Source: THE HINDU
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context:
- Indian astronaut-designates Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been shortlisted to go to the U.S. to train for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- NASA and Axiom Space have signed an order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than August 2024 from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Details:
- The National Mission Assignment Board has recommended them as prime and back-up mission pilots for the mission. Group Captain Shukla will be the prime mission pilot and Group Captain Nair will be the back-up.
- The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
- The India-U.S. joint statement during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the U.S. in June 2023 envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the ISS.
- Towards the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of the ISRO has entered into a Space Flight Agreement with the NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space Inc., U.S., for its upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
About Axiom-4 Mission:
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station operated by Axiom Space using a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. In collaboration with NASA, it follows Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3, and is scheduled to launch in 2024. Ax-4 aims to further Axiom Space's efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
Objectives of the Mission:
- Commercial Space Exploration: Axiom-4 aims to demonstrate the viability of commercial space stations as platforms for business and innovation, paving the way for future commercial space activities.
- Scientific Research: The mission will conduct various scientific experiments in the unique microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS), contributing to advancements in medicine, technology, and our understanding of the universe.
- International Collaboration: By involving astronauts from different countries, Axiom-4 promotes global cooperation in space exploration and technology development.
- Technology Demonstration: The mission serves as a testbed for new technologies and systems, including those related to spacecraft design, life support systems, and communication networks.
- Public Inspiration: By showcasing human achievements in space, Axiom-4 can inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Importance of Axiom Mission:
- Paving the Way for Space Tourism: Axiom-4 is a significant step towards making space travel accessible to more people, potentially opening up new markets for the space industry.
- Expanding Human Presence in Space: The mission contributes to the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond.
- Technological Advancements: By conducting experiments and testing new technologies, Axiom-4 can accelerate innovation and development in various fields.
- Global Cooperation: The mission raises international collaboration in space exploration, which is crucial for addressing global challenges and advancing human knowledge.
- Inspiring Future Generations: By showcasing the possibilities of human spaceflight, Axiom-4 can inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM fields and contribute to future space exploration endeavors.
India’s Ambitions in Space
- India's involvement in the Axiom-4 mission aligns with its broader ambitions in space exploration. The Gaganyaan mission, aimed at sending Indian astronauts to space aboard an indigenous spacecraft, is a cornerstone of these efforts.
- Participation in international missions like Axiom-4 provides invaluable experience and international cooperation that will benefit future indigenous missions.
ALSO READ ABOUT- AXIOM MISSION
About the International Space Station (ISS)
The International Space Station (ISS) is a modular space station (habitable artificial satellite) in low Earth orbit.
The ISS was launched in 1998 as part of joint efforts by the U.S., Russia, Japan, Canada and Europe.
Since its inception, the ISS has served as a laboratory suspended in space and has aided multiple scientific and technological developments.
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Orbit
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400 kilometers above Earth
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Function
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Permanently crewed laboratory
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Inhabitants
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Astronauts and cosmonauts
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Research Areas
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Medicine, technology, science, Earth and universe studies
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Collaborating Countries
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15
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Collaborating Space Agencies
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NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), CSA (Canadian Space Agency)
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Crew Size
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Seven
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Orbit Speed
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7.66 km/sec
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Orbit Duration
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Orbits Earth every 90 minutes
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Daily Orbits
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16 orbits, experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets
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Notable Record
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Peggy Whitson spent 665 days living and working in space
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Assembly Start
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First parts sent and assembled in 1998
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Continuous Habitation
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Crews living continuously since 2000
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Source:
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/93519/OPS/GMND41D1P.1+G9PD57E0R.1.html
International Space Station
Search All NASA Missions
Upcoming Launches and Landings
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PRACTICE QUESTION
- With reference to Axiom-4 Mission, consider the following statements:
- It is a government-funded spaceflight to the International Space Station.
- It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
- The mission aims to establish a sustainable human presence in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)
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