Why in NEWS
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Peggy Whitson (USA) will command the mission.
ISRO will send tardigrades (water bears) as part of the mission to study life’s survival in space.
Key Concepts and Terms
| Term / Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) | 4th private mission to ISS by Axiom Space, launched using SpaceX Crew Dragon |
| ISS | International Space Station, a habitable satellite in low Earth orbit |
| Tardigrades | Microscopic, resilient animals known for surviving extreme conditions |
| Zero-G Indicator | A symbolic floating object used to indicate weightlessness in space |
| Cryptobiosis | A dormant state with nearly zero metabolism for survival in harsh conditions |
| CAHS Proteins | Protective proteins in tardigrades that stabilize cells during stress |
News Summary
Shubhanshu Shukla will become the second Indian to travel to space and the first Indian to enter the ISS. The Ax-4 mission is notable for conducting scientific experiments that support India’s Gaganyaan mission (2027) and deepen Indo-US space cooperation.
Axiom-4 Mission: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission Operator | Axiom Space, USA |
| Launch Vehicle | SpaceX Crew Dragon |
| Duration | 14 days |
| Crew | Includes astronauts from India, USA, Poland, and Hungary |
| Objectives | Scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, educational outreach |
| Indian Representation | Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot; key step toward India’s future manned missions |
| Symbolic Element | ‘Joy’ the swan plushie will act as the zero-G indicator |
Major Scientific Experiments Aboard Ax-4
| Experiment Focus | Description |
|---|---|
| Tardigrade Biology | Study of survival and behavior of tardigrades in microgravity |
| Screen Use in Space | Cognitive impact of computer screen use in zero gravity |
| Crop Experimentation | Growth of moong dal varieties in space conditions |
| Cyanobacteria Growth | Study on cellular response and photosynthesis in space |
Significance for India
| Area | Impact |
|---|---|
| Indo-US Space Collaboration | Strengthens ISRO-NASA ties |
| Gaganyaan Readiness | Validates critical microgravity experiments for India’s human spaceflight |
| Commercial Space Goals | Enhances India’s standing in global commercial space ventures |
| Crew Training | Provides Indian astronauts with hands-on experience in spaceflight dynamics |
About Tardigrades (Water Bears)
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size and Habitat | ~0.5 mm, live in moist environments from mountain tops to ocean floors |
| Evolutionary Age | Existed for over 600 million years; survived all major mass extinctions |
| Survival Range | Withstand –272.95°C to 150°C, high radiation, space vacuum, extreme pressure |
| Historical Feat | Survived exposure to space in ESA’s 2007 Foton-M3 mission |
Key Survival Mechanisms of Tardigrades
| Mechanism | Function |
|---|---|
| Cryptobiosis | Shuts down nearly all metabolic processes in response to environmental stress |
| Anhydrobiosis | Dries out body, forming a “tun” state to survive extreme dryness |
| CAHS Proteins | Forms protective cellular gel to prevent internal damage |
Scientific Relevance of Tardigrade Research
| Potential Application | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Climate-resilient crops | Understand stress tolerance at cellular level |
| UV-protective sunscreens | Mimic tardigrade proteins to enhance skin protection |
| Organ preservation | Improve long-term storage and transplant success using bio-stabilization |
Recent Discovery: Batillipes chandrayaani
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Discovery Location | Marine coastal region, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Significance | New tardigrade species named after Chandrayaan-3 |
| Symbolism | Connects marine biology with India’s space exploration achievements |
In a Nutshell: Code “SPACE-TARDIGRADE” to Remember
S – Shubhanshu Shukla, second Indian in space
P – Peggy Whitson commands Ax-4 mission
A – Axiom’s commercial goal to build private space station
C – Cyanobacteria and crop growth studies onboard
E – Experiments aiding India’s Gaganyaan mission
T – Tardigrades sent to study survival in space
A – Anhydrobiosis for extreme dryness survival
R – Resilience proven in ESA’s 2007 mission
D – Durable proteins like CAHS protect cell structures
I – ISS access through Indo-US space partnership
G – Growth of moong dal and microgravity studies
R – Revival of tardigrades after 30 years in frozen state
A – Astronaut training for future Indian missions
D – Discovery of Batillipes chandrayaani
Prelims Practice Questions
- With reference to tardigrades, consider the following statements:
- They are multicellular microscopic animals that can survive in space.
- They survive harsh conditions through a process called cryptobiosis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2
- The Ax-4 mission is significant for India because:
A) It will launch India’s first lunar rover
B) It marks India’s first fully indigenous satellite launch
C) An Indian astronaut will visit the ISS for the first time
D) It tests ISRO’s reusable launch vehicle - The Zero-G indicator named ‘Joy’ in the Axiom-4 mission serves which of the following purposes?
A) Measures radiation in space
B) Signals weightlessness to the crew
C) Tracks heart rate of astronauts
D) Detects gravitational waves
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the significance of the Axiom-4 mission for India’s space ambitions, with special reference to human spaceflight and international collaboration.
- How can the study of tardigrades contribute to advancements in biotechnology, agriculture, and space science?
Answers with Explanations (Prelims)
| Q.No | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C | Tardigrades are microscopic, multicellular, and survive in extreme conditions through cryptobiosis |
| 2 | C | Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to enter the ISS under Ax-4 mission |
| 3 | B | The zero-G indicator is a symbolic object (here, ‘Joy’ the swan) that shows when weightlessness begins |
