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🇮🇳 Indian Astronaut Returns to Space After 41 Years: Shubhanshu Shukla Aboard Axiom-4 Mission to ISS

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In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...

Blue Ghost and RESILIENCE Missions Overview

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Blue Ghost and RESILIENCE Missions Overview 

Introduction

SpaceX Falcon 9 successfully launched U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1 and Japan-based ispace's RESILIENCE lunar lander. Both missions represent significant advancements in lunar exploration and technology demonstrations.

Blue Ghost Mission 1

About Blue Ghost

  • Blue Ghost is a lunar lander developed by Firefly Aerospace.

  • Part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative.

Mission Objectives

  • Payload Delivery: Transporting 10 Science and Technology (S&T) instruments to the lunar surface.

  • Regolith Sample Collection: Testing the first-of-its-kind regolith sample collection methods.

  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Testing: Demonstrating GNSS capabilities on the lunar surface.

  • Radiation Tolerant Computing: Testing computing systems designed to withstand high radiation levels.

  • Lunar Dust Mitigation: Conducting experiments to reduce the harmful effects of lunar dust on spacecraft and instruments.

Significance

  • Supports future lunar missions by providing key data for technology development.

  • Enhances NASA’s lunar exploration strategy under the Artemis program.

RESILIENCE Mission

About RESILIENCE

  • A lunar lander developed by Japan-based ispace as part of their Hakuto-R Moon Mission 2.

Mission Objectives

  • Payload Delivery: Transporting various scientific and commercial payloads to the lunar surface.

  • Water Electrolyzer Equipment: Testing the production of oxygen and hydrogen from lunar water ice.

  • Deep Space Radiation Probe: Studying deep-space radiation to enhance human space exploration safety.

  • TENACIOUS Micro Rover: Deploying a small rover for surface exploration and data collection.

Significance

  • Advances commercial lunar exploration by deploying innovative technologies.

  • Strengthens Japan’s space exploration capabilities.

Conclusion

The Blue Ghost and RESILIENCE missions are groundbreaking steps towards sustainable lunar exploration. These missions not only support scientific discoveries but also drive innovation for future lunar and deep-space missions.


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