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.

In this article, we will learn about the DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission which will explore more about Asteroid Dimorphos (moon of Didymos), capturing vital data that will support future exploration, human habitation, or satellite operations.

• On November 23, 2021, NASA launched DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), initiating a mission aimed at advancing our knowledge of space.  
• Engineers and scientists have collaborated extensively to meet the missions key objective, which is to Test kinetic impactor technology for planetary defense, requiring innovative technological solutions.  
• Everyone involved, including the crew and ground control, was very dedicated because they knew it was a Asteroid impactor technology demonstration with special goals.  
• The huge size and complicated nature of the Falcon 9 amazed everyone who got a close look at it. 
• The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg SFB, SLC-4E, beginning its journey into space. 
• Its total duration was ~10 months to impact. 
• It was a project spearheaded by NASA, APL. 
• It wrapped up with a status of Completed (Successful impact). 
• ~$330 million was spent on DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), a key NASA initiative supporting deep space autonomy and exploration. 

With DRACO imager, c (ASI cubesat for observation), DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) demonstrates the next generation of smart payloads for exploratory missions.

NASA equipped DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) with Kinetic impactor, autonomous navigation (SMART Nav), CubeSat deployment to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) 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 DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) Space Mission Overview 

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

DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) Space Mission Global Contributions

Developed with support from ASI (Italian Space Agency - LICIACube), DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) reflects the growing importance of global partnerships in space technology.

• DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) featured LICIACube provided by ASI that enabled autonomous calibration, targeting, and sample collection. 
• Johns Hopkins APL (managed/built), SpaceX (launch) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
• Through Observational data shared globally, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
• DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) exemplified a key milestone in policy evolution by First planetary defense test, successfully altered asteroid orbit, advancing the regulation of autonomous and defense-oriented technologies in space. 

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Challenges & Risk in DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) Space Mission

One of the most significant technical challenges faced by DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) was Precisely hitting a small, distant moving target autonomously, which was successfully mitigated using a combination of onboard automation and ground-based support systems.

• Mitigating risks like Autonomous targeting of small asteroid moon was essential to ensuring the missions success and preserving scientific goals. 
• DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) has a defined environmental footprint, described as Spacecraft destroyed on impact as planned, which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

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Mission Timeline of DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) NASA Space Mission

• The first steps toward mission development began with its proposal on Mid-2010s. 
• Engineers confirmed structural and systems readiness at the CDR on June 2018. 
• Completion of the landing/flyby on September 26, 2022 (Impact with Dimorphos) enabled scientists to begin analyzing new data and images collected during the encounter. 
• On September 26, 2022 (Upon impact), mission control confirmed that all key milestones were achieved, closing the primary phase of the mission. 

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UPSC Relevance of DART Mission (Double Asteroid Redirection Test)

• The Prelims syllabus integrates recent breakthroughs from NASA missions, emphasizing their impact on global scientific progress.
• NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
• In the UPSC CSE General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude), NASA’s practice of making satellite and mission data publicly accessible can be used to illustrate institutional commitment to transparency.
• NASA’s practices in public data dissemination, environmental monitoring, and international mission partnerships align well with themes in Geography, PSIR, and Public Administration optionals, particularly regarding transparency and global governance.

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. The mission aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission. The missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. This is most likely the description of
1. Voyager-2 Space Probe
2. Artemis program
3. New Horizons Mission
4. DART Mission
Answer: Artemis program
Solution: The Artemis program aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time after the Apollo 17 mission, fifty years ago. The space agency has built the most powerful rocket ever, the Space Launch System (SLS), which will carry all the spacecraft part of Artemis missions. The Artemis missions will also send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. The expected launch time for Artemis 1 is August 2022, though earlier this was supposed to be in May 2022. So far, NASA has successfully completed the wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis I mission on June 20. NASA successfully launched the CAPSTONE mission on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. The spacecraft and the CubeSat satellite are on their way to a lunar orbit. The mission carries a dedicated payload flight computer and radio that will perform calculations to determine whether the CubeSat is on the right path.

Q2. Consider the following statements about the XPoSat satellite:
1. The XPoSat was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) via the PSLV-C58 mission.
2. This mission makes India the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite.
3. XPoSat carries two payloads, named POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: option 2
Solution: Statement 1 is correct as the XPoSat was launched by ISRO via the PSLV-C58 mission. Statement 2 is incorrect as India is not the first country to launch an X-ray polarimeter satellite. Statement 3 is correct as XPoSat carries two payloads, POLIX and XSPECT, for research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. Therefore, the correct answer is option 2.

Q3. Which collaborative space mission involves the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aiming to study the Sun's corona through precision formation flying?
1. Europa Clipper
2. Proba-3
3. VIPER
4. Hera mission
Answer: option 2
Solution: The Proba-3 mission, set to launch in September 2024, is a joint effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, which is the outer layer of the Sun's atmosphere. The challenge in studying the corona is that it's usually difficult to observe due to the bright light emitted by the Sun. To overcome this, Proba-3 will use a unique approach – it will launch two satellites that will fly together in a precise formation, creating an artificial eclipse in space. This formation will allow scientists to continuously observe the corona, providing detailed information about this part of the Sun. The success of the mission depends on the satellites maintaining their positions with incredible accuracy, which is achieved using advanced technologies like precision cold gas thrusters and vision-based detection systems.

Q4. Which telescope is currently considered to be the most powerful in its reach?
1. Spitzer Space Telescope
2. Hubble Space Telescope
3. James Webb Space Telescope
4. Keck Observatory
Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Solution: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope developed by NASA with contributions from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The telescope is named after James E. Webb, who was the administrator of NASA from 1961 to 1968 and played an integral role in the Apollo program. JWST was launched on 25 December 2021 on Ariane flight VA256. It is a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope.

Q5. Which company conducted the fourth test mission of the Starship rocket that survived reentry and achieved a demo landing?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. NASA
4. Boeing
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX's Starship rocket successfully survived reentry through Earth's atmosphere and splashed down in the Indian Ocean during its fourth test mission after launching from south Texas. The two-stage spacecraft consists of the Starship cruise vessel mounted atop its Super Heavy rocket booster. The rocket system’s first stage, called Super Heavy, detached three minutes into the flight, allowing the Starship upper stage to continue toward space. The test mission, part of SpaceX's test-to-failure rocket development campaign, aims to improve the Starship's reentry and landing capabilities.

Q6. Group Captains and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been selected as prime and backup mission pilots for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
1. Shubhanshu Shukla
2. Abhishek Nayar
3. Arjun Rastogi
4. Jagat Singh
Answer: Shubhanshu Shukla
Solution: India has selected two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the prime astronaut, an experienced test pilot with over 2000 flying hours, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is the backup astronaut, with approximately 3000 flying hours. The selected pilots will begin their training in the first week of August 2024.

Q7. The fault that occurred in which spacecraft has led to the delayed comeback of Sunita Williams to earth from space?
1. SpaceX Dragon
2. Soyuz 1A
3. Boeing Starliner
4. NASA Orion
Answer: Boeing Starliner
Solution: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced issues that led to the decision to delay the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams. NASA identified helium leaks and problems with the spacecraft’s reaction control thrusters, which were critical in the decision-making process. The decision was made to ensure safety, resulting in Wilmore and Williams staying in space until February 2025. Starliner will return uncrewed, allowing NASA and Boeing to gather additional testing data without risking the astronauts' safety.

Q8. Which company launched the mission on September 28, 2024, to retrieve NASA astronauts stranded on the ISS due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft?
1. Blue Origin
2. SpaceX
3. Rocket Lab
4. Northrop Grumman
Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX launched its Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, to the International Space Station (ISS) using a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission's main objective is to return NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS due to propulsion system issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Wilmore and Williams were initially supposed to stay on the ISS for just eight days after their arrival in June 2024, but problems with the Starliner extended their mission to eight months.

Q9. 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. 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.

Q10. With reference to ISRO's upcoming mission Shukrayaan-I, consider the following statements:
Shukrayaan is India's first mission to Saturn to study the planet's surface and atmosphere.
The satellite is planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. I only
2. II only
3. Both I and II
4. None of the above
Answer: None of the above
Solution: Shukrayaan-I is not India's first mission to Saturn, but rather a mission to Venus. The primary objective of Shukrayaan-I is to study the surface and atmosphere of Venus, not Saturn. Shukrayaan-I is indeed planned to be launched onboard the GSLV Mk III rocket. Given the incorrect information about the target planet, the correct option is None of the above.

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