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Source- This post on Axiom-4 mission has been created based on the article “India selects 2 crew members for Axiom-4 mission to ISS” published in The Hindu on 3 August 2024.
Why in News?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the prime mission pilot for the Axiom-4 mission, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been selected as the back-up mission pilot.
About the Axiom-4 Mission
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. It is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). 2. The mission is in collaboration with NASA and is scheduled for launch in 2024. 3. It will be the fourth flight of Axiom Space, following the successful missions of Axiom Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2, and Axiom Mission 4. The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket. |
| Operated by | It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. |
| Aim | The mission aims to continue Axiom Space’s pioneering efforts to establish a sustainable human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). |
| Mission Objectives | 1. Commercial Space Endeavours: It will enable commercial activities in space, showcasing viable business platforms. 2. International Collaboration: It’s diverse international crew will boost global space partnerships. 3. Research and Development: It supports microgravity experiments in materials science, biology, and Earth observation. |
| Features | 1. It is expected to be a short-duration mission, lasting approximately 14 days. 2. During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew will conduct scientific experiments, perform technology demonstrations, and engage in educational outreach. 3. Axiom Space’s long-term vision includes building the world’s first commercial space station. 4. This mission is part of the company’s broader plan to eventually transition from the ISS to their own independent orbital outpost. |
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UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
