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. Through the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) mission, NASA aims to study Deep Space (observing gamma-ray sources), shedding light on its systems, operations, and the mysteries it holds.

• Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), launched on April 5, 1991 (from STS-37 Atlantis), is expected to play a pivotal role in space research and technology.  
• The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Study gamma-ray sources across broad energy range; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
• This Astrophysics satellite (Great Observatories program) served as a key test for new technologies and different ways of operating.  
• The huge size and complicated nature of the Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS-37) amazed everyone who got a close look at it. 
• The launch took place at Kennedy Space Center, LC-39B, marking the start of the mission. 
• Over 9 years marked the full span of the mission’s activity. 
• The mission was organized and implemented by NASA. 
• The mission was classified as Completed (Successful, deorbited) upon completion. 
• NASA allocated ~$617 million for the ambitious Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), pushing boundaries in aerospace innovation and planetary science. 

BATSE, OSSE, COMPTEL, EGRET (covering diverse gamma-ray energies) onboard Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) are set to revolutionize autonomous science operations during long-duration missions.

NASA equipped Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) with Large gamma-ray detectors, Shuttle deployment to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) 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 Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) Space Mission Overview 

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

Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) Space Mission Global Contributions

Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) was jointly executed with Germany, Netherlands, ESA (contributions to COMPTEL/EGRET), promoting shared research in autonomous and remote space systems.

• NASA included Instrument components from European partners in Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) to demonstrate self-directed payload management in space. 
• TRW (built satellite) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
• Data archived for astronomical research supported transparent, cross-agency research, enhancing the scientific return from autonomous exploration missions. 
• Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) demonstrated a strong policy impact by Revolutionized gamma-ray astronomy; discovered gamma-ray bursts distribution, fostering new partnerships and shaping future governance frameworks. 

Challenges & Risk in Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) Space Mission

Although Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) was impacted by technical challenges such as Gyro failures necessitated early but controlled deorbit, the team’s proactive risk management and decision-making allowed the mission to deliver valuable outcomes.

• Gyroscope failures later in mission was one of the significant issues faced during Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), requiring coordinated mitigation efforts. 
• Environmental considerations were factored into Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO), resulting in Controlled deorbit into Pacific Ocean June 4, 2000 as its end-of-life footprint. 

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Mission Timeline of Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) NASA Space Mission

• The first steps toward mission development began with its proposal on Late 1970s. 
• On Not applicable, the spacecraft reached its designated target, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. 
• By June 4, 2000 (Deorbited), the spacecraft had met or exceeded its planned targets, and the mission entered its post-primary phase. 

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UPSC Relevance of Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO)

• UPSC Prelims tests awareness of global scientific milestones, with NASA missions serving as key examples of technological achievement.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• UPSC IAS Exam GS Paper 4 may explore ethical implications of using autonomous technologies in space, with NASA missions serving as real-world examples to examine boundaries of human-machine decision-making.
• The societal, ethical, and scientific dimensions of NASA’s work, including planetary protection and interplanetary travel, are pertinent to Anthropology, Philosophy, and Geography optional papers, helping illustrate human response to unknown frontiers.

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. Which space company has been selected by NASA to deliver cargo, experiments and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit?
1. Dragon-X
2. Blue origin
3. Astra space
4. Space X
Answer: Space X
Solution: NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, as the first U.S. commercial provider under the Gateway Logistics Services contract to deliver cargo, science experiments, and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit. The award is a significant step forward for NASA's Artemis program that will land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024 and build a sustainable human lunar presence. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will gain the experience necessary to mount a historic human mission to Mars. SpaceX will deliver critical pressurized and unpressurized cargo, science experiments, and supplies to the Gateway, such as sample collection materials and other items the crew may need on the Gateway and during their expeditions on the lunar surface. This contract award is another critical piece of our plan to return to the moon sustainably, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Gateway is the cornerstone of the long-term Artemis architecture and this deep space commercial cargo capability integrates yet another American industry partner into our plans for human exploration at the moon in preparation for a future mission to Mars.

