action
2. Defense satellites
3. Space tourism
4. Trade monitoring

Answer: Climate action
Solution: NISAR is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and ISRO aimed at monitoring and measuring changes in the Earth's surface to understand climate change impacts.

Q10. What is the name of NASA's new space telescope set to launch in February 2025, which aims to survey the entire sky in 102 infrared colors?
1. SPHEREx
2. James Webb Space Telescope 2.0
3. Hubble Space Telescope 2.0
4. Chandra-CRISP X-ray Observatory

Answer: SPHEREx
Solution: NASA's SPHEREx mission, scheduled for launch in February 2025, aims to map the entire sky in 102 infrared colors. SPHEREx stands for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer.

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