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Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock

STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock Mission: Objectives, Launch Date, Status, UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
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NASA (which stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the main U.S. agency for space exploration. It was started back in 1958, partly because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first satellite. NASA is a world leader in exploring space, doing everything from building satellites and sending people into space to exploring other planets and carrying out advanced science. What NASA does helps create new technologies we can all use and encourages countries to work together peacefully in space.

In this article, we will go deeper about the STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock mission for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach International Space Station (ISS), enhancing our understanding of its dynamics, importance in space science, and long-term mission utility.

  • The launch of STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock on July 12, 2001 signified the beginning of a new chapter in scientific discovery.  
  • The missions objective is ambitious yet crucial: to Deliver and install Quest Joint Airlock to ISS. This will provide new perspectives and could reshape current theories.  
  • The people chosen for this Crewed ISS assembly flight (7A) received special training tailored to what the mission required.  
  • The huge size and complicated nature of the Space Shuttle (Atlantis OV-104) amazed everyone who got a close look at it. 
  • The launch took place at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, marking the start of the mission. 
  • The operation of the mission lasted 12 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes, 39 seconds. 
  • The entire mission was overseen by NASA. 
  • The mission was classified as Completed (Successful) upon completion. 

With Quest Joint Airlock, high-pressure gas tanks, STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

Installation of primary ISS airlock for US/Russian spacesuits enabled STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock 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-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock Space Mission Overview 

STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

International Space Station (ISS)

Launch Date

July 12, 2001

Objective

Deliver and install Quest Joint Airlock to ISS

Mission Type

Crewed ISS assembly flight (7A)

Launch Vehicle

Space Shuttle (Atlantis OV-104)

Launch Site

Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B

Mission Duration

12 days, 18 hours, 36 minutes, 39 seconds

Agencies Involved

NASA

Mission Status

Completed (Successful)

Estimated Cost

N/A

Proposal Date

N/A

New Instruments/Payloads

Quest Joint Airlock, high-pressure gas tanks

Key Technologies Used

Installation of primary ISS airlock for US/Russian spacesuits

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

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STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock Space Mission Global Contributions

NASA partnered with ISS partners for STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock, strengthening international efforts in robotic space exploration.

  • Key contributors such as Boeing (Airlock) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
  • STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock demonstrated a strong policy impact by Enabled EVAs from US segment using both US/Russian suits, fostering new partnerships and shaping future governance frameworks. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

ISS partners

Payload Contributions

N/A

Commercial Involvement

Boeing (Airlock)

Data Sharing Agreements

N/A

Impact on Global Space Policy

Enabled EVAs from US segment using both US/Russian suits
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 STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock Space Mission

  • A key risk during STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock was Three EVAs for airlock installation and tank attachment, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Three EVAs for airlock installation and tank attachment

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

N/A

Challenges Faced

N/A

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Mission Timeline of STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock NASA Space Mission
  • On July 25, 2001 (Landing at KSC), the spacecraft reached its designated target, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. 
  • After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked July 25, 2001 as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

N/A

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

July 12, 2001

Landing / Flyby Date

July 25, 2001 (Landing at KSC)

End of Primary Mission Date

July 25, 2001

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

UPSC Relevance of STS-104 Atlantis ISS Assembly Quest Airlock
  • Understanding NASA’s space missions is crucial for UPSC aspirants, as these topics often feature under current science and tech developments.
  • General Studies Paper 3 includes NASA space missions under science and technology, especially focusing on innovations in space exploration and their global impact.
  • 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.
  • From the use of satellite imagery in remote sensing (Geography) to space-based diplomacy (PSIR) and organizational leadership in mission planning (Public Administration), NASA missions support diverse analytical frameworks across optional papers.

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 February 2021, which NASA rover landed on Mars?
1. Perseverance
2. Curiosity
3. Hope
4. Viking
Answer: Perseverance
Solution: The correct answer is Perseverance. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Perseverance Rover has landed on Mars. This was one of the most crucial aspects of the Mars 2020 Mission. Perseverance is the most advanced, most expensive and most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars. It is different from previous missions because it is capable of drilling and collecting core samples of the most promising rocks and soils, and setting them aside in a cache on the surface of Mars. The landing site is Jezero Crater, an ancient river delta that has rocks and minerals that could only form in water. The landing occurred on 18th February 2021.

Q2. 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: 2 only
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 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.

Q3. Who among the following led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020?
1. Swati Mohan
2. Anita Sengupta
3. Ashwin Vasavada
4. Kamlesh Lulla
Answer: Swati Mohan
Solution: Swati Mohan led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020. She is an Indian-American aerospace engineer, the head of guidance, navigation and control operations at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory who recently landed the Perseverance rover on Mars.

Q4. Which of the following witnessed the birth of black holes for the five hundredth time in May 2022?
1. NuSTAR
2. Astrosat
3. AstroSat-2
4. Aditya-L1
Answer: Astrosat
Solution: Astrosat, India's first dedicated astronomy mission, witnessed the birth of black holes for the five hundredth time on 20 May 2022. Astrosat with a lift-off mass of 1,515 kilograms was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 28 September 2015. It is the most sensitive space telescope in the world consisting of five instruments.

Q5. The James Webb Space Telescope was launched in December 2021 through.
1. Arian 2 rocket
2. Arian 4 rocket
3. Arian 5 rocket
4. Arian 1 rocket
Answer: Arian 5 rocket
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a 21st-century international space observatory that was launched on December 25, 2021. It arrived just at Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point in January 2022. An Ariane 5 rocket carried the James Webb Space Telescope into orbit. The European Space Agency's contribution to the mission includes the launch vehicle and launch site.

Q6. In December 2022 which of the following Arab countries launched lunar spacecraft?
1. UAE
2. Saudi Arab
3. Qatar
4. Kuwait
Answer: UAE
Solution: UAE successfully launches first-ever Arab-Built lunar spacecraft. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried into space the first ever Arab-built lunar spacecraft, on 12 Dec 2022. It was launched from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The Rashid Rover was built by Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, in the United Arab Emirates, and is being delivered by the HAKUTO-R lander, engineered by a Japanese lunar exploration company in space.

Q7. The MAVEN Mission, which was launched in 2013 is related to which of the following?
1. Study the asteroids
2. To know about Venus
3. Study the Martian upper atmosphere.
4. Study the southern part of the Moon
Answer: Study the Martian upper atmosphere.
Solution: The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission was launched in 2013. It is the first mission devoted to understanding the Martian upper atmosphere. The goal of this spacecraft is to determine the role that loss of atmospheric gas to space played in changing the Martian climate through time.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope:
1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point.
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope.
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: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope or Roman Space Telescope is a NASA deep space infrared observatory. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is set to launch around 2026 or 2027. The mission is projected to last for five years. RST will be situated at Lagrange point 2, a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun. The primary mirror of the RST has a diameter of 2.4 meters, the same size as the mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope. It will have a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time.

Q9. OneWeb will launch 36 satellites with which organization for low-orbit connectivity?
1. NASA
2. ISRO
3. ROSCOSMOS
4. CNSA
Answer: ISRO
Solution: OneWeb, the Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite company, will launch 36 satellites with Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO on 26 March 2023. The launch aims at completing the first-generation LEO constellation and enabling the initiation of global coverage in 2023. The mission marks OneWeb's second satellite deployment from India with the collaboration between the UK and India.

Q10. 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 and the Canadian Space Agency on 4 April 2023 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.

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

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