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. Through the CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) mission, NASA aims to study Moon (Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit - NRHO), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• With its launch on June 28, 2022, CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) began a bold mission to explore new frontiers.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Test NRHO stability for Gateway; demonstrate navigation technologies. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• Successfully completing this Lunar orbiter technology demonstration (CubeSat) was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
• Mission planners selected the Electron due to its established reliability and successful flight history. 
• The rocket launched from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, LC-1B, starting its space journey. 
• The entire mission took Over 18 months in NRHO (planned) to complete. 
• NASA played a key role in the success of the mission. 
• Overall, the mission was Operational, meeting most of its objectives. 
• With a budget of $30 million, NASA launched CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) to advance scientific understanding and explore new frontiers. 

Featuring Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System (CAPS), S-band radio, CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

CubeSat in NRHO, autonomous spacecraft-to-spacecraft navigation with LRO were essential to CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment), supporting navigation, real-time data analysis, and autonomous mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) 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 CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) Space Mission Overview 

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

CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) Space Mission Global Contributions

• Key contributors such as Advanced Space (owned/operated), Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems (bus), Rocket Lab (launch) provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
• Technology demonstration data to be shared within NASA and partners helped unify efforts across space agencies and research institutions, advancing shared knowledge and global capabilities. 
• CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by Pathfinder for Artemis Gateway lunar orbiting station, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

Challenges & Risk in CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) Space Mission

Even with substantial challenges such as Communication anomaly after spacecraft separation from Photon, CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) was able to maintain operational continuity through rigorous diagnostics, system calibration, and expert mission control intervention.

• CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) encountered mission-specific risks such as Communication issues post-separation; successful orbit insertion, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 

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Mission Timeline of CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment) NASA Space Mission

• Late 2010s marks the date when the mission was first approved for consideration. 
• Engineers and scientists celebrated the success of the landing/flyby event on November 13, 2022 (NRHO insertion), a major milestone for the mission. 
• On Approximately 6 months after NRHO insertion for primary tech demo, all core mission tasks were completed, marking the official end of the spacecraft’s planned journey. 

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UPSC Relevance of CAPSTONE Mission (Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment)

• Scientific advancements and innovations by NASA are a recurring theme in the UPSC Prelims, reflecting their global significance. 
• 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.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) may include questions around how organizations like NASA prioritize scientific advancement for public good over commercial interests, offering a lens to evaluate ethical service orientation.
• NASA Space Missions provide cross-cutting content useful in UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Geography, and Public Administration by exemplifying governance models, global diplomacy, and spatial data infrastructure.

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. Consider the following statements
1. The NewSpace India Limited is the commercial arm of the Department of Space
2. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center IN-SPACe will facilitate the participation of private sector
Which of the above is are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 3
Solution: The new Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Center IN-SPACe, which is expected to be functional within six months, will assess the needs and demands of private players, including educational and research institutions, and explore ways to accommodate these requirements in consultation with ISRO. Existing ISRO infrastructure, both ground- and space-based, scientific and technical resources, and even data are planned to be made accessible to interested parties to enable them to carry out their space-related activities.

It is not that there is no private industry involvement in Indias space sector. In fact, a large part of the manufacturing and fabrication of rockets and satellites now happens in the private sector. There is increasing participation of research institutions as well. But as Sivan told this newspaper on Thursday, the Indian industry had a barely three per cent share in a rapidly growing global space economy which was already worth at least 360 billion dollars. Only two per cent of this market was for rocket and satellite launch services, which require fairly large infrastructure and heavy investment. The remaining 95 per cent related to satellite-based services, and ground-based systems.

Indian industry, however, is unable to compete, because till now its role has been mainly that of suppliers of components and sub-systems. Indian industries do not have the resources or the technology to undertake independent space projects of the kind that US companies such as SpaceX have been doing or provide space-based services.

Additionally, the demand for space-based applications and services is growing even within India, and ISRO is unable to cater to this. The need for satellite data, imageries and space technology now cuts across sectors, from weather to agriculture to transport to urban development and more. As Sivan told this newspaper, ISRO would have to be expanded 10 times the current level to meet all the demand that is arising.

