Paper: GS – II, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Space Technology, Issue: AXIOM-4 Launching.
Context:
The AXIOM-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled to launch on Wednesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Key Takeaways:
- Indian Air Force officer Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma.
- Sharma made history aboard the Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos program.
- He spent a week on the Salyut 7 space station conducting experiments and famously told Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that India looked “better than the entire world.”
- His mission highlighted strong Indo-Soviet ties. Shukla’s upcoming journey comes exactly 15,044 days after Sharma’s launch.
Background on the Dragon Spacecraft:
- First Launch: The Dragon spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, was first launched in 2012, which is relatively newer compared to the Soyuz spacecraft with its lengthy flight history.
- Ongoing Development: SpaceX is continuously refining mathematical models for optimal launch timings, phased maneuvers, and other operational parameters.
- This ongoing development affects the rendezvous speed and capability.
Testing and Data Collection:
- System Tests: Astronauts aboard the Dragon perform multiple tests on the spacecraft’s systems during the approach to the ISS.
- Data Transmission: They collect and transmit operational data back to Earth, which adds to the overall time required for the rendezvous due to increased complexity.
The Approaching Phase:
- Communication with ISS: As Dragon approaches the ISS, it establishes communication with the station to confirm docking readiness.
- Keep-Out Sphere: The Dragon capsule enters a designated area around the ISS, known as the “keep-out sphere,” which is an imaginary 200-meter radius zone to ensure safe maneuvering.
Navigation technology:
The Dragon’s docking process combines advanced technology with rigorous testing to ensure safe and efficient cargo or crew transfer to the ISS, despite the inherent challenges it faces as a newer spacecraft compared to older models like Soyuz.
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