Role of NASA in Solar System Exploration

NASA (National Aeronautics and space Administration)

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) is the apex organization of space research and exploration of America. NASA was founded on July 29, 1958, and since then has played a leading role in the exploration and promotion of scientific knowledge of the universe for humanity.

Historical Background of NASA

NASA was founded during the American Space Race, when the United States of America and the Soviet Union competed for space eminence. The main purpose of establishing NASA was to develop the technology for the use of communication satellites and space travel for humans. Along with this, NASA was also made responsible for various aspects of exploration, research and space.

Structure of NASA

NASA’s head office is organizationally located in Washington DC. It divides its functions into various centers and laboratories, where research, development and testing are carried out for different areas. NASA Headquarters is also recognized for having targeted international locality to foresee this new earthbound spacecraft.

Functions of NASA

NASA is known for its breadth and importance in its field of work. It works in many areas such as space research, new technology development, planetary science, life science, human space travel, satellite construction, space technology, planetary science, physics, chemistry, climate science, and space communication. Through NASA, scientists get a chance to interview in space and understand the mysteries of space.

 Successful Missions of NASA

NASA has proved its progress and impressive contribution in the scientific and technological fields through countless successful projects in the universe. These projects have made significant pioneering achievements in science, space research, human space travel, and technological innovations. Major successful projects of NASA are-

1. Voyager Mission:

The Voyager missions launched in 1977 and are now transmitting data from the outer regions of space. Voyager-1 and Voyager-2 have visited Solar System stars, planets, planetoids, and some satellites. These missions have provided us with information on most regions of the Solar System and helped us understand the mysteries of the outer regions.

2. Mars Rover Mission:

NASA’s Mars rover missions have conducted research on the surface of Mars. The first Mars rover “Sojourner” reached the surface of Mars in 1997. The “Spirit” and “Opportunity” missions have since carried out science work on various regions of Mars. These missions have provided information on the fundamentals, physics, potential for life on Mars, and the natural composition of the satellites.

3. Hubble Space Telescope:

The Hubble Space Telescope was launched in 1990 and captures stunning images of the depths of the universe. This telescope revolutionized astronomy by capturing cosmic images of distant galaxies, vesicles, and other stellar objects.

4. Apollo Mission:

Apollo missions are one of the popular projects of NASA. The Apollo 11 mission landed humans on the Moon in 1969 and was the first manned trip to the lunar surface.

NASA Solar System Exploration

NASA has contributed significantly to the uniqueness and mysteries of the universe by conducting research deep into the Solar System. NASA spacecraft and satellites have gained new knowledge about our Solar System by providing research and information on various planets, satellites, and solar system material.

NASA launched the Solar System Exploration website in October 1998. This website provides reliable, accurate and up- to date knowledge and information about the moons, planets and everything that exist in our solar system.

 

Under the NASA Solar System Exploration, NASA provides the accurate and updated knowledge and information about Sun, earth, moon, mars and Jovian system.

1. Sun:

According to NASA, the Sun is the central star of our solar system. NASA has used solar planes and telescopes to analyze the Sun. New information is being obtained about the structure of the Sun, the functions of heat and light.

2. Earth:

Earth is our survival platform, and NASA uses diagnostic satellites to evaluate and understand it. Through NASA, we get new information about weather forecasting, climate system review, natural disaster monitoring, and environmental impacts.

3. Moon:

NASA has conducted research on the Moon through various missions. During the Apollo missions, NASA sent humans to the moon and investigated the lunar surface. In subsequent missions also, NASA has obtained information about the various characteristics, elements, and formation of the Moon.

4. Mars:

NASA’s Mars rover missions have made detailed investigations of Mars. Through the Mars rover missions, NASA has obtained information on the climate, topography, potential for life, and satellites on the surface of Mars.

5. Jovian System:

NASA has also studied the Jovian system, which includes the planet Jupiter and its satellites.

Most Asked Questions about NASA

 1.What is NASA?

Ans. NASA is the United States’ space research and exploration organization, which serves to explore and advance scientific knowledge of the universe.

2.When was NASA established?

Ans. NASA was established on July 29, 1958.

3.What is the full form of NASA?

Ans. The full form of NASA is National Aeronautics and space Administration.

4.What are the objectives of NASA?

Ans. NASA’s mission is to play a leading role in the use of communications satellites, the technological development of human space travel, space research, science, and technology.

5. What are the major missions and satellites of NASA?

Ans. NASA’s major missions and satellites include the Mars Rover mission, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Jovian mission (Juno), the Voyager mission, the Moon mission, and spacecraft probes (KEEPERS, Solar Probe, Geostation, ExoMars, etc.).

6.Which was the first Mars Rover mission of NASA?

Ans. NASA’s first Mars rover mission was “Sojourner”, which reached the surface of Mars in 1997.

7.What is the use of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope?

Ans. The Hubble Space Telescope captures stunning images of the depths of the universe and makes revolutionary contributions to astronomy.

8.How many missions has NASA sent to the Moon and what was known about them?

Ans. NASA has sent several missions to the Moon so far, including the Apollo missions (Apollo 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17), Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, and Chandrayaan-3. Through these missions, information has been received about the lunar surface, geological structure, possibilities of life, and satellites.

9.Where is the Head quarter of NASA?

Ans. Washington, D.C., United States

For More Information Visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/

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