Description

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Picture Courtesy: THE HINDU

Context:

The planned launch of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), carrying Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS), has been postponed.

Axiom-4 Mission

It is a private spaceflight operated by Axiom Space, to send a multinational crew to the International Space Station (ISS) for a mission focused on scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities.

This will be Axiom Space's fourth mission to the orbiting laboratory, underlining the growing collaboration between private space companies and government agencies like NASA.

It is a 14-day mission, to focus on scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS.

Key Areas of research on the Ax-4 mission include:

Human Health => Investigate the effects of microgravity on muscle dysfunction and the cognitive and visual impacts of using computer screens in space.
Biological and Life Sciences: The crew will study the adaptation of microbes to the space environment and the growth of six different crop seed varieties. Examine the resilience of tardigrades (microscopic "water bears") in space, which could provide insights for future life support systems.

The launch was originally planned for June 2025 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, but it has been postponed after a liquid oxygen leak was detected in the Falcon 9 rocket during a post-static fire inspection. A new launch date will be announced once repairs are completed.

Source:

THE HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about the geopolitical and strategic implications of the Gaganyaan mission:

1. Successful completion will make India the third country to have independently sent humans to space.

2. The mission is a foundational step towards India's long-term goal of establishing its own space station, the "Bhartiya Antariksh Station," by 2035.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: If the Gaganyaan mission succeeds, India will become the fourth country in the world to possess the independent capability to send humans to space. India will join the United States, Russia, and China.

Statement 2 is Correct: The mission is a foundational step towards India's long-term goal of establishing its own space station, the "Bhartiya Antariksh Station," by 2035. It is the official vision for India's space program.