NASAs space missions often make us think about important ethical questions, like how to explore space responsibly, making sure we dont harm other planets (planetary protection), and how to design machines that can make decisions on their own. Thinking about these issues helps us consider how to do things the right way, be accountable, and serve the public good.

In this article, we will discuss about Kepler Space Telescope for UPSC CSE Examination which was launched to reach Deep Space (observing stars for exoplanet transits), offering new insights into its environment, structure, and scientific relevance.

• On March 7, 2009, NASA launched Kepler Space Telescope, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• At its core, the mission has a singular, critical objective: to Discover Earth-sized exoplanets in/near habitable zones. All resources and efforts are aligned to ensure this outcome is successfully met.  
• Everyone involved, including the crew and ground control, was very dedicated because they knew it was a Astrophysics satellite (exoplanet survey - Discovery Program) with special goals.  
• This mission was one of the notable flights for the distinguished Delta II 7925-10L. 
• The rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, LC-17B, starting its space journey. 
• It remained active for Over 9 years. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA. 
• The mission was classified as Completed (Decommissioned) upon completion. 
• NASA allocated ~$600 million for the ambitious Kepler Space Telescope, pushing boundaries in aerospace innovation and planetary science. 

Photometer (large field of view CCD array) onboard Kepler Space Telescope are set to revolutionize autonomous science operations during long-duration missions.

NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope used High-precision photometry for detecting exoplanet transits to push the boundaries of robotic intelligence and spacecraft autonomy. By exploring international partnerships, data-sharing frameworks, and global policy impacts, this article on NASAs Kepler Space Telescope Space Mission offers valuable insights for UPSC Prelims and Mains GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3 and Essay preparation.

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NASA Kepler Space Telescope Space Mission Overview 

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

Kepler Space Telescope Space Mission Global Contributions

• NASA collaborated with Ball Aerospace (spacecraft/photometer), Ames Research Center (mission operations) to incorporate cutting-edge technologies and reduce reliance on government-built infrastructure. 
• Through Vast exoplanet candidate database publicly available, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• With Kepler Space Telescope, NASA’s innovative efforts led to Revolutionized exoplanet science; revealed thousands of potential planets, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

Challenges & Risk in Kepler Space Telescope Space Mission

During various mission phases, Kepler Space Telescope had to manage risks like Failures of two reaction wheels, leading to K2 mission redesign, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Kepler Space Telescope encountered mission-specific risks such as Reaction wheel failures ended primary mission; K2 mission developed, which required adaptive mission planning and real-time corrections. 
• The environmental footprint of Kepler Space Telescope is best summarized as Remains in Earth-trailing solar orbit (inactive), contributing to long-term mission impact assessments. 

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Mission Timeline of Kepler Space Telescope NASA Space Mission

• NASA initiated formal planning for the mission on Early 2000s. 
• The landing/flyby event occurred on Not applicable, and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
• NASA declared the May 2013 (Primary mission); October 30, 2018 (Decommissioned) as the official end of the mission’s primary objectives, celebrating a successful outcome. 

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UPSC Relevance of Kepler Space Telescope

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• 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.
• 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
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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. Consider the following statements regarding Ariel Space Mission adopted by the European Space Agency.
1. Ariel is the first mission of its kind dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of exoplanets.
2. Ariel will be launched in 2029.
3. It will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1, 2 and 3
4. 3 only
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: Ariel is the first mission of its kind dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of exoplanets. Ariel will be launched in 2029 and will perform a large-scale survey of over a thousand exoplanets over a period of four years. Hence, all statements are correct.

Q2. NASA has recently introduced a team of 18 astronauts who will train for its Artemis moon-landing program. Consider the statements on Artemis Mission.
1. It aims to land the first woman on the Moon.
2. It aims to eventually land at the south pole region of the moon.
Which among 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: The lunar exploration programme will land the first woman and the next man on the Moon in 2024. Hence, statement 1 is correct. During Artemis III, Orion will dock with a privately designed and developed vehicle that will ferry the crew to the surface near the moon’s icy south pole in 2024. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q3. Name the Space Telescope that on 6 January, 2015 discovered the 1000th exoplanet in Constellation Lyra.
1. Hubble
2. Chandrasekhar
3. Kepler
4. James Webb
Answer: Kepler
Solution: Kepler is a NASA mission, launched in 2009, to detect Earth-sized exoplanets. On 6th January 2015, NASA announced Kepler's discovery of the 1000th confirmed exoplanet.

Q4. Who has created a record for longest single spaceflight in 2019?
1. Nick Hague
2. Anne McClain
3. Jessica Meir
4. Christina Koch
Answer: Christina Koch
Solution: Christina Koch created a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, surpassing the earlier record of 288 days in space. On her 289th day at the International Space Station, she set the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman.

Q5. SpaceX Demo-2 mission, recently seen in the news, is an initiative of which of the following agency?
1. NASA
2. European Space Agency
3. ISRO
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 test flight will lift off for the International Space Station, becoming the first crewed flight to launch from American soil since the conclusion of the space shuttle era in 2011.

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Ingenuity.
1. Ingenuity is a small robotic helicopter located on the moon.
2. It is the small coaxial, drone rotorcraft that will serve as a technology demonstrator for the potential use of flying probes on other worlds.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: 2 only
Solution: Ingenuity is a small robotic helicopter located on Mars since February 18, 2021, that is intended to make the first powered atmospheric flight on a planet beyond Earth. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. The small coaxial, drone rotorcraft will serve as a technology demonstrator for the potential use of flying probes on other worlds. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Q7. According to recent news, the Indian Space Research Organisation and the United States Space Agency NASA, have agreed to form a working group for cooperation in which of the following endeavours?
1. Moon and Mars Missions of future
2. Meteorology and Space Exploration
3. Heliophysics
4. All the above
Answer: All the above
Solution: NASA and ISRO signed a partnership to collaborate on various missions, including Moon and Mars missions, meteorology, and heliophysics.

Q8. Boeing Starliner Spacecraft is related to which of the following space organization?
1. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
2. European Space Agency
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
4. Indian Space Research Organisation
Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Solution: The spacecraft, called the Crew Space Transportation-100, is part of an uncrewed test flight to the International Space Station and is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

Q9. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Perseverance Rover?
1. It is a mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation.
2. The mission is designed to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life.
3. It is the most advanced, most expensive and most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars.
Select the correct answer by using the codes given below.
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 2 and 3 only
Solution: NASA's Perseverance rover has been launched to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life. It is the most advanced, most expensive, and most sophisticated mobile laboratory sent to Mars. Hence, statement 1 is not correct while statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Q10. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one ______ astronaut onboard.
1. Japanese
2. South Korean
3. Russian
4. Chinese
Answer: Japanese
Solution: The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one Japanese astronaut onboard.

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