NASA believes in sharing its scientific findings openly. The information from its satellites is used by people all over the world to watch over the environment, deal with disasters, and study our climate. By being open and sharing what it learns with everyone, NASA helps make sure science is fair and benefits people everywhere.

In this article we have covered about LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around Moon (Cabeus crater), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) was launched on June 18, 2009 (with LRO), marking a significant step forward in space exploration.  
• The stated objective for this mission is to Confirm presence of water ice in permanently shadowed lunar crater. This central aim has guided every phase of its development, from instrument selection to operational planning.  
• Engineers and scientists decided this operation was a Lunar impactor and observing spacecraft, which guided all the planning that came after.  
• Many people traveled from all over, hoping to see the amazing sight of the Atlas V 401 launching. 
• Cape Canaveral, SLC-41 served as the launch site for this important space mission. 
• The mission lasted for Approximately 4 months. 
• This mission was managed by NASA. 
• The mission was Completed (Successful). 
• $79 million was spent on LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite), a key NASA initiative supporting deep space autonomy and exploration. 

Featuring Visible/NIR/MIR cameras and spectrometers, photometer, LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) aims to collect unprecedented data and enable more autonomous mission operations.

LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) relied on Kinetic impactor (Centaur stage), plume observation to achieve greater operational independence and efficiency in unstructured space settings. In this article, we’ve explored every phase of LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite)—from its initial proposal to its mission completion which will give UPSC aspirants a complete perspective valuable for UPSC Mains GS Papers 2, 3, 4, and the Essay Paper.

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NASA LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) Space Mission Overview 

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

LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) Space Mission Global Contributions

• Northrop Grumman (spacecraft), Ames Research Center (management) played a vital role in building and launching the mission, contributing to its overall success. 
• Data publicly available supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
• Through LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite), NASA underscored its leadership by achieving Confirmed water ice and other volatiles at lunar south pole, encouraging updates to international space guidelines. 

Challenges & Risk in LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) Space Mission

Although LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) was impacted by technical challenges such as Observing faint impact plume, the team’s proactive risk management and decision-making allowed the mission to deliver valuable outcomes.

• A key risk during LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) was Timing impact and observations precisely, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 
• LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) concludes with Centaur and shepherding spacecraft impacted Moon as planned, which contributes to discussions around orbital sustainability and debris management. 

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Mission Timeline of LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite) NASA Space Mission

• NASA logged the mission idea as a future candidate on Mid-2000s. 
• On October 9, 2009 (Lunar impacts), the spacecraft reached its designated target, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. 
• After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked October 9, 2009 (After impacts) as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of LCROSS Mission (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite)

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• General Studies Paper 3 includes NASA space missions under science and technology, especially focusing on innovations in space exploration and their global impact.
• NASA’s transparent communication about mission setbacks can be used in UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) to illustrate ethical behavior in maintaining public trust and institutional credibility.
• In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

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. 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 NASA and the Canadian Space Agency CSA 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. This will be the first crewed moon trip in fifty years. Reid Wiseman of NASA was first selected as an astronaut for the space organization in 2009. He will serve as commander of the Artemis II mission. Hansen was selected by the Canadian Space Agency for astronaut training in 2009. Notably, he will be the first Canadian ever to travel to deep space. Glover made his first trip into space in 2021, flying SpaceX’s Crew Dragon on its second crewed mission and spending nearly six months at the International Space Station. The fourth crew member is Koch. Six spacewalks have been completed by Koch including the first all-female spacewalk in 2019. With 328 days in space, she holds the record for the longest solo spaceflight by a woman.

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution TEMPO mission:
1. It is a joint venture mission launched by NASA and the European space agency.
2. It will measure the pollution level across the world measuring levels of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels.
3. It is placed in the earth's Geostationary orbit.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1 and 3 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 3 only
Solution: The Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Pollution TEMPO mission is the first funded project of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program, which includes small targeted science investigations designed to complement NASA's larger research missions. It will measure atmospheric pollution covering most of North America, from Mexico City to the Canadian tar/oil sands, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific hourly and at high spatial resolution. Hence statement 1 is not correct. It will take important scientific observations, including that of ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde levels. It monitors the effects of everything from rush-hour traffic to pollution from forest fires and volcanoes. The present pollution-monitoring satellites are in low Earth orbit LEO, but this new monitoring instrument is hosted in geostationary orbit. Hence statement 3 is correct.

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the NISAR mission:
1. NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission.
2. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces every 24 days.
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: Option 1
Solution: NISAR represents an equal collaboration between NASA and ISRO, marking the first time these two agencies have cooperated in the development of hardware for an Earth-observing mission. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar NISAR mission is a joint project between NASA and ISRO to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite. Scheduled for launch in early 2024, it is poised to facilitate the exploration of how shifts in Earth's forest and wetland ecosystems impact the global carbon cycle and influence climate change. NISAR's advanced radar systems will comprehensively scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces every 12 days. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.