Q2. The term MUSE is talked about in the context of
1. genes introduced in the genetically modified crops for the expression of pest resistant properties
2. a constellation of nine spacecraft that will capture the first multiscale in-space measurements of fluctuations in the magnetic field and motions of the solar wind known as solar wind turbulence
3. AI induced technique of identification of paw print of wildlife tigers under CA|TS
4. forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and the eruptions in that outermost region that are at the foundation of space weather
Answer: option 4
Solution: The MUSE mission will help scientists understand the forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and the eruptions in that outermost region that are at the foundation of space weather. The mission will offer deeper insight into the physics of the solar atmosphere by using a powerful instrument known as a multi-slit spectrometer to observe the Sun's extreme ultraviolet radiation and obtain the highest resolution images ever captured of the solar transition region and the corona.

Q3. Who among the following led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020?
1. Swati Mohan
2. Anita Sengupta
3. Ashwin Vasavada
4. Kamlesh Lulla
Answer: Swati Mohan
Solution: Swati Mohan led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020. She is an Indian-American aerospace engineer, the head of guidance, navigation and control operations at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory who recently landed the Perseverance rover on Mars. NASA has launched Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples to send back to Earth recently. The mission has been launched recently on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Mars 2020 has also sent its first signal to ground controllers via NASA's Deep Space Network after 4 hours of its launch.

Q4. Which of the following is/are correctly matched?
1. Hope Probe - Israel
2. Ingenuity Helicopter - NASA (USA)
3. Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) - India
4. Tianwen-1 - China
Select the correct answer from the codes given below
1. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. 2, 3 and 4 only
3. 1, 3 and 4 only
4. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: 2, 3 and 4 only
Solution: India and Japan are working together on a joint lunar polar exploration (LUPEX) mission that aims to send a lander and rover to the Moon's South Pole around 2024. The Chinese experiment Tianwen-1 successfully underwent orbital insertion on February 10. Tianwen-1 carries an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. China's approach to landing a rover is somewhat different. Unlike NASA rovers, Tianwen-1 will orbit Mars for a few months before attempting to land in May this year. The spacecraft has a suite of instruments to address a range of scientific questions.

Q5. Consider the following statements:
1. ESA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission on 11 October 2022.
2. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in space.
3. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only 1
2. Both 1 and 3
3. Both 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Both 2 and 3
Solution: NASA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission on 11 October 2022. Terming the test successful, the agency said the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in space. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. This is the first time humanity has altered the motion of a celestial body.

Q6. _______ has successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1.
1. India
2. China
3. USA
4. Japan
Answer: China
Solution: China successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1 in 2016. The satellite XPNAV-1 stands for X-ray pulsar navigation. It was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The weight of the satellite is more than 200 kg and it operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

Q7. Curiosity rover, of which organization, found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain?
1. ESA
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: NASA
Solution: US space agency NASA's Curiosity rover found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain. The rover has found some of the clearest evidence of ancient waters. The evidence was found at an area called the sulfate-bearing unit. The Curiosity rover has been exploring the Martian surface since 2012.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope:
1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point.
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope.
Which of the above statements are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope or Roman Space Telescope is a NASA deep space infrared observatory. RST will help answer essential astrophysics questions about dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is set to launch around 2026 or 2027. The mission is projected to last for five years. RST will be situated at Lagrange point 2, a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun. The primary mirror of the RST has a diameter of 2.4 meters, the same size as the mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope. It will have a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time.

Q9. Which country's space agency has launched project DART Mission?
1. USA
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
Answer: USA
Solution: NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) is the world's first full-scale mission to test technology for defending Earth against potential asteroid or comet hazards. Launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, DART is the first-ever mission dedicated to investigating and demonstrating one method of asteroid deflection by changing an asteroid's motion in space through kinetic impact. DART is a joint project between NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

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