Shubhanshu Shukla to pilot NASA’s Axiom-4 mission to ISS + UPSC?.ToString()?? UPSC?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the pilot of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Mr. Shukla, who is also one of the four astronaut-designates selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission, will become the first Indian astronaut to go to the ISS. The mission will be launched from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
What is the Axiom-4 Mission?
About:
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the ISS operated by Axiom Space (US-based space-infrastructure development company), using the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon is a reusable spacecraft that carries astronauts to and from the ISS.
It is the fourth flight in collaboration with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), following Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3.
Mission Objectives:
Commercial Space Initiatives: Axiom-4 focuses on enabling commercial activities like space tourism in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
It aims to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial space stations as platforms for business and research.
International Collaboration: The mission features a diverse multinational crew, emphasising global cooperation in space exploration.
It aims to strengthen international partnerships and promote joint efforts in advancing space science.
Research and Development: The mission supports scientific experiments and technological advancements in microgravity.
Research areas include materials science, biology, and Earth observation, offering potential breakthroughs.
Key Features:
Spacecraft and Crew: The mission will deploy a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched by a Falcon 9 rocket, carrying professional astronauts, researchers, and private individuals.
Mission Duration and Activities: With an expected duration of 14 days, the crew will conduct experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS.
Commercial Space Station Development: Axiom-4 is part of Axiom Space’s vision to establish the first commercial space station, transitioning from ISS operations to an independent orbital platform.
Significance for India:
The Ax-4 marks a pivotal collaboration between the ISRO and NASA, highlighting India's growing presence in space exploration.
This mission will facilitate Indian astronauts' participation in activities aboard the ISS, enhancing India's capabilities in human spaceflight and international cooperation in space science.
About International Space Station (ISS)
International Space Station is a modular space station launched in 1998.
Modular stations can allow modules to be added to or removed from the existing structure, allowing greater flexibility.
It is a large laboratory in space that allows astronauts to come aboard and stay for weeks or months to carry out experiments in microgravity.
The first crew on the ISS arrived on November 2, 2000.
Objective:
To conduct scientific research in astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, physics, and other fields.
It is the largest artificial object in space.
It circles the Earth in roughly 93 minutes, completing 15.5 orbits per day.
Currently, the ISS has eight solar arrays generating about 160 kilowatts of power total.
Altitude: 400 km
Participating Space Agencies
It is a multinational collaborative project involving five participating space agencies:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (USA)
Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities (Russia)
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan)
European Space Agency (Europe)
Canadian Space Agency (Canada)
The station is divided into two sections:
The Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) – Operated by Russia,
The United States Orbital Segment (USOS) – Operated by the US as well as many other nations.
The ownership & use of the space station is established by intergovernmental treaties & agreements.