International Space Programs and Collaborations is part of Space Technology. Below are notes on 25 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Artemis Accords and other frameworks for lunar exploration and resource utilization.

  • Artemis Program: NASA-led (USA) international human spaceflight program.
  • Artemis Program Objective: To return humans to the Moon for sustainable exploration, including the first woman and person of color.
  • Artemis I: Uncrewed test flight mission launched in November 2022 as part of the Artemis Program, using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft.
  • Artemis Accords: US-led international agreement outlining principles for responsible and peaceful lunar exploration and resource utilization, based on the Outer Space Treaty.

Indian-origin Astronauts (Chronological order of space flights)

Rakesh Sharma (1984), Kalpana Chawla (1997), Sunita Williams (2006), Sirisha Bandla (2021).

Indo-US Joint Radar Satellite Project

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is a collaborative Earth-observing mission.

Megha-Tropiques Satellite Project

A joint mission between India (ISRO) and France (CNES) launched in 2011 for tropical weather and climate studies.

India-Japan Lunar Collaboration

ISRO and JAXA (Japan) are collaborating on the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) to explore the Moon's permanently shadowed regions.

PSLV-C45 Mission (April 1, 2019)

Successfully launched EMISAT and 28 international satellites from four countries: USA (24), Lithuania (2), Spain (1), and Switzerland (1).

Women in Space Leadership (WiSL) Program

Launched by the Department of Space (DoS) in collaboration with the British Council.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)

General term for satellite-based navigation systems providing autonomous geo-spatial positioning.

GPS (Global Positioning System)

Operated by the United States.

    • GLONASS

(Globalnaya

Sputnikovaya

Sistema) Operated by Russia.

    • Galileo Operated by the European Union.
    • BeiDou

Satellite

System (BDS) Operated by China.

  • Interoperability The ability of GNSS receivers to effectively utilize signals from multiple independent GNSS systems simultaneously to improve positioning accuracy, availability, and reliability.

International Cooperation

Agreements and partnerships among GNSS providers and user communities to ensure compatibility, spectrum sharing, common standards, and mutual benefits from diverse GNSS systems.

International efforts in Earth observation for climate change monitoring and disaster management.

  • NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is an Earth-Observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
  • The NISAR partnership was envisioned by NASA and ISRO in 2014.

International Space Station (ISS) program and its evolution.

  • International Space Station (ISS) orbits Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
  • Orbital altitude: Approximately 400 km (ranging between 278 km and 460 km).
  • Primary purpose: Microgravity research laboratory.
  • Origin: Synthesis of several projects including American Freedom, Russian Mir-2, European Columbus, and Japanese Kibo.
  • First component (Zarya module) launched: 1998.
  • First crew (Expedition 1) arrived: November 2000.
  • Major module assembly largely completed by 2011.
  • Astronaut Christina Koch: Set record for longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days, during 2019-2020).
  • Christina Koch's crewmates during part of her mission included Luca Parmitano and Alexander Skvortsov.
  • Example research conducted on ISS: Growing protein crystals for potential treatments for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

Major international space agencies and their collaborative frameworks (e.g., NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, CNSA).

  • NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): U.S. government agency responsible for civilian space program, aeronautics, and aerospace research. Major contributor to the International Space Station (ISS) and led missions like Hubble Space Telescope, Mars rovers, and Artemis program for lunar exploration.
  • ESA (European Space Agency): Intergovernmental organization of 22 member states dedicated to space exploration. Coordinates European space activities, contributes to ISS, develops Ariane launchers, and operates scientific missions like Rosetta, Gaia, and James Webb Space Telescope (in collaboration with NASA).
  • Roscosmos: State Corporation for Space Activities of the Russian Federation. Manages Russia's space program, including human spaceflight (Soyuz spacecraft), satellite launches, and significant contributions to the ISS. In 2019, Roscosmos sent the humanoid robot "Fedor" (Final Experimental Demonstration Object Research) to the ISS aboard a Soyuz MS-14 mission.
  • JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): Japanese national aerospace agency. Conducts space exploration, satellite deployment, and scientific research. Known for its Kibo module on the ISS, Hayabusa asteroid sample return missions, and lunar probes.
  • CNSA (China National Space Administration): National space agency of China. Responsible for China's space program, including human spaceflight (Shenzhou program), lunar exploration (Chang'e program), Martian exploration (Tianwen-1), and the construction of its Tiangong space station.
  • Collaborative Frameworks: The International Space Station (ISS) is a flagship example, involving NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). Other collaborations exist for specific missions, data sharing, and standards, such as the Artemis Accords led by NASA for future lunar exploration.

Multilateral

initiatives

in

planetary

exploration (e.g., James Webb Space

Telescope, Mars missions).

Hope Mars Mission (Emirates Mars Mission - EMM)

Launched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Mars.

UAE's Achievement

Became the fifth entity (after USA, Russia, European Space Agency, and India) and the first Arab nation to successfully place a probe (Hope Probe) into Mars orbit.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Space

Collaboration between government space agencies (e.g., NASA) and private commercial entities (e.g., SpaceX) to reduce costs, accelerate innovation, and enable new missions.

