Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / Lunar Prospector

NASA’s Lunar Prospector Mission – Timeline, Crew & Spacecraft

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

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.

This article focuses about Lunar Prospector which aims on Moon, gathering key information to better understand its current role in ongoing research and spaceflight.

  • Lunar Prospector, launched on January 7, 1998, is expected to play a pivotal role in space research and technology.  
  • The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Map lunar surface composition, gravity, magnetic fields; find water ice; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
  • Successfully completing this Lunar orbiter (Discovery Program) was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
  • The success of the entire mission depended on the Athena II working without any problems and providing enough power. 
  • The rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral, SLC-46, beginning its journey into space. 
  • Approximately 19 months in orbit was the length of the mission from launch to completion. 
  • The entire mission was overseen by NASA. 
  • The operation concluded as Completed (Successful). 
  • Estimated at $63 million (including launch), Lunar Prospector represents a significant investment in next-generation space exploration technologies. 

With Neutron/gamma ray/alpha particle spectrometers, magnetometer, electron reflectometer, Lunar Prospector demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

NASA equipped Lunar Prospector with Low-cost planetary mission design, polar orbit mapping to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA Lunar Prospector 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.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

NASA Lunar Prospector Space Mission Overview 

Lunar Prospector – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Moon

Launch Date

January 7, 1998

Objective

Map lunar surface composition, gravity, magnetic fields; find water ice

Mission Type

Lunar orbiter (Discovery Program)

Launch Vehicle

Athena II

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral, SLC-46

Mission Duration

Approximately 19 months in orbit

Agencies Involved

NASA

Mission Status

Completed (Successful)

Estimated Cost

$63 million (including launch)

Proposal Date

Early 1990s

New Instruments/Payloads

Neutron/gamma ray/alpha particle spectrometers, magnetometer, electron reflectometer

Key Technologies Used

Low-cost planetary mission design, polar orbit mapping

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

- pehlivanlokantalari.com
📚 Exclusive Free UPSC Notes Created by Our Experts
Subjects PDF Link
Download Free Ancient History Notes PDF Created by UPSC Experts Download Link
Grab the Free Economy Notes PDF used by UPSC Aspirants Download Link
Get your hands on the most trusted Free UPSC Environmental Notes PDF Download Link
Exclusive Free Indian Geography PDF crafted by top mentors Download Link
UPSC Toppers’ trusted notes, Now FREE for you. Download the Polity Notes PDF today! Download Link
Thousands of UPSC aspirants are already using our FREE UPSC notes. Get World Geography Notes PDF Here Download Link

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Lunar Prospector Space Mission Global Contributions

  • Lockheed Martin (spacecraft), Ames Research Center (management) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
  • Data archived in NASA PDS allowed multiple stakeholders to access and utilize mission outputs for extended scientific and technical purposes. 
  • Lunar Prospector exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by Provided strong evidence for water ice at lunar poles, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

N/A

Payload Contributions

N/A

Commercial Involvement

Lockheed Martin (spacecraft), Ames Research Center (management)

Data Sharing Agreements

Data archived in NASA PDS

Impact on Global Space Policy

Provided strong evidence for water ice at lunar poles
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in Lunar Prospector Space Mission

  • Environmental considerations were factored into Lunar Prospector, resulting in Intentionally crashed into shadowed crater to search for water as its end-of-life footprint. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

N/A

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

Intentionally crashed into shadowed crater to search for water

Challenges Faced

N/A

Download UPSC Previous Year Question Paper PDFs for UPSC Prelims & Mains!

Mission Timeline of Lunar Prospector NASA Space Mission
  • NASA logged the mission idea as a future candidate on Early 1990s. 
  • After months of preparation and travel, the spacecraft completed its planned landing/flyby on January 11, 1998 (Lunar orbit insertion), fulfilling core mission objectives. 
  • The date July 31, 1999 (Impacted Moon) marked the successful conclusion of the missions scheduled scientific and operational tasks. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Early 1990s

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

January 7, 1998

Landing / Flyby Date

January 11, 1998 (Lunar orbit insertion)

End of Primary Mission Date

July 31, 1999 (Impacted Moon)

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of Lunar Prospector
  • UPSC Prelims often includes questions related to NASA missions, highlighting the intersection of space science, technology, and international developments.
  • The influence of NASA’s technological advancements on India’s space ambitions can be analyzed in GS Paper 3, particularly in questions on indigenization and self-reliance in space tech.
  • 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.
  • Optional papers such as Anthropology, Geography, and Philosophy can use NASA’s deep space missions to examine human adaptability, technological ethics, and questions of existential risk and sustainability in modern science.

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
educationprovince.com

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 missions are related to exploring the various facets of the Moon?
1. Artemis-I
2. Chang'e 4 project
3. VIPER Mission
4. Hope Mission
5. Crew 2 Mission
Choose the correct answer using the codes given below:
1. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
2. 2, 4 and 5 only
3. 1, 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Answer: 1, 2, and 3 only
Solution: The Artemis-I mission is NASA's first non-crew mission to the Moon, Chang'e 4 is a Chinese lunar mission, and the VIPER mission is aimed at exploring the Moon's South Pole. The Hope Mission is related to Mars, and Crew 2 is a mission to the International Space Station. Therefore, the correct options are 1, 2, and 3 only.

Q2. NASA's rover Perseverance to begin dropping samples of rock on the surface of the Planet _____
1. Roscosmos, Jupiter
2. ISRO, Mars
3. NASA, Mars
4. JAXA, Earth

Answer: NASA, Mars
Solution: NASA's rover Perseverance is set to drop samples on the surface of Mars. This mission aims to collect and analyze Martian rock and soil samples.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Multi-Angle Imager for Aerosols Mission (MAIA):
1. It is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency.
2. It aims to investigate the health impact of air pollution.
3. The duration of the mission is three years.
Which of the above statements 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: All three statements are correct. MAIA is a joint mission between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, it aims to investigate the health impacts of air pollution, and the mission is planned to last for three years.

Q4. Consider the following statements:
1. The Perseverance rover is designed to explore the Jezero crater on Mars.
2. It is NASA's Mars rover with the primary objective of looking for signs of ancient microbial life.
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: Both 1 and 2
Solution: Both statements are correct. The Perseverance rover is designed to explore the Jezero crater and aims to search for signs of ancient microbial life.

Q5. Consider the following about Cassini Mission:
1. It is a joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency.
2. Its recent findings show the presence of hydrogen cyanide on Saturn's icy moon Enceladus.
3. Methanol, Ethane, and Oxygen have also been found in the plumes of water vapor erupting from the surface of Enceladus.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Answer: All three
Solution: All three statements are correct. The Cassini Mission was a collaboration among NASA, ESA, and ASI, and it found hydrogen cyanide as well as other organic compounds in the plumes of Enceladus.

Q6. Group Captains _______________ and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh

Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is the backup astronaut.

Q7. 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: All statements are correct. Axiom Mission 4 is a private spaceflight organized in collaboration with NASA, it will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and last for 14 days, and two Indian astronauts have been chosen for the mission.

Q8. 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 ISS in August 2024.

Q9. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere.
The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above

Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn; it is a mission to Venus. The satellite is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket, but the first statement is incorrect.

Q10. Which private company launched the lunar lander Athena to explore the Moon's south pole in February 2025?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Intuitive Machines
4. Firefly Aerospace

Answer: Intuitive Machines
Solution: Intuitive Machines launched the lunar lander Athena on February 26, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Subject-wise Prelims Previous Year Questions

Geography PYQ UPSC Prelims

Polity PYQ UPSC Prelims

Environment PYQ UPSC Prelims

Ancient History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Modern History PYQ UPSC Prelims

Medieval History PYQ UPSC Prelims

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

Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice