Context:
Indian astronaut Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla will be the pilot of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Mr. Shukla, who is also one of the four astronaut-designates selected for Gaganyaan mission, will become the first Indian astronaut to go to the ISS. The mission will be launched from Florida.
Axiom-4 Mission
- A private mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- Conducted by Axiom Space, a US based space infrastructure company.
- Using the repurposed SpaceX Crew Dragon to transport astronauts
- It is the fourth joint mission after Ax1, Ax2 and Ax3 with NASA.
Mission Objectives
- Commercial Space Programs
- Enabling space tourism and commercial research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Low Earth orbit (LEO) is the area around Earth where satellites orbit at an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km) or less. LEO is the closest orbital range to Earth and is commonly used for communications, imaging, and observation.
- Proving commercial space stations as a business RD platform.
- Enabling space tourism and commercial research in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- International Cooperation
- A multinational crew will reinforce global partnerships in space.
- Enhance joint space exploration efforts between nations.
- Research Development
- Microgravity research in material’s science, biology and Earth observation will be the mission focus concentrating on technological breakthroughs and novel applications..
Key Features
- Spacecraft Crew
- It will be launched with a Falcon 9 rocket and carry professional astronauts researchers and private individuals.
- Mission Duration Activities
- 14 day space mission on the ISS with the conduct of experiments tech demos and outreach programs.
- Commercial Space Station Development
- Part of Axiom Spaces strategy for the first commercial space station.
- A change from reliance on the ISS towards an independent orbital platform.
For India
Projects
- Increasing India’s presence in the global race for space.
- The ISRO-NASA collaboration would provide Indian astronauts the opportunities for training for undertaking tasks onboard (ISS).
- Provides an additional leverage for India including enhanced stature in human space flight besides increased international cooperation.
Background Facts
- India- NASA Agreement 2023
- The United States agency NASA has now chosen to train the astronauts of the nation based on terms from Artemis Accords.
- Gaganyaan Mission
- India Approximately post 2025 years. The launch follows the completion of two test unmanned flights without astronauts aboard successfully.
International Space Station (ISS)
- Large permanently crewed laboratory, orbiting Earth at 400 km altitude.
- Joint venture of 15 countries and 5 space agencies.
- NASA, US, Roscosmos, Russia, ESA, Europe, JAXA, Japan, CSA, Canada
- Operations
- Hosts 7 astronauts traveling at 766 km/sec.
- Makes 16 Orbits around Earth daily about every 90 minutes.
Bharatiya Antariksha Station
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (2008)
(a) To study the possibility of life on Mars
(b) To study the satellites of Saturn
(c) To study the colourful display of high-latitude skies
(d) To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions
Ans: (c)
Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
- is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
- made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
- made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (c)