SpaceX (founded by Elon Musk)

Private American aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company.

3. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Crew Dragon

Spacecraft developed by SpaceX, used to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for NASA.

Satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, providing internet access.

Blue Origin (founded by Jeff Bezos)

American private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company.

Moon Express

World's first private company to receive U.S. government approval for a commercial lunar mission (flight plan to the moon).

Bhuvan, VEDAS, MOSDAC are existing ISRO portals).

  • Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) is situated at Dehradun.
  • Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites are used for: Assessment of crop productivity, Locating groundwater resources, Mineral exploration, Traffic studies. (IRS satellites are generally not used for Telecommunications).
  • GAIL (India) Limited launched the "BhuvanGAIL Portal" in November 2015.
  • Bhuvan-GAIL Portal purpose: Monitoring pipeline Right of Use (ROU) through Space Technology.
  • Bhuvan: An ISRO geoportal with 3D imaging capabilities of India.

Practice MCQs: International Space Programs and Collaborations

Artemis Accords and other frameworks for lunar exploration and resource utilization.

  1. What is the name of the vehicle which NASA launched in November 2022 as part of a plan to eventually carry humans to the Moon ?

    Asked in: UPSC CISF AC EXE 2023

    1. SWOT
    2. Artemis
    3. Insight Lander
    4. SpaceX
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Artemis

    - Artemis I was an uncrewed mission. - It was the first integrated flight test of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft. - The launch took place on November 16, 2022. - The primary goal was to test the systems before carrying astronauts on future missions to the Moon.

Bilateral and multilateral space agreements: India's collaborations with other nations.

  1. Chronologically arrange the following Indian- origin astronauts on the basis of their flying into space starting with the first : 1. Sunita Williams 2. Rakesh Sharma 3. Sirisha Bandla 4. Kalpana Chawla Select the correct answer using the code given below :

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 2 2021

    1. 4-3-2-1
    2. 2-4-1-3
    3. 2-1-4-3
    4. 1-4-3-2
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2-4-1-3

  2. Rakesh Sharma flew in 1984 (Soyuz T-11). 2. Kalpana Chawla first flew in 1997 (STS-87). 3. Sunita Williams first flew in 2006 (STS-116). 4. Sirisha Bandla flew in 2021 (Virgin Galactic Unity 22). 4. Indo-US joint collaborative Radar satellite project currently underway is known as

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017

    1. DESDYNI
    2. RISAT
    3. NISAR
    4. RADARSAT
    Show answer

    Answer: C. NISAR

    NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint Earth observation satellite mission between NASA and ISRO. Its primary objective is to measure changes in Earth's land surface, ice sheets, and ecosystems using advanced radar imaging.

  3. "Megha-Tropiques" is a collaborative satellite project between which countries ?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2017

    1. India and USA
    2. India and Russia
    3. India and Japan
    4. India and France
    Show answer

    Answer: D. India and France

    The project was undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the French Space Agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales).

  4. ISRO plans on exploring the moon's shadow region in collaboration with which country?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2023

    1. Japan
    2. Russia
    3. United States
    4. France
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Japan

    LUPEX is a joint mission between ISRO and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The mission aims to send a lunar rover and a lander to the moon's south pole to explore the potential presence and distribution of water ice in the permanently shadowed regions. JAXA is expected to provide the lunar rover, while ISRO is expected to provide the lander.

  5. PSLV-C45 successfully launched EMISAT and 28 international satellites, of four countries on 1 April, 2019. The four countries and their number of satellite (within bracket) are:

    Asked in: ACF And Forest Range Officer Gr I Comp. Exam 2018

    1. USA (24), Lithuania (2), Spain & Switzerland (1)
    2. USA (24), Lithuania (2), Spain & Sweden (1)
    3. France (24), USA (2), Spain (1) & Switzerland (1)
    4. USA (24), Switzerland (2), Spain & Lithuania (1)
    Show answer

    Answer: A. USA (24), Lithuania (2), Spain & Switzerland (1)

    This question tests factual recall about specific ISRO launch missions, including the payloads and the countries of origin for international satellites.

  6. Recently Department of Space and Technology has launched "Women in Space Leadership" program with whose collaboration? - (5) Question not attempted

    Asked in: School Lecturer (Sanskrit Edu.) 2024

    1. American Council
    2. British Council
    3. Russian Council
    4. German Council
    Show answer

    Answer: B. British Council

    The "Women in Space Leadership" program is an initiative by the Department of Space and Technology, and its collaboration with the British Council is crucial for its execution and reach.

  1. Which country launched the 'Beidou' satellite navigation system?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2023

    1. Israel
    2. Japan
    3. China
    4. Russia
    Show answer

    Answer: C. China

    Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is a Chinese satellite navigation system, serving global users.

International efforts in Earth observation for climate change monitoring and disaster management.