Q4. What is the name of the first spacecraft to land on the moon since 1972, launched by the United States in partnership with a Texas-based private company?
1. Apollo Nexus
2. Lunar Pioneer
3. Artemis
4. Odysseus
Answer: Odysseus
Solution: The United States has pulled off its first lunar landing in more than half a century with a spacecraft named Odysseus, built and operated by a Texas-based private company. Odysseus is an uncrewed robot lander built by Houston-based Intuitive Machines with funding from NASA. NASA administrator Bill Nelson hailed the landing as a triumph for humanity and a new adventure in science, innovation, and American leadership in space. This marks the first time in history that a commercial company, specifically an American company, has launched and led a voyage to the moon. Intuitive Machines' mission represents the first successful lunar landing by a private firm. The last US spacecraft to land on the moon was Apollo 17 in 1972. Only four countries, apart from the US, have successfully landed on the moon: the former Soviet Union, China, India, and Japan. Odysseus launched from Florida on February 15 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft carried NASA's scientific instruments and cargo for private clients, including the latest insulating jacket fabric produced by Columbia Sportswear. Odysseus, powered by solar energy, is expected to operate for about a week on the lunar surface before the lunar night renders it inoperable.

Q5. What are the names of the SpaceX mission and the crew module involved in the first-ever private spacewalk?
1. Inspiration5 and Starliner
2. Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
3. Artemis I and Dragonfly
4. Axiom Mission and Falcon 9
Answer: Polaris Dawn and Crew Dragon
Solution: Polaris Dawn is the SpaceX mission that carried out the first private spacewalk in orbit. The crew module used in this mission is called Crew Dragon, SpaceX's capsule for ferrying astronauts to space and back. This mission was aimed at pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight by testing spacesuit designs and Crew Dragon's depressurization procedures. The crew included Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, both of whom conducted the spacewalk while tethered to the Crew Dragon module.

Q6. Where did ISRO launch India's first analog space mission to simulate interplanetary habitat conditions?
1. Bengaluru, Karnataka
2. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
4. Leh, Ladakh
Answer: Leh, Ladakh
Solution: ISRO launched India's first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, in collaboration with the Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Delhi, and supported by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The mission aims to simulate conditions similar to those on Mars and the Moon by replicating the extreme challenges astronauts would encounter in extraterrestrial environments. Ladakh's harsh climate, with temperatures ranging from 3 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius in summer and dropping to -20 degrees Celsius to -35 degrees Celsius in winter, along with heavy snowfall, makes it an ideal analog location. Analog missions, as defined by NASA, are field tests conducted in Earth locations resembling extreme space environments, which help in testing technologies before deploying them in space. This mission will test various technologies like robotic equipment, habitats, communication systems, power generation, mobility, infrastructure, and storage, along with studying behavioral aspects like isolation, confinement, team dynamics, and menu fatigue. Analog missions reduce the need for time, money, and manpower by testing in Earth environments before full-scale space applications. These missions are crucial for planning near-term and future space exploration to destinations like asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, playing a key role in problem-solving and preparing for spaceflight research.

Q7. Which organization led the design and development of James Webb Space Telescope JWST?
1. Canadian Space Agency
2. SpaceX
3. Russian Federal Space Agency
4. NASA
Answer: NASA
Solution: NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration led the design, development, and implementation of the James Webb Space Telescope JWST. The JWST is a collaborative international effort between NASA, the European Space Agency ESA, and the Canadian Space Agency CSA. NASA was primarily responsible for developing the telescope's key components, including its mirrors and scientific instruments. The project was overseen by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, with major contributions from industry partners such as Northrop Grumman. The telescope was launched on December 25, 2021, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket provided by the European Space Agency.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Saturn:
1. Saturn is composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, whereas its rings consist of billions of pieces of bright-white water ice and rock.
2. Only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA.
3. NASA launched the Clipper mission to study Saturn's moon Europa, which is similarly dynamically linked to Saturn and contains a subsurface ocean as well.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3
Answer: option 1
Solution: Saturn is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, while its rings are made up of bright-white water ice and rock, with some pieces as small as dust grains and others as large as houses. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. Only four spacecraft have visited Saturn, all launched by NASA: Pioneer 11 flyby, Voyager 1 and 2 flybys, Cassini orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. NASA launched the Europa Clipper mission to study Jupiter's moon Europa, not Saturn. Europa is believed to have a subsurface ocean and is a key target in the search for extraterrestrial life. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect.

Q9. Consider the following statements with reference to China's Chang'e 5 lunar probe:
I. It is named after the Chinese Moon goddess.
II. It is China's first attempt at a sample-return mission.
III. It will be the first probe to bring back material from the Moon, since NASA's Luna 24 mission.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
1. I and II only
2. II and III only
3. I and III only
4. I, II and III
Answer: Option 1
Solution: Chang'e 5 is named after the Chinese Moon goddess, Chang'e. It is China's first attempt at a sample-return mission to the Moon. This mission aims to bring back material from the Moon, which has not been done since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission in 1976. Therefore, statements I and II are correct, while statement III is incorrect as it refers to the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission, not NASA's mission.

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