What is the common examiner trap about Science & Tech in UPSC exams?

The examiner may ask which mission was the first to land humans on the Moon (Apollo 11) versus which is the current mission to return (Artemis). They may also confuse the objectives of Artemis I (uncrewed test), Artemis II (crewed flyby), and Artemis III (crewed landing).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Science & Tech for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program. 2. Target this Nodal Body: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 3. Target this Comparison: Apollo missions flew ~70 miles above the lunar surface; Artemis 2 will be over 4,000 miles away.

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NASA's Artemis II Mission Conducts Historic Lunar Flyby with 4 Astronauts, Aims to Set Human Distance Record from Earth

Q: Which space agency is leading the Artemis II mission mentioned in the news?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), The article clearly states that the Artemis II mission is a NASA mission, with images and updates provided by NASA. NASA is the lead agency for the Artemis program.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the Artemis II mission: 1. It is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program, aiming for a lunar flyby. 2. The mission includes astronauts from the United States and Canada. 3. The Orion spacecraft will land on the lunar surface during this mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 2, Statement 1 is correct as Artemis II is the first crewed mission, performing a flyby. Statement 2 is correct as the crew includes Americans Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. Statement 3 is incorrect because Artemis II is only a flyby mission; a lunar landing is planned for the subsequent Artemis III mission.

Q: As reported, how close will the Artemis II spacecraft get to the lunar surface during its flyby?

Just over 4,000 miles, The article states: 'the Artemis 2 crew will be just over 4,000 miles at their closest approach'. This is distinct from the Apollo missions, which flew about 70 miles above the surface.

Q: What is a key strategic objective of the Artemis program, as indicated by the crew's activities in the Artemis II mission?

To conduct scientific observation and prepare for sustained lunar exploration, The article highlights that the astronauts received geology training to photograph and describe lunar features. This, along with the mission's role as a precursor to establishing a permanent lunar base, indicates the program's focus on scientific utilization and sustainable exploration, not just a one-time visit.

Science & Tech Intl. RelationsHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCPrelims MediumMains Medium

05 Apr 2026

~2 min

Source: The Hindu

Key Data:April 3, 2026April 4, 2026169,000 miles from Earth110,700 miles from MoonOver 4,000 miles (closest approach)

Bodies:NASA

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What This Article Covers

1.NASA's Artemis II mission, with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, is performing a lunar flyby to test the Orion spacecraft in deep space.

2.The mission aims to set a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth, surpassing the Apollo-era records.

3.The crew received geology training to document lunar features, and this mission is a precursor to Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon's surface.

The Big Picture

Prelims · MediumMains · Medium

NASA's Artemis II mission, carrying four astronauts, is conducting a lunar flyby to test systems and gather data. This mission is a critical step towards returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence, testing deep space operations for future Mars missions.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Mission NameArtemis II

Spacecraft NameOrion (Integrity)

Number of Astronauts4 (3 USA, 1 Canada)

Closest Approach to MoonOver 4,000 miles

1-Minute Revision

›Mission Name: Artemis II
›Spacecraft Name: Orion (Integrity)
›Target this Data: Artemis II is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program.
›Target this Nodal Body: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
›Target this Comparison: Apollo missions flew ~70 miles above the lunar surface; Artemis 2 will be over 4,000 miles away.

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News Snapshot

🚀

Historic Return

Artemis II marks the first human mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, testing systems for future lunar landings.

🌎

Distance Record

The crew is set to venture farther from Earth than any previous human mission, testing the limits of deep space travel.

🔭

Science Focus

Astronauts were trained in geology to photograph and describe lunar features like ancient lava flows and impact craters.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Artemis program is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon, build a sustainable lunar base (Gateway), and prepare for crewed missions to Mars. Artemis II is the first crewed mission of this program, following the uncrewed Artemis I test flight. It represents a major shift from the Apollo era, focusing on long-term exploration and international collaboration, as seen with the inclusion of a Canadian astronaut.

Core Analysis & Implications

The mission's primary objective is to test the Orion spacecraft's life support and operational systems with a crew in deep space. The crew's geology training highlights the shift from mere exploration to scientific utilization of the Moon. The unique high-altitude orbit (over 4,000 miles) provides a complete view of the lunar surface, unlike the low-altitude Apollo orbits (~70 miles), enabling new scientific observations. This mission validates technologies crucial for the planned Artemis III lunar landing.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Artemis II's success is critical for Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts near the Moon's south pole. The program's long-term goal is establishing a permanent lunar base (Artemis Base Camp) as a stepping stone for Mars. This mission also sets precedents for international space law, commercial partnerships, and sustained human presence beyond Low Earth Orbit, influencing global space governance.

Key Facts at a Glance

Mission NameArtemis II

Spacecraft NameOrion (Integrity)

Number of Astronauts4 (3 USA, 1 Canada)

Closest Approach to MoonOver 4,000 miles

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

Which space agency is leading the Artemis II mission mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedMediumUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the Artemis II mission:

1. It is the first crewed mission of the Artemis program, aiming for a lunar flyby.

2. The mission includes astronauts from the United States and Canada.

3. The Orion spacecraft will land on the lunar surface during this mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC

As reported, how close will the Artemis II spacecraft get to the lunar surface during its flyby?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC

What is a key strategic objective of the Artemis program, as indicated by the crew's activities in the Artemis II mission?

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NASA's Artemis II Mission Conducts Historic Lunar Flyby with 4 Astronauts, Aims to Set Human Distance Record from Earth

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Historic Return

Distance Record

Science Focus

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance