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

They may ask which mission traveled the 'maximum total distance' (Apollo 17 at 2.38 Mn km) vs. which mission went the 'farthest from Earth' (Artemis II). They may also swap the names of Artemis I (uncrewed) and Artemis II (crewed).

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

1. Target this Data: Farthest distance from Earth - 406,778 km (Artemis II vs. Apollo 13). 2. Target this Nodal Body: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration). 3. Target this Mission: Artemis II as the first crewed mission of the Artemis program.

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NASA's Artemis II Crew Returns, Travels 1.12 Mn Km, Reaches Farthest Point from Earth at 406,778 Km

Q: The Artemis II mission, which recently splashed down, is a program of which space agency?

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), The article explicitly states that Artemis II is a mission of NASA. NASA is the United States government agency responsible for the civilian space program and aeronautics research.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding NASA's Artemis II mission: 1. It was the first crewed mission of the Artemis program. 2. The astronauts onboard traveled a greater total distance than the Apollo 17 mission. 3. The spacecraft reached a point farther from Earth than the Apollo 13 mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 1 and 3, Statement 1 is correct as per the article: 'Artemis II was the first crewed mission of the Artemis programme.' Statement 2 is incorrect: Apollo 17 traveled about 2.38 million km, while Artemis II traveled 1.12 million km. Statement 3 is correct: Artemis II reached 406,778 km, which was about 6,606 km farther than Apollo 13.

Q: According to the article, what was the approximate speed of the Orion spacecraft during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere?

40,000-42,000 kmph, The article states: 'At the time of re-entry... the Orion spacecraft were travelling at a speed of about 11-12 km/sec (about 40,000-42,000 kmph).' The other options are distractors: 26,000-28,000 kmph is the speed for re-entry from Low Earth Orbit (like the ISS).

Q: What is the primary significance of the successful Artemis II splashdown, as described in the article?

It served as a dress rehearsal for the planned human Moon landing mission in 2028., The article directly states: 'Artemis II successfully completed the dress rehearsal for the actual Moon landing mission in 2028.' The other options, such as establishing a space station or testing Mars propulsion, are not mentioned as primary objectives of this specific mission.

Science & Tech Intl. RelationsHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCTeachingPrelims HighMains Medium

10 Apr 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:1.12 million km406,778 km40,000-42,000 kmph2028

Bodies:NASA

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What This Article Covers

1.Artemis II, NASA's first crewed Moon mission since Apollo, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean with four astronauts after a 10-day journey.

2.The mission set a record for the farthest distance from Earth reached by humans (406,778 km) and traveled 1.12 million km, acting as a dress rehearsal for the planned 2028 Moon landing.

3.The Artemis program signifies a strategic shift towards establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon, a key focus area for Science & Tech and International Relations in competitive exams.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

NASA's Artemis II mission successfully concluded, marking humanity's return to lunar vicinity after 50+ years. The crew traveled 1.12 million km and reached a record 406,778 km from Earth, paving the way for a planned 2028 Moon landing and future lunar settlements.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Mission NameArtemis II

Splashdown DateApril 11, 2026

Total Distance Traveled1.12 million km (694,481 miles)

Farthest Point from Earth406,778 km (252,760 miles)

Previous Record HolderApollo 13 (1970)

Re-entry Speed40,000-42,000 kmph

Next Mission (Target)Artemis III Moon Landing (2028)

1-Minute Revision

›Mission Name: Artemis II
›Splashdown Date: April 11, 2026
›Target this Data: Farthest distance from Earth - 406,778 km (Artemis II vs. Apollo 13).
›Target this Nodal Body: NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
›Target this Mission: Artemis II as the first crewed mission of the Artemis program.

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News Snapshot

🌕

Historic Return

Artemis II successfully returns, marking the first crewed mission to the Moon's vicinity in over five decades.

📏

Record Distance

The mission set a new record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 mark.

🚀

Gateway to Settlement

This mission is a critical test for NASA's Artemis program, which aims for a permanent lunar base and frequent human travel.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

The Artemis program is NASA's successor to the Apollo missions (1969-1972). It aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence. Artemis I (2022) was an uncrewed test. Artemis II is the first crewed flight test, a critical step before the landing mission (Artemis III). This revival comes amidst a new global 'space race' with multiple nations and private entities targeting the Moon.

Core Analysis & Implications

The mission's technical success validates the Orion spacecraft's design for deep space travel and high-speed re-entry (40,000+ kmph). The record distance (406,778 km) highlights advanced mission planning beyond Apollo's capabilities. The involvement of a Canadian astronaut (Jeremy Hansen) underscores the international, collaborative nature of modern space exploration, contrasting with the US-USSR rivalry of the Apollo era.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Artemis II clears the path for Artemis III, targeting a 2028 human Moon landing. The long-term vision includes the Lunar Gateway space station and a permanent lunar base. This necessitates advancements in life support, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and international space law frameworks. For India, this underscores the strategic importance of its own Gaganyaan and lunar exploration programs in this new era.

Key Facts at a Glance

Mission NameArtemis II

Splashdown DateApril 11, 2026

Total Distance Traveled1.12 million km (694,481 miles)

Farthest Point from Earth406,778 km (252,760 miles)

Previous Record HolderApollo 13 (1970)

Re-entry Speed40,000-42,000 kmph

Next Mission (Target)Artemis III Moon Landing (2028)

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Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, State PSC

The Artemis II mission, which recently splashed down, is a program of which space agency?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding NASA's Artemis II mission:

1. It was the first crewed mission of the Artemis program.

2. The astronauts onboard traveled a greater total distance than the Apollo 17 mission.

3. The spacecraft reached a point farther from Earth than the Apollo 13 mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, SSC, State PSC

According to the article, what was the approximate speed of the Orion spacecraft during its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC

What is the primary significance of the successful Artemis II splashdown, as described in the article?

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NASA's Artemis II Crew Returns, Travels 1.12 Mn Km, Reaches Farthest Point from Earth at 406,778 Km

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Historic Return

Record Distance

Gateway to Settlement

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance