Axiom-4 Mission

Axiom-4 Mission

Why in News?
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that two Indian astronauts selected for the Axiom-4 mission, set to launch in 2024, have completed their initial training phase.The two astronauts are Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup).

What is the Axiom-4 Mission?
About:
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private space mission to the International Space Station (ISS) operated by Axiom Space, a US-based company specializing in space infrastructure. The mission uses SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft, a reusable vehicle designed to transport astronauts to and from the ISS. It is the fourth collaboration with NASA, following Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3.

Mission Objectives:

• Commercial Space Endeavors: The primary goal of Ax-4 is to advance commercial space activities, such as space tourism in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). It seeks to prove the viability of commercial space stations as business and research hubs.
• Global Cooperation: The mission will feature a multinational crew, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in space exploration and the shared advancement of space science.
• Research and Innovation: The mission will support a wide array of scientific experiments, particularly in microgravity environments. Key research areas include biology, materials science, and Earth observation, with the potential for groundbreaking discoveries.

Key Features:

• Spacecraft and Crew: The mission will utilize the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket, to carry astronauts, researchers, and private participants.
• Mission Duration and Activities: The mission is expected to last 14 days, during which the crew will conduct scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and engage in educational outreach while aboard the ISS.
• Commercial Space Station Development: Axiom-4 is part of Axiom Space’s long-term goal to create the first private commercial space station, which will eventually operate independently of the ISS.
  
  

Significance for India:
The Ax-4 mission marks a significant step in India’s space exploration efforts, highlighting the country’s expanding role in human spaceflight. This mission will allow Indian astronauts to actively participate in ISS activities, further strengthening India’s involvement in international space research and cooperation.

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