Relevance: GS Paper III – Space Technology
Source: The Hindu; Reuters; NASA

NASA’s ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) twin-satellite mission to Mars was successfully launched aboard Blue Origin’s New Glenn heavy-lift rocket. The flight marked New Glenn’s first successful reusable booster landing, strengthening the commercial space launch ecosystem.

What is ESCAPADE?

ESCAPADE comprises two small satellites (Blue & Gold) that will orbit Mars to study:

• Interaction between solar wind and Mars’ magnetosphere
• Atmospheric escape processes affecting Mars’ habitability
• Space-weather conditions around Mars

This helps understand how Mars lost its atmosphere and guides future human exploration.

Why It Matters

• Advances planetary science and understanding of atmospheric loss.
• Strengthens the role of private space companies in deep-space missions.
• Contributes to future Mars human missions and global space-science collaboration.

One-line Wrap: ESCAPADE marks a milestone in Mars exploration—combining NASA’s planetary science goals with the rise of reusable commercial launch technology.

Q. With reference to NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, consider the following statements:

1. It aims to study the interaction of solar wind with Mars’ magnetic environment.
2. It was launched on Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn rocket.
3. The satellites are designed to land on the Martian surface.

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)