Global Space Programmes and Emerging Frontiers

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST, 2021, NASA–ESA–CSA): largest space telescope, observes mainly in infrared, positioned at the Sun–Earth L2 point (~1.5 million km, anti-sun side) to stay cold and shielded; successor to Hubble (which orbits Earth in optical/UV). Artemis programme (NASA): aims to return humans to the Moon, including the first woman and person of colour, and build the Lunar Gateway station. Mars rovers: Perseverance (2021, seeks signs of past life, carried Ingenuity helicopter). China's Tiangong is an operational space station; Chang'e missions explore the Moon (Chang'e-5 returned samples; Chang'e-6 returned far-side samples). Memory aid: 'JWST = infrared, L2, cold; Hubble = optical, Earth orbit.'

Space debris (defunct satellites, spent stages, collision fragments) threatens active assets at orbital speeds (~7–8 km/s). The Kessler Syndrome describes a cascading chain of collisions generating ever more debris, potentially rendering orbits unusable. ISRO's response: Project NETRA (Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis) for debris monitoring, and the IS4OM centre; India targets a 'Debris-Free Space Missions' goal by 2030. Key treaties: Outer Space Treaty (1967) — space is the 'province of all mankind,' no national appropriation, no WMD in orbit; Moon Agreement (1979, poorly ratified); Artemis Accords (US-led principles, India signed in 2023). Memory aid: 'OST 1967 = the constitution of outer space.'

India opened space to private players: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre) is the single-window promoter/regulator; NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) is the commercial/PSU arm handling demand-driven launches and tech transfer; ISRO focuses on R&D. Indian startups: Skyroot Aerospace (Vikram-S, India's first privately built rocket, 2022) and Agnikul Cosmos (Agnibaan with 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine). The Indian Space Policy 2023 formalised these roles and 100% FDI reforms followed. Globally, SpaceX pioneered reusable rockets (Falcon 9) and Starship; reusability slashes launch cost. Memory aid: 'IN-SPACe = promote/permit, NSIL = sell/commercialise, ISRO = research.'

Cover the answer, recall, then check. 12 cards on must-know facts for UPSC Prelims.

Q1. Where is the James Webb Space Telescope, and what light does it observe?
A1. At the Sun-Earth L2 point; it observes mainly infrared (successor to Hubble), launched December 2021.

Q2. What is the goal of NASA's Artemis programme?
A2. To return humans to the Moon (including the first woman) and establish a sustainable lunar presence, as a step towards Mars.

Q3. Which mission achieved the first soft landing on the far side of the Moon?
A3. China's Chang'e-4 (2019).

Q4. Which treaty is the foundation of space law?
A4. The Outer Space Treaty (1967) — space is the province of all mankind, no national appropriation, and no weapons of mass destruction in orbit.

Q5. What is the Kessler syndrome?
A5. A runaway cascade in which collisions among space debris create more debris, potentially making some orbits unusable.

Q6. What is the farthest human-made object from Earth?
A6. Voyager 1 (launched 1977), now travelling through interstellar space.

Q7. What is China's space station called?
A7. Tiangong ("Heavenly Palace").

Q8. Which company pioneered reusable orbital rockets?
A8. SpaceX — through recovery and reuse of the Falcon 9 first stage.

Q9. Name the European and Japanese space agencies.
A9. ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

Q10. What is the International Space Station (ISS)?
A10. A habitable research station in low-Earth orbit (~400 km) operated jointly by the US, Russia, ESA, Japan and Canada.

Q11. What are the L1 and L2 points typically used for?
A11. L1 for solar observation (SOHO, Aditya-L1); L2 for deep-space telescopes shielded from the Sun (JWST, Gaia).

Q12. How do Hubble and JWST differ in wavelength?
A12. Hubble observes mainly visible/ultraviolet light; JWST observes mainly infrared, letting it see more distant, older and dust-obscured objects.

Worked Example

Problem/Question: Consider the following statements about global space programmes:

1. The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared observatory positioned near the Sun-Earth L2 point.
2. The Artemis programme (NASA) aims to return humans to the Moon.
3. Reusable launch vehicles reduce the per-launch cost of access to space.
   Which of the statements given above are correct?
   (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Solution/Model answer:

• Statement 1: The JWST is an infrared telescope stationed at the Sun-Earth L2 point. Correct.
• Statement 2: Artemis (NASA + partners) aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustained presence. Correct.
• Statement 3: Reusable rockets (e.g., Falcon 9) sharply cut per-launch cost. Correct.
  All three are correct; only (d) keeps them.

Answer/Takeaway: (d) 1, 2 and 3.