About the Axiom-4 Mission

Context:

India has shortlisted two astronaut-designates for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Axiom-4 Mission
2. About International Space Station (ISS)

About Axiom-4 Mission:

Overview:

• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight mission to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA. It utilizes a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and marks the fourth mission by Axiom Space.

Launch and Objectives:

• Launch Date: Scheduled for 2024, Axiom-4 aims to continue advancing commercial activities in space, including scientific research, technological development, and potentially space tourism.
• Objectives: The mission seeks to demonstrate the viability of commercial space stations for business and innovation, supporting a diverse crew of astronauts from multiple countries to foster international collaboration in space exploration.

Scientific Focus:

• Axiom-4 will enable various scientific experiments and technological tests in microgravity. Research areas include materials science, biology, Earth observation, and more, aiming to contribute significant discoveries and innovations.

Key Features:

• Spacecraft: Utilizes a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
• Crew: Comprises professional astronauts and private individuals, potentially including researchers and tourists who undergo rigorous training.
• Duration: Expected to be a short-duration mission lasting approximately 14 days aboard the ISS.
• Activities: Crew will conduct experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach during their stay on the ISS.

Long-Term Vision:

• Axiom Space aims to build the world’s first commercial space station, transitioning from the ISS to their own independent orbital outpost in the future.

About International Space Station (ISS):

• Overview:
  • The ISS is a modular space station launched in 1998, serving as a large laboratory in space where astronauts conduct experiments in microgravity.
• Objective:
  • Conducts scientific research across various fields including astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics.
• Key Facts:
  • Size and Orbit: Largest artificial object in space, orbits Earth approximately every 93 minutes at an altitude of 400 km.
  • Power Generation: Eight solar arrays generate about 160 kilowatts of power for station operations.
  • Participants: Multinational collaboration involving space agencies from the USA (NASA), Russia (Roscosmos), Japan (JAXA), Europe (ESA), and Canada (CSA).
• Segments:
  • Divided into the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) operated by Russia, and the United States Orbital Segment (USOS) managed by NASA and other international partners.
• Ownership and Use:
  • Governed by intergovernmental treaties and agreements, the ISS serves as a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration.

-Source: The Hindu