NASA (which stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the main U.S. agency for space exploration. It was started back in 1958, partly because the Soviet Union had just launched Sputnik, the first satellite. NASA is a world leader in exploring space, doing everything from building satellites and sending people into space to exploring other planets and carrying out advanced science. What NASA does helps create new technologies we can all use and encourages countries to work together peacefully in space.

In this detailed article, we will learn about the Syncom 3 mission which will travel to Earth (geosynchronous orbit), aiming to examine its operational features, onboard systems, and relevance for international collaboration.

• The launch of Syncom 3 on August 19, 1964 signified the beginning of a new chapter in scientific discovery.  
• The missions objective is ambitious yet crucial: to First geostationary communications satellite; broadcast 1964 Olympics. This will provide new perspectives and could reshape current theories.  
• Successfully completing this Geosynchronous communications satellite was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
• The advanced technology of the Delta D (Thor-Delta) made it a very capable choice for this demanding space mission. 
• Cape Canaveral, LC-17A served as the launch site for this important space mission. 
• It remained active for Operated for over 4 years. 
• NASA, DoD (initial development) was responsible for launching and monitoring the mission. 
• Mission result: Completed (Successful). 

Syncom 3 is equipped with Communications transponders to support scientific innovation and real-time decision-making in space.

NASA equipped Syncom 3 with Achieving and maintaining geostationary orbit for communications to enhance system resilience and operational autonomy. This comprehensive article on NASA Syncom 3 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 Syncom 3 Space Mission Overview 

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

Syncom 3 Space Mission Global Contributions

• NASA relied on Hughes Aircraft (built satellite) to supply major components for the spacecraft and launch systems, enhancing mission efficiency. 
• Syncom 3 had a transformative effect on global space policy by Proved viability of geostationary communications satellites, shaping future agreements and operational standards for space activities worldwide. 

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Challenges & Risk in Syncom 3 Space Mission

Syncom 3 overcame mission-threatening issues such as First successful placement of satellite in geostationary orbit by deploying alternative systems, refining software behavior, and executing contingency strategies developed during pre-launch testing.

• A key risk during Syncom 3 was Syncom 1 failed to reach final orbit, demanding both ground and onboard system adjustments. 
• The environmental footprint of Syncom 3 is best summarized as Remains in/near geosynchronous orbit (inactive), contributing to long-term mission impact assessments. 

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Mission Timeline of Syncom 3 NASA Space Mission

• The proposal for this mission was recorded on Early 1960s. 
• The NASA space mission successfully completed its landing/flyby on Not applicable, marking a key achievement in space exploration. 
• The date April 1969 (Officially deactivated) marked the successful conclusion of the missions scheduled scientific and operational tasks. 

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UPSC Relevance of Syncom 3

• As a leader in space exploration, NASA’s missions provide important context for questions on scientific innovations in the UPSC Prelims.
• GS Paper 3 often features questions on space technology, where NASA’s breakthroughs provide useful insights into international scientific progress.
• UPSC CSE GS Paper 4 (Ethics) could present case studies based on the teamwork and leadership displayed during high-stakes NASA missions, assessing ethical decision-making in extreme environments.
• The ethical and strategic challenges of NASA missions—like space militarization risks, autonomy, and data-sharing—are relevant to PSIR, Philosophy, and Geography optionals, especially in discussions on global security and technological responsibility.

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. Consider the following statements:
1. Water is only found on the dark side shadowy region of the moon.
2. NASAs Artemis programme plans to send the first woman and the next man to the Moon in 2024.
3. Water on the moon can be utilized for purposes such as generating rocket fuel.

Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
1. 1 only
2. 1 and 2
3. 1 and 3
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: 1 only
Solution: Water has been found on both sunlit and dark sides of the moon. Thus, the first statement is incorrect. The remaining two statements are correct.

Q2. Consider the following statements.
1. Boeing and SpaceX were selected by NASA in September 2014 to develop transportation systems meant to transfer crew from the US to the ISS.
2. Crew-1 mission is part of NASAs Commercial Crew Program.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: Both 1 and 2
Solution: On November 14, SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft will lift off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying a crew of four people to the International Space Station ISS on a six-month-long mission.

Q3. SpaceX Demo-2 mission, recently seen in the news, is an initiative of which of the following agency?
1. NASA
2. European Space Agency
3. ISRO
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Answer: NASA
Solution: On May 27, NASAs SpaceX Demo-2 test flight will lift off for the International Space Station ISS, becoming the first crewed flight to launch from American soil since the conclusion of the space shuttle era in 2011.

Q4. Consider the following statements.
1. ISRO has completed the development of NISAR in collaboration with NASA.
2. NISAR will produce extremely high-resolution images of the earth.
3. It will be put into orbit by a reusable rocket of SpaceX.
4. The data obtained from NISAR will be useful to estimate agricultural biomass over the full duration of the crop cycle.

Which among the above statements is/are correct?
1. 1, 2, and 3 only
2. 1 and 2 only
3. 1, 2 and 4 only
4. All are correct

Answer: 1, 2 and 4 only
Solution: The Indian Space Research Organization ISRO has completed the development of radar capable of producing extremely high-resolution images for a joint earth observation satellite mission with NASA. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. NISAR will be put into orbit in 2022 by ISROs Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota near Chennai. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. The L and S band microwave data obtained from this satellite will be useful for a variety of applications including estimating agricultural biomass over the full duration of the crop cycle. Hence, statement 4 is correct.

Q5. Consider the following statements regarding NISAR, which was recently in news:
1. It is a Joint initiative of ISRO and the European space agency, ESA.
2. It refers to a technique for producing high-resolution images.

Which of the above is/are correct?
1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: 2 only
Solution: NASA and ISRO are collaborating on developing an SUV-sized satellite called NISAR, which will detect movements of the planets surface as small as 0.4 inches over areas about half the size of a tennis court. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

Q6. On 4 May 2021, Which of the following company launched 60 Starlink Satellites?
1. SpaceX
2. ISRO
3. JAXA
4. CNSA

Answer: SpaceX
Solution: SpaceX launched 60 Starlink Internet satellites from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, U.S.A. Falcon 9 rocket was used for the launch.

Q7. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Tianwen-1 Japan
2. Hope USA
3. Mars 2020 Russian Federation

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. None of the above

Answer: None of the above
Solution: 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 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. 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. Hence, pair 3 is incorrectly matched.

Q8. Which of the following institution announced its two new robotic missions namely Davinci+ and Veritas, to Venus to examine the atmosphere and geological features on the planet?
1. European Space Agency ESA
2. Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO
3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA

Answer: National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASA
Solution: NASA has selected two missions to the planet Venus, Earth’s nearest neighbour. The missions called DAVINCI+ and VERITAS have been selected based on their potential for scientific value and the feasibility of their development plans. NASA is expected to allot 500 million dollars to each of these missions that will launch between 2028-2030.

Q9. The Dragon Endeavour is the spacecraft of which space company?
1. Air Launch
2. Space X
3. Kinet X
4. Astra

Answer: Space X
Solution: Behnken and Hurley left in a vehicle called Crew Dragon Endeavour. A spaceship designed, built, and operated by SpaceX with about 2.7 billion dollars in government funding. It’s SpaceX’s second experimental flight of the vehicle, a mission called Demo-2.

Q10. Cygnus spacecraft launched by NASA is seen recently in the context of
1. It uses solar power to enter into its desired orbit
2. It provides real-time portal for Mars exploration
3. It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
4. It has been send to destroy targeted space debris

Answer: It carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil
Solution: Cygnus spacecraft, which is carrying a fresh supply of 8300 pounds of scientific investigations and cargo, has reached International Space Station on 21 February 2022, less than two days after it was launched. NASA informed that supplies inside Cygnus spacecraft carry ingredients for experiments to grow plants without soil. Hence, option 3 is correct.

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