Correct Answer :   SpaceX

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) here today (18th Jan 2024) at 4:49 p.m. EST (2149 GMT), sending the Crew Dragon capsule "Freedom" skyward on Ax-3, the third mission organized by Houston company Axiom Space. The launch was originally scheduled for Wednesday (Jan. 17) but was delayed a day to allow more time for prelaunch checks.

The four-person Ax-3 is led by Michael López-Alegría, a former NASA astronaut who now serves as Axiom Space's chief astronaut. He's joined by mission pilot Walter Villadei, an Italian Air Force colonel who flew to suborbital space with Virgin Galactic last summer; Turkey's first astronaut, Alper Gezeravc?; and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut reserve member Marcus Wandt. Gezeravc? and Wandt will serve as mission specialists.

López-Alegría is a citizen of Spain as well as the U.S., so Axiom bills Ax-3 as "the first all-European commercial astronaut mission" to the ISS.

The Falcon 9's successful liftoff and staging were followed by the return to Earth of the rocket's first stage. The booster touched down at SpaceX's Landing Zone-1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is next door to KSC, a little less than eight minutes after launch as planned.

Freedom separated from the Falcon 9's second stage about 12 minutes after liftoff, beginning the capsule's roughly 36-hour orbital journey to rendezvous with the ISS.

"Walter, Alper and Marcus: Congrats, and welcome to your first flight on Dragon," SpaceX launch director Mark Soltys said to the Ax-3 crew shortly after Freedom's deployment. "Mike, on the other hand, welcome to the Dragon frequent flyer club. I imagine you'll have enough miles to qualify for platinum status after this flight."

As that note indicates, Villadei