From the amazing Apollo Moon landings that first put people on the Moon, to using the Hubble Space Telescope to look deep into the universe, NASA has always helped us learn more and go further than ever before. The agency is famous for its missions that study our Earth, other planets, and faraway galaxies. This work gives us vital information to help understand big issues like climate change, how planets are formed, and the mysteries of the stars.

In this article we have covered about STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola for UPSC CSE Examination which will operate in or around International Space Station (ISS), offering an in-depth look at its orbital dynamics, onboard experiments, and contributions to our understanding of space.

• STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola took off on February 8, 2010, beginning a mission that would expand the boundaries of human understanding.  
• This projects fundamental objective, to Deliver Tranquility (Node 3) module and Cupola to ISS, addresses key scientific questions that have long intrigued researchers in the field.  
• Engineers and scientists decided this operation was a Crewed ISS assembly flight (20A), which guided all the planning that came after.  
• Many people traveled from all over, hoping to see the amazing sight of the Space Shuttle (Endeavour OV-105) launching. 
• Kennedy Space Center, LC-39A was the location where the mission was launched. 
• It remained active for 13 days, 18 hours, 6 minutes, 24 seconds. 
• NASA, ESA/ASI (Node 3 and Cupola) played a key role in the success of the mission. 
• According to NASA records, the mission was Completed (Successful). 

STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola carries Tranquility (Node 3) module, Cupola observation module for advanced measurements, enabling deeper insights into planetary systems and space conditions.

Installation of final major US segment modules were essential to STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola, supporting navigation, real-time data analysis, and autonomous mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola 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 STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola Space Mission Overview 

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

STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola Space Mission Global Contributions

STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola was developed in collaboration with ESA/Italy (Tranquility and Cupola), emphasizing global cooperation in advancing space autonomy.

• STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola utilized Tranquility and Cupola built by Thales Alenia Space for ESA to test cutting-edge instruments and gather critical data in real-time. 
• Key contributors such as Thales Alenia Space provided essential technologies and services that helped accelerate the mission timeline. 
• STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola contributed directly to policy reform through its achievement of Added significant living/working space and unparalleled Earth observation window, impacting global frameworks for sustainability and remote sensing. 

Challenges & Risk in STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola Space Mission

• Three EVAs for module installation was one of the significant issues faced during STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola, requiring coordinated mitigation efforts. 

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Mission Timeline of STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola NASA Space Mission

• After months of preparation and travel, the spacecraft completed its planned landing/flyby on February 22, 2010 (Landing at KSC), fulfilling core mission objectives. 
• On February 22, 2010, mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of STS-130 Endeavour Tranquility Node 3 Cupola

• The UPSC Prelims gives significant weight to space missions like those by NASA, reflecting their role in advancing science and technology.
• 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.
• In the UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics), aspirants may be asked to evaluate whether the pursuit of advanced space technology, such as NASA’s missions, aligns with ethical duties toward humanity’s broader needs.
• Optional papers such as Anthropology, Geography, and Philosophy can use NASA’s deep space missions to examine human adaptability, technological ethics, and questions of existential risk and sustainability in modern science.

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: The Tianwen-1 Spacecraft 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 Hope Mars Mission: The UAE's Mars Mission called Hope was announced in 2015 with the aim of creating mankind's first integrated model of the Red planets Mars 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. Mars 2020 Mission: The 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: China successfully landed a spacecraft on Mars carrying its first Mars rover. China launched its first Mars flight, Tianwen-1, or Questions to Heaven, in July of last year, carrying a lander and rover. Tianwen-1 had been in orbit since February 2021, a lander carrying a rover called Zhurong landed successfully on the surface of the red planet, which is known in Chinese as the planet of fire. It was launched by China National Space Administration. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect. 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. Hence, statement 3 is correct. 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. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

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. VIPER is a mobile robot. It is the first resource mapping mission on any other celestial body. NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services CLPS will be providing the launch vehicle and lander for what is going to be a 100-day mission. Objectives of the mission: To explore the Moons South Pole region. Help create lunar resource maps. Evaluate the concentration of water as well as other potential resources on its surface. Significance of the mission: VIPERs findings will inform future landing sites under the Artemis program by helping to determine locations where water and other resources can be harvested to sustain humans over extended stays.

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 is a joint project of ISRO and 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. SpaceXs Crew Dragon 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. 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. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO is the space agency of the Government of India, headquartered in Bengaluru. It was founded in 1969 and has achieved numerous milestones in space research and development. ISROs missions include launching satellites for communication, weather forecasting, and navigation, as well as planetary exploration missions like Mangalyaan Mars Orbiter Mission. ISRO has also launched various educational satellite programs to involve students in space research and innovation. Satellite communication involves the use of artificial satellites to relay and amplify radio telecommunications signals via transponders. It provides communication capabilities across long distances and is used for television, radio broadcasting, internet services, and military applications. Satellites play a crucial role in global communication networks, enabling services in remote and rural areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited. Educational satellite programs are initiatives by educational institutions and space agencies to involve students in space technology and research. These programs provide hands-on experience in satellite design, development, and operations. They aim to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts. Examples include CubeSats, small satellites developed by universities, and collaborative projects with space agencies like ISRO and NASA.

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