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.

In this detailed article, we will learn about the Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) mission which will travel to Earth (Sun-synchronous orbit), aiming to examine its operational features, onboard systems, and relevance for international collaboration.

• The successful launch of Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) on July 15, 2004 set the stage for important scientific advancements.  
• At its core, the mission has a singular, critical objective: to Study Earth's ozone layer, air quality, and climate. All resources and efforts are aligned to ensure this outcome is successfully met.  
• As a specific Earth observation satellite (atmospheric chemistry), its main goal was clearly defined, and everyone involved worked hard and stayed focused on achieving it.  
• Carefully, the team integrated the precious payload with the Delta II 7920-10L, a critical step before launch. 
• Vandenberg AFB, SLC-2W was the location where the mission was launched. 
• From start to finish, the mission ran for Ongoing (far exceeded design life). 
• NASA, Netherlands, UK, Finland led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• It wrapped up with a status of Operational. 
• The mission had an estimated cost of ~$785 million, aiming to expand humanity’s reach into deep space. 

NASA outfitted Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) with HIRDLS (failed), MLS, OMI, TES to support its goals in autonomous space exploration.

The Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) mission deployed Advanced instruments for atmospheric chemistry profiling, enabling next-generation robotic performance in unpredictable space environments. In this article, lets understand more about Objectives, Data Sharing Agreements and Challenges Faced in NASAs Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) which is useful in UPSC Prelims & UPSC Mains Papers.

Get Free Materials for UPSC Preparation by Testbook!

NASA Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) Space Mission Overview 

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

Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) Space Mission Global Contributions

Working alongside Netherlands/Finland (OMI), UK (HIRDLS), NASA’s Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) aimed to build a cooperative future for autonomous exploration.

• OMI and HIRDLS from international partners were integrated into Aura (EOS Chemistry-1), enhancing the mission’s scientific capabilities and autonomous performance. 
• The involvement of Northrop Grumman (built satellite) ensured access to reliable launch services and advanced satellite platforms. 
• Data widely used for atmospheric research and monitoring helped unify efforts across space agencies and research institutions, advancing shared knowledge and global capabilities. 
• With Aura (EOS Chemistry-1), NASA’s innovative efforts led to Critical data on ozone layer recovery and air pollution, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

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 Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) Space Mission

Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) overcame mission-threatening issues such as HIRDLS instrument failure; maintaining long-term instrument calibration by deploying alternative systems, refining software behavior, and executing contingency strategies developed during pre-launch testing.

• HIRDLS instrument chopper stalled was one of the significant issues faced during Aura (EOS Chemistry-1), requiring coordinated mitigation efforts. 
• Environmental considerations were factored into Aura (EOS Chemistry-1), resulting in Operational in Earth orbit as its end-of-life footprint. 

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

Mission Timeline of Aura (EOS Chemistry-1) NASA Space Mission

• On Mid-1990s (EOS program), the initial mission outline was submitted to NASA leadership. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on Not applicable enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• By July 2010 (End of 6-year prime design life), the spacecraft had met or exceeded its planned targets, and the mission entered its post-primary phase. 

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

UPSC Relevance of Aura (EOS Chemistry-1)

• Awareness of international space missions, especially NASA’s, is vital for success in the Prelims, given their link to science, technology, and current affairs.
• The application of space-based data for disaster management and weather forecasting—an area where NASA contributes significantly—is important for GS Paper 3.
• In GS Paper 4 of the UPSC IAS Exam, scenarios involving how NASA managed catastrophic mission failures like the Challenger disaster can help examine institutional learning, accountability, and ethical crisis response.
• Whether exploring climate data from NASA satellites (Geography), understanding U.S. space policy impacts (PSIR), or ethical decision-making in high-risk missions (Philosophy), NASA Space Missions offer integrated value across multiple UPSC CSE Optional subjects.

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. The term Project Kuiper is often seen in the news in the context of:
1. A Space project by NASA to study Kuiper Belt objects
2. It is an initiative to provide broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world
3. A study by IIT Bombay on a space object in the area of energy conservation
4. A manned mission by SpaceX to the biggest object in the Kuiper Belt

Answer: 2
Solution: It is an initiative to launch a constellation of Low Earth Orbit LEO satellites that will provide low-latency, high-speed broadband connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world. KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2 are the first two satellites under this project, will be used to test the communications and network technology.

The Kuiper Belt Edgeworth-Kuiper belt is a region of the Solar System that exists beyond the eight major planets. It extends from the orbit of Neptune (at 30 AU) to approximately 50 AU from the Sun. It is similar to the asteroid belt, in that it contains many small bodies, all remnants from the Solar System's formation.

