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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...

ISRO to Resume SpaDeX Experiments from March 15

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ISRO to Resume SpaDeX Experiments from March 15

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to recommence its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) on March 15, 2025. This phase involves separating and re-docking the previously united satellites, Chaser and Target, to advance technologies essential for future missions.

Key Highlights:

  1. Mission Overview:

    • Launch Date: December 30, 2024
    • Satellites Involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)
    • Objective: Demonstrate in-space docking capabilities

  2. Recent Achievements:

    • Successful docking of Chaser and Target satellites on January 16, 2025
    • Formation of a unified satellite system in elliptical orbit

  3. Upcoming Experiments:

    • Start Date: March 15, 2025
    • Activities Planned:
      • Separation of the unified satellite into Chaser and Target
      • Re-docking maneuvers to test and validate docking procedures
      • Simulation experiments preceding actual operations

  4. Operational Constraints:

    • Elliptical orbit provides a 10-15 day window every two months for experiments
    • Current focus on simulation to prepare for the upcoming experimental window

  5. Future Implications:

    • Development of docking technologies critical for missions like Chandrayaan-4
    • Paving the way for the establishment of the Bharat Antariksha Station
    • Enhancing ISRO's capabilities in on-orbit servicing and assembly

These advancements underscore ISRO's commitment to mastering complex space operations, positioning India as a significant player in space exploration and technology development.

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