Why Axiom-4 matters

Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: Space Technology, Issue: Axiom-4.

Context:

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut selected for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS)

Key Takeaways:

What is Axiom-4?

• Axiom-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
• It is part of a broader initiative to commercialize low Earth orbit by involving private players in space missions.

Who is organizing it?

• The mission is organized by Axiom Space, a private space company.
• It is carried out in collaboration with NASA (United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Launch Details:

• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
• Launch Site: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
• Axiom Space collaborates with SpaceX for transportation and with NASA for ISS access and operations.

Objectives of the Mission

• Duration: Up to 14 days aboard the ISS.
• The mission aims to: Conduct scientific experiments.
• Perform technology demonstrations.
• Participate in educational outreach and public engagement.

Research Focus Areas

• These align with global scientific priorities:
• Materials Science: Testing how new materials behave in microgravity.
•  Biology: Studying the effects of space on human and microbial biology.
• Earth Observation: Using the vantage point of the ISS to monitor Earth systems (climate, oceans, vegetation, etc.).
• These experiments could lead to groundbreaking discoveries and have commercial and technological applications on Earth.

Significance for India:

• The mission includes the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS under a joint initiative between NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization).
• This represents a major step in India’s international space cooperation and human spaceflight capability development.

Global Representation:

• Ax-4 includes first-time astronauts from Poland and Hungary.
• This reflects the growing international interest in commercial space missions and cooperation beyond traditional space powers.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/expert-explains-why-axiom-4-matters-10057525

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