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: 3
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 the 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. In 2003, NASA sent twin robotic rovers Spirit and Opportunity to Mars. These rovers are equipped with six wheels and have their own motor which is powered by solar energy. ISRO in its next mission to Mars Mangalyaan 2 is planning to send robotic rovers for exploration and research.

Q3. In January 2022, an asteroid known as asteroid 7482 1994 PC1, safely passed by the Earth from a distance of how many million km?
1. 1.9
2. 2.1
3. 2.7
4. 3.5

Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is 1.9 million km. An asteroid larger than Burj Khalifa safely passed by Earth on 18 January 2022. Known as asteroid 7482 1994 PC1, the space rock measures 1.05 km across, while the world’s tallest building in Dubai stands at 0.83km. It flew past the planet from a distance of 1.9 million km, which is five times the distance between the Earth and the Moon. It flew over the UAE at a speed of about 76,192kph. The space rock will not come this close to Earth for the next 200 years. Scottish-Australian astronomer Robert McNaught discovered this asteroid in 1994.

Q4. Which of the following is the name of the NASA programme to land first women and next man of the Moon by 2024?
1. Orion
2. Apollo
3. Artemis
4. Nike

Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is Artemis. NASA has unveiled its next-generation space-suits for upcoming Artemis programme. Artemis is scheduled to launch by 2024. It will be NASA's first woman mission on the Moon. This space-suit will be more flexible and easy to wear, NASA reported. NASA announced that it will allow astronauts to squat to pick up rocks and move more easily.

Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to Artemis I Mission:
1. Artemis I is the first of NASA's deep space exploration systems
2. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world
3. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3. On March 17, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA rolled out its Artemis I moon mission to the launchpad for testing at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, United States. Artemis I is the first of NASA's deep space exploration systems. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on Space Launch System rocket, the most powerful rocket in the world and travel 280000 miles from the earth for over four to six weeks during the course of the mission. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to land humans on the moon by 2024, and it also plans to land the first woman and first person of colour on the moon.

Q6. Students of Engineering college of ______ developed a Satellite named as SriShaktiSat for ISRO in Jan, 2021.
1. New Delhi
2. Coimbatore
3. Chennai
4. Kolkata

Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Coimbatore. The students of Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore developed the satellite named SriShaktiSat. It was developed as part of a collaborative project with the Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO. The satellite aims to help with communication and other space-related research. This project marks a significant achievement for the students and the institution, showcasing their technical skills and innovation.

Q7. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager-2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission

Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Artemis program. NASA's Artemis mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System SLS, which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. The expected launch time for Artemis 1 is August 2022, though earlier this was supposed to be in May 2022.

Q8. OneWeb will launch 36 satellites with which organization for low-orbit connectivity?
1. NASA
2. ISRO
3. ROSCOSMOS
4. CNSA

Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is ISRO. 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.

Q9. Recently, In April 2023, A Japanese lunar lander, carrying a rover developed in the United Arab Emirates, attempted to find its footing on the moon's surface and potentially mark the world's first lunar landing. What is the name of the lunar lander?
1. Prabhas
2. Rashid Rover
3. Vyom Mitra
4. Hakuto-R

Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is Hakuto-R. A Japanese lunar lander, carrying a rover developed in the United Arab Emirates, attempted to find its footing on the moon's surface, and potentially mark the world's first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft. Japanese firm Ispace attempted a lunar landing with a rover developed by the United Arab Emirates, which could have marked the first lunar landing for a commercially developed spacecraft.

Q10. In May 2023, NASA has awarded which of the following company to build a spacecraft that will send astronauts to and from the moon's surface?
1. Virgin Galactic
2. Blue Origin
3. Bigelow Aerospace, Inc.
4. SpaceX

Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Blue Origin. NASA has awarded Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's company, a contract worth 3.4 billion dollars to build a spacecraft that will send astronauts to and from the moon's surface. Blue Origin will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, and verifying its Blue Moon lander to meet NASA's requirements for human landing systems. This includes the capability to dock with Gateway, a space station in lunar orbit. The contract includes an uncrewed demonstration mission to the lunar surface, followed by a crewed demonstration on the Artemis V mission in 2029. This announcement establishes Blue Origin as NASA's second provider for delivering astronauts to the Moon, alongside SpaceX, which was previously contracted to demonstrate an initial human landing system for the Artemis III mission. The selection of Blue Origin and the previous contract with SpaceX demonstrate NASA's commitment to commercial and international partnerships in advancing human spaceflight. The Artemis program aims to send astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color, to explore the Moon and lay the groundwork for crewed missions to Mars.

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