  1. Which of the following statements about NISAR are correct ?

    Asked in: TSPSC Group 1 Prelims 2023

    1. It is an Earth-Observation satellite, jointly developed by the NASA and ISRO.
    2. It was envisioned by NASA and ISRO eight years ago in 2014.
    3. It is expected to be launched in Janu‐ ary 2024 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
    4. It is a High Earth Orbit (HEO) obser‐ vatory and will operate for a minimum of ten years. Choose the correct answer : A. A and B only B. A, B and C only C. A, B, C and D D. A and D only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. It was envisioned by NASA and ISRO eight years ago in 2014.

    - The question tests knowledge about the NISAR Earth-Observation satellite mission. - Key aspects include the collaborating agencies, conception timeline, launch details (date and location), and orbital characteristics/mission life.

International Space Station (ISS) program and its evolution.

  1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding International Space Station? 1. The International Space Station orbits around the Moon 2. The orbit of the Space Station is about 400 kms above the earth 3. The first component of Space Station was launched in the year 1998 and latest module fitted in the year 2011. 4. The first crew reached the Space Station in the year 2014.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2019

    1. 1, 2, 3 and 4
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 4 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3 only
    Show answer

    Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

    The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is a collaborative project involving multiple space agencies.

  2. Which of the following are correct about International Space Station? ISS is a synthesis of several space station projects that includes the American Freedom, Russian Mir-2, European Columbus and Japanese Kibo. Station is maintained at an orbit between 278km and 460km. ISS serves as a research laboratory with microgravity environment.

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2021

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 1 and 3 only
    3. 2 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3
    Show answer

    Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

    - ISS is an international collaboration combining elements of previous station concepts. - It orbits in LEO at an altitude typically between 330-430 km. - Its main function is a microgravity research laboratory.

  3. Which of the following statement/s is/are correct ?

    Asked in: KPSC KAS Prelims 2017

    1. A female astronaut Christina Koch spent 328 days, a record breaker in space during 2019 – 20.
    2. Christina Koch was accompanied by astronauts Luca Parmitano and Alexander Skvortsov.
    3. Research during the mission was grow‐ ing protein crystals for potential use in treatment for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Choose the correct answer from the options given below : A. Only A is correct B. A and B are correct C. B and C are correct
    4. A, B and C are correct
    Show answer

    Answer: D. A, B and C are correct

    Statement A is correct; Christina Koch completed a single spaceflight of 328 days from March 2019 to February 2020, which set a record for the longest spaceflight by a woman. Statement B is correct; astronauts Luca Parmitano (ESA) and Alexander Skvortsov (Roscosmos) were indeed part of the International Space Station (ISS) crew during parts of her extended stay, notably during Expedition 60 and

Major international space agencies and their collaborative frameworks (e.g., NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, CNSA).

  1. Which of the following countries has sent a Humanoid Robot Named "Fedor" into space recently?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2019

    1. Russia
    2. USA
    3. UK
    4. France
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Russia

    Fedor was the first humanoid robot sent to space by Russia and spent about two weeks aboard the ISS, performing tasks under the supervision of astronauts.

Multilateral initiatives in planetary exploration (e.g., James Webb Space Telescope, Mars missions).

  1. Which of the following countries launched the Probe called Hope into Mars orbit and became the fifth country to launch the Probe into Mars Orbit?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2021

    1. Canada
    2. France
    3. Japan
    4. UAE
    Show answer

    Answer: D. UAE

    With the successful insertion of the Hope Probe, the UAE became the fifth entity/country to place a probe in Mars orbit, after the United States, the Soviet Union (now Russia), the European Space Agency (ESA), and India.

Public-private partnerships and commercial international space ventures.

  1. Crew Dragon spacecraft belongs to which of the following space agency/corporation?

    Asked in: GPSC Prelims CSP 2 2023

    1. SpaceX
    2. Blue Origin
    3. China National Space Administration (CNSA)
    4. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
    Show answer

    Answer: A. SpaceX

    Crew Dragon is a class of reusable spacecraft developed by SpaceX as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. It is designed to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and other destinations in low Earth orbit.

  2. What is the name of the world's first private flight plan to go on the moon ?

    Asked in: JPSC CS Prelims 2016

    1. Moon Express
    2. Moon Flight
    3. Chandrayaan
    4. Moon Mail
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Moon Express

    In August 2016, the US government gave Moon Express, a Florida-based company, permission to land a robotic spacecraft on the moon. This marked the

  3. Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) first time a private company received authorization for a mission beyond Earth orbit, making their lunar mission concept the first approved private "flight plan" to the moon. 18. What is the name of the Aerospace company owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos?

    Asked in: Civil Judge 2022

    1. Blue Origin
    2. Space-X
    3. Amazonia
    4. Dragon
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Blue Origin

    SpaceX is owned by Elon Musk. Amazonia is not a known aerospace company. Dragon is a spacecraft developed by SpaceX.

  4. Elon Musk's satellite's name is

    Asked in: Assistant Geologist Exam 2023

    1. Blue origin
    2. Eksprss
    3. Starlink
    4. Morales satellite system
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Starlink

    Starlink is the name of Elon Musk's satellite internet service.