At the same time, there were several Indian companies waiting to make use of these opportunities. Sivan said there were a few companies that were in the process of developing their own launch vehicles, the rockets like ISROs PSLV that carry the satellites and other payloads into space, and ISRO would like to help them do that. Right now, all launches from India happen on ISRO rockets, the different versions of PSLV and GSLV. Sivan said ISRO was ready to provide all its facilities to private players whose projects had been approved by IN-SPACe. Private companies, if they wanted, could even build their own launchpad within the Sriharikota launch station, and ISRO would provide the necessary land for that, he said.

IN-SPACe is supposed to be a facilitator, and also a regulator. It will act as an interface between ISRO and private parties and assess how best to utilize Indias space resources and increase space-based activities.

Q2. With reference to Artemis I, consider the following statements:
1. It will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration
2. It is the first uncrewed flight beyond the Moon and return to Earth
3. NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits through this mission
Which of the statements given above is are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 1 and 2 only
4. 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: 4
Solution: Artemis I is the first of NASA's deep space exploration systems. Hence, statement 1 is correct. It is an uncrewed space mission where the spacecraft will launch on a 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. Hence, statement 2 is correct. With the Artemis Mission, NASA aims to contribute to scientific discovery and economic benefits and inspire a new generation of explorers. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Q3. 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: 3
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. Hence, option 3 is correct.

Q4. Which of the following statements is incorrect about Surface Water and Ocean Topography SWOT satellite, recently seen in news?
1. It is developed jointly by NASA and the European space agency ESA
2. The Satellite will be used to improve the accuracy of flood forecasts and other ocean related disasters
3. It recently helped in discovering an ancient underwater mountain range hidden within the worlds strongest ocean current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current
4. The satellite helps in understanding the oceans role as a climate shock absorber
Answer: 1
Solution: Surface Water and Ocean Topography SWOT satellite is developed jointly by NASA and the French space agency CNES. Hence statement 1 is incorrect. SWOT is an advanced radar satellite that aims to provide scientists with a deeper understanding of the oceans and how climate change impacts them.

Q5. Which of the following missions are related to exploring the various facets of the Moon?
1. Artemis I
2. Chang'e 6 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: 3
Solution: Artemis mission is the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the Moon and Mars. Chang'e 6 is the sixth mission in China's lunar mission series which is named after the Chinese moon goddess. VIPER stands for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover. It is a mobile robot.

Q6. To which planet did NASA send Missy Elliotts hip-hop music?
1. Mars
2. Jupiter
3. Saturn
4. Venus
Answer: 4
Solution: NASAs Deep Space Network successfully transmitted Missy Elliotts hip-hop song The Rain Supa Dupa Fly to Venus, creating a historic moment in both music and space exploration.

Q7. For how many days did Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub stay aboard the International Space Station ISS to set a new record for the longest single mission, surpassing the previous record of 370 days?
1. 372 days
2. 374 days
3. 378 days
4. 380 days
Answer: 2
Solution: Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub have set a new record for the longest continuous mission aboard the International Space Station ISS, surpassing the previous record of 370 days, 21 hours, and 22 minutes.

Q8. What is the name of the spacecraft that successfully returned two Russian cosmonauts and a NASA astronaut from the International Space Station ISS to Earth on September 23, 2024?
1. Soyuz MS-23
2. Soyuz MS-24
3. Soyuz MS-25
4. Soyuz MS-26
Answer: 3
Solution: The Russian Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft successfully landed in Kazakhstan on September 23, 2024, at 1159 GMT.

Q9. The NEEMO program, which conducts analog space missions in underwater environments, is an initiative of which country?
1. Japan
2. Russia
3. Germany
4. United States
Answer: 4
Solution: NEEMO NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations is a program run by the United States. It is conducted by NASA in underwater habitats to simulate space mission conditions, providing astronauts with experience in extreme and isolated environments similar to space.

Q10. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer IXPE, recently seen in the news, is:
1. A Mars orbiter developed jointly by ISRO and NASA to study Martian dust storms
2. The worlds first telescope designed to study X-ray polarization of cosmic phenomena
3. A space-based observatory to detect gravitational waves from neutron stars
4. A radio telescope that maps dark matter in the early universe
Answer: 2
Solution: IXPE stands for Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, launched jointly by NASA and the Italian Space Agency on December 9, 2021. It is the first satellite dedicated to measuring X-ray polarisation, a crucial metric to study high-energy phenomena like black hole jets and blazars.

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