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Top 10 Upcoming Space Missions in 2025 & Beyond: A Must-Know for Competitive Exams!

The year 2025 marks an exciting leap in space exploration with groundbreaking missions planned by NASA, ISRO, and ESA. These missions are crucial for competitive exam aspirants targeting SSC, PSC, NID, and NIFT, appearing in current affairs and science sections. Prepared by Anandhu Sudheer, space science expert and founder of MyEntrance.in, this guide covers 10 must-know missions with exam-focused insights. Stay ahead in your preparation by mastering these key updates that could make all the difference in your exam scores!

Top 10 Upcoming Space Missions in 2025 & Beyond
1. Intuitive Machines IM-3 (PRISM) – Moon Mission
Launch Date: 2026
Agency: NASA (Commercial Lunar Payload Services Program)
Objective: Delivering scientific payloads and rovers to study lunar geology and test technologies for future human missions under NASA’s Artemis program.

2. ESCAPADE – Mars Atmosphere Study
Launch Date: December 2025
Agency: NASA & UC Berkeley
Objective: Two satellites, “Blue” and “Gold,” will orbit Mars to analyze how Mars lost its atmosphere, providing clues about its past habitability.

3. NISAR – Earth Observation Satellite
Launch Date: 2025
Agency: NASA & ISRO Collaboration
Objective: Monitoring Earth’s surface for earthquakes, volcanic activity, deforestation, and ice melt using advanced radar technology.

4. Artemis II – First Crewed Moon Mission Since Apollo
Launch Date: April 2026
Agency: NASA
Objective: A 10-day crewed mission to lunar orbit, testing the Orion spacecraft for future Moon landings.

5. Gaganyaan-2 – India’s Uncrewed Test Flight
Launch Date: 2025 (Test Flight)
Agency: ISRO
Objective: Validating life support and safety systems before India’s first crewed space mission (Gaganyaan-3).

6. Space Rider – ESA’s Reusable Spaceplane
Launch Date: 2027
Agency: European Space Agency (ESA)
Objective: Conducting microgravity experiments on plant growth and material behavior in space.

7. Dragonfly – NASA’s Titan Exploration
Launch Date: July 2028
Objective: A rotorcraft mission to Saturn’s moon Titan to study prebiotic chemistry and potential signs of life.

8. MMX – Japan’s Mars Moon Mission
Launch Date: September 2026
Agency: JAXA
Objective: Landing on Phobos, collecting samples, and returning them to Earth by 2031.

9. VERITAS – Venus Mapping Mission
Launch Date: 2028
Agency: NASA
Objective: High-resolution mapping of Venus’ surface to study its geology and volcanic activity.
10. Sentinel-6C – Climate & Ocean Monitoring
Launch Date: November 2030
Agency: NASA, NOAA, ESA, EUMETSAT
Objective: Tracking global sea levels, ocean winds, and climate changes.

Why Are These Missions Important for Exams?
Current Affairs: Frequently asked in SSC, PSC, UPSC, and banking exams.
Science & Technology: Key for NID, NIFT, FDDI, and engineering entrance tests.
GK Sections: Helps in interview rounds and group discussions.

Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
Q: Which mission will study Mars’ lost atmosphere?
A: ESCAPADE (NASA).
Q: What is the objective of ISRO’s Gaganyaan-2 mission?
A: To test life support systems before India’s first crewed spaceflight.
Q: Which mission will explore Saturn’s moon Titan?
A: NASA’s Dragonfly.
Q: What is the purpose of the NISAR satellite?
A: To monitor Earth’s land movements, earthquakes, and environmental changes.
Q: Which agency is leading the MMX mission to Phobos?
A: JAXA (Japan).

How to Smartly Prepare for Entrance Exams in Less Time?
Most Predicted Questions: MyEntrance.in provides highly probable exam questions based on previous trends.
Last-Minute Preparation: Use MyEntrance’s quick revision notes for fast learning.
Current Affairs & GK: Stay updated with MyEntrance’s daily GK updates tailored for competitive exams.