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.

This article focuses about Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter which aims on Mars (Jezero Crater), gathering key information to better understand its current role in ongoing research and spaceflight.

• On July 30, 2020, NASA launched Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter, initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Seek signs of ancient life, collect samples for future return; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• This particular mission was planned as a Mars rover and helicopter technology demonstration, marking an important step in our ongoing journey to explore space.  
• The powerful Atlas V 541 stood poised on the launchpad, a testament to human ambition and engineering. 
• The rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, SLC-41, starting its space journey. 
• The entire mission took 4 years, 3 months, and 13 days, while Ingenuity has flown for 2 years, 9 months, and 22 days to complete. 
• NASA led the planning and execution of the mission. 
• The mission was classified as Operational upon completion. 
• The cost of $27 billion (development, launch, initial operations) was dedicated to NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter, enhancing data collection and mission autonomy. 

Mastcam-Z, SuperCam, PIXL, SHERLOC, MOXIE, MEDA, RIMFAX; Ingenuity helicopter onboard Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter are set to revolutionize autonomous science operations during long-duration missions.

Sample caching system, terrain relative navigation, first Mars helicopter enabled Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter to perform complex tasks without constant communication with mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter 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 Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter Space Mission Overview 

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Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter Space Mission Global Contributions

Working alongside Instruments from France, Spain, Norway, Italy, NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter aimed to build a cooperative future for autonomous exploration.

• Through Significant instrument contributions from international partners, Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter tested mission-critical functions for future autonomous and long-duration missions. 
• With support from JPL managed mission, the mission benefitted from streamlined production, modern engineering, and rapid integration. 
• NASA established All data to be publicly available to promote data accessibility and foster innovation across academic, government, and industry sectors. 
• Through Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter, NASA achieved First leg of Mars Sample Return; first powered flight on Mars, helping establish international precedent for data access, planetary defense, and cooperative science. 

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Challenges & Risk in Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter Space Mission

During various mission phases, Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter had to manage risks like Operating Ingenuity in thin atmosphere; sample collection complexities, which were resolved through creative engineering solutions and the application of redundant safety mechanisms.

• Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter navigated technical risks, including Complex sample caching; Ingenuity flight risks, by deploying robust backup protocols and hardware redundancy. 
• Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter has a defined environmental footprint, described as Rover/helicopter remain on Mars; RTG powered (rover), which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

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Mission Timeline of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter NASA Space Mission

• A formal proposal detailing the mission objectives was submitted on Early 2010s. 
• The date February 18, 2021 (Landing) represented a pivotal moment as the mission entered its most critical phase. 
• On February 2023 (One Mars year for prime mission), mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter

• Scientific advancements and innovations by NASA are a recurring theme in the UPSC Prelims, reflecting their global significance. 
• GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
• 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.
• UPSC optional subjects like PSIR, Anthropology, and Public Administration can benefit from NASA examples when discussing themes like soft power, collective leadership, and institutional accountability in high-stakes missions.

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 January 2019, NASAs planet-hunting spacecraft Tess discovered a new planet three times the size of Earth, NASA named this planet ______.
1. HD 31794b
2. HD 41479b
3. HD 21749b
4. HD 15149b
Answer: 3
Solution: In January 2019, NASAs planet-hunting spacecraft TESS discovered a new planet three times the size of Earth, NASA named this planet HD 21749b. As of August 2019, TESS has discovered around 24 exoplanets. The confirmed planet, HD 21749b, is about three times Earths size and 23 times its mass, orbits every 36 days, and has a surface temperature around 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).

Q2. On October 19, 2017, which space agency has approved second extension of its Dawn Mission at Ceres Dwarf planet?
1. Space X
2. NASA
3. ISRO
4. CNSA
Answer: 2
Solution: NASA has approved the second extension of its Dawn mission at Ceres dwarf planet on October 19, 2017. Dawn was a space probe launched by NASA in 2007. It was designed to study two protoplanets in the asteroid belt, Vesta and Ceres. It exhausted all of its hydrazine fuel and retired in 2018. The Dawn mission was managed by Jet propulsion laboratory. Currently, spacecraft was placed in an uncontrolled orbit around the Ceres. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is the space agency of India. National Aeronautics and Space NASA is an independent space agency of the United States. Space X is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company. China National Space Administration CNSA is the space agency of China.

Q3. Which of the following space agencies were involved in the Crew Demo-2 mission?
1. SpaceX and ESA
2. NASA and ESA
3. NASA and SpaceX
4. JAXA and NASA
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is NASA and SpaceX. NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 is the second crew rotation mission, in which four astronauts fly a commercial spacecraft, and it is also the first time that two astronauts from international partners fly. NASAs SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts entered the International Space Station and conducted the second commercial crew rotation mission at the Microgravity Laboratory.

Q4. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above
Answer: 4
Solution: The correct answer is None of the above. Tianwen-1 Mission was lifted off on a Long March 5 rocket, from the Wenchang launch centre in July 2020. The lander from Tianwen-1 has touched down on Utopia Planitia, a large plain in the northern hemisphere of Mars. The mission will be the first to place a ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface, which will be able to study local geology, as well as rock, ice, and dirt distribution. UAE’s Mars Mission called Hope was announced in 2015 with the aim of creating mankind’s first integrated model of the Red planets atmosphere. Hence, pair 2 is incorrectly matched. Hope was developed by UAE scientists in the USA and was launched in July 2020 from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan. UAE’s mission will collect data on Martian climate dynamics and help scientists understand why Mars atmosphere is decaying into space. The Mars 2020 Mission is designed to better understand the geology of Mars and seek signs of ancient life. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASAs Perseverance Rover has landed on Mars. This was one of the most crucial aspects of the Mars 2020 Mission. Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Q5. Consider the following statements related to the Tianwen-1 Mission.
1. It was launched by The National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA.
2. It will be the first to place ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface, which will be able to study local geology, as well as rock, ice, and dirt distribution.
3. It is an all-in-one orbiter; the lander and rover will search the Martian surface for water, ice, investigate soil characteristics, and study the atmosphere, among completing other objectives.
Which of the above statement is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is 2 and 3 only. Tianwen-1 Mission was launched by China National Space Administration. It is an all-in-one orbiter; lander and rover will search the Martian surface for water, ice, investigate soil characteristics, and study the atmosphere, among completing other objectives. It will be the first to place ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface, which will be able to study local geology, as well as rock, ice, and dirt distribution.

Q6. The VIPER Mission is related to which of the following organization?
1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
2. Russian Federal Space Agency RFSA
3. European Space Agency ESA
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA
Answer: 1
Solution: The correct answer is National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA. NASA has announced that it will launch its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, in 2023. NASA is undertaking the mission to understand if it is possible for human life to sustain there, by using locally available resources.

Q7. NISAR is a joint project of ISRO and ______.
1. CNSA
2. JAXA
3. NASA
4. DRDO
Answer: 3
Solution: The correct answer is NASA. NISAR refers to NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images. Because of the precision, the radar can penetrate clouds and darkness, which means that it can collect data day and night in any weather. Function: It will scan the globe every 12 days over the course of its three-year mission of imaging the Earths land, ice sheets, and sea ice to give an unprecedented view of the planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA will provide one of the radars for the satellite, a high-rate communication subsystem for science data, GPS receivers, and a payload data subsystem. NISAR will be equipped with the largest reflector antenna ever launched by NASA. Indian Space and Research Organisation ISRO will provide the spacecraft bus, the second type of radar called the S-band radar, the launch vehicle, and associated launch services. It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota into near-polar orbit in 2024.

Q8. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named by its crew.
1. Persistence
2. Resilience
3. Endurance
4. Perseverans
Answer: 2
Solution: The correct answer is Resilience. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft that was launched into orbit in November 2020 was named Resilience by its crew. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one Japanese astronaut onboard. SpaceXs Crew Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. SpaceX launched the Crew-2 mission for NASA and carried the four astronauts to the International Space Station on 23rd April 2021. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the four astronauts to space in the companys Crew Dragon spacecraft named Endeavour.

Q9. 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: 1
Solution: The correct answer is Japanese. The SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft launched into orbit in November 2020 had three American and one Japanese astronaut onboard. SpaceXs Crew Dragon capsule carrying NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet. SpaceX launched the Crew-2 mission for NASA and carried the four astronauts to the International Space Station on 23rd April 2021. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried the four astronauts to space in the companys Crew Dragon spacecraft named Endeavour.

Q10. 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.

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