Why in the News?

Recently, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s trip to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission is not just a proud moment but an important step forward in India’s growing space journey.

What distinguishes Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission from Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 spaceflight?

Why is Shukla’s mission crucial for India’s Gaganyaan programme? 

• Real-life Operational Experience: Shukla’s direct experience in space provides practical insights that simulations and training cannot replicate. Eg: As designated pilot, he will operate systems, respond to contingencies, and interact with international crew — skills critical for Gaganyaan’s success.

• Validation of Safety Protocols: Human spaceflight demands rigorous safety and risk management strategies. Eg: Shukla’s feedback will help ISRO refine life-support systems, re-entry safety measures, and astronaut training for Gaganyaan.

• Technology Testing and Experimentation: Axiom-4 allows ISRO to test custom-designed biological and technological experiments in zero gravity before Gaganyaan. Eg: Muscle degradation studies and moong dal growth experiments can inform long-duration crew health planning.

• Knowledge Transfer and Crew Preparation: Shukla becomes a knowledge resource for other Gaganyaan astronauts and mission planners. Eg: His debriefings and experience logs can train upcoming Indian astronauts in real mission dynamics.

• Interface with the ISS and International Best Practices: Gaganyaan and future Indian missions will benefit from understanding ISS operational standards. Eg: Shukla’s ISS stay gives ISRO insights into modular space living, docking operations, international coordination, etc., crucial for building India’s own space station.

How do Axiom-4 experiments align with India’s space research goals?

• Focus on Human Physiology in Space: Experiments like muscle behaviour studies in zero gravity help understand health impacts of space travel. Eg: Findings will aid in preparing astronauts for long-duration missions under Gaganyaan and future space station plans.
• Biological Experiments for Space Farming: Studies on sprouting moong dal and micro-algae explore sustainable food solutions in space. Eg: Results can support self-sustaining life-support systems for interplanetary travel or moon habitats.
•  Indigenised Research Capabilities: Experiments are customised to Indian needs, marking ISRO’s entry into tailor-made space research. Eg: Conducting India-centric biology and material science experiments builds a national space science ecosystem.
• Data for Technology Development: Outcomes can validate and improve space health-monitoring tools and biological sensors. Eg: Data from Axiom-4 can be used to refine wearables for vital monitoring in Gaganyaan.
• Laying Groundwork for Future Missions: Insights from Axiom-4 serve as trial runs for similar experiments on Gaganyaan and beyond. Eg: Positive results could lead to advanced biotech payloads on future ISRO-led space missions.

What is the role of the private sector in India’s space economy?

• Enhancing Innovation and R&D: Private companies foster cutting-edge research and technological advancements in space applications. Eg: Startups like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos are developing indigenous launch vehicles.
• Reducing Burden on ISRO: Private participation allows ISRO to focus on core research and strategic missions, while routine tasks are outsourced. Eg: Satellite manufacturing and component fabrication are now being handled by private firms.
• Boosting Economic Contribution: Expanding private sector involvement helps increase India’s share in the global space market, currently at just 2%. Eg: With policy support, India aims to capture 10% of the $1 trillion space economy by 2030.
• Job Creation and Skill Development: The growth of private space ventures leads to new employment opportunities and capacity building. Eg: Space-tech startups are hiring young engineers, promoting STEM education and aerospace skills.
•  Encouraging Global Collaborations: Private firms enable international partnerships and technology transfers, enhancing global credibility. Eg: Pixxel has partnered with international clients for hyperspectral imaging satellites.

Way forward: 

• Establish a Robust Regulatory Framework: Create a clear, transparent, and enabling policy environment through institutions like IN-SPACe to facilitate private investments, streamline licensing, and ensure intellectual property protection.
• Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Promote joint missions, co-development of technologies, and knowledge sharing between ISRO and private companies to accelerate innovation and reduce development costs.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2017] India has successfully achieved several milestones in space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbitter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space mission, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically.

Linkage:  The article “India’s New Era of Human Spaceflight” explicitly states that Shubhanshu Shukla’s Axiom-4 mission is designed to provide critical inputs for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which is the nation’s first human spaceflight, thereby filling this very gap in technology and logistics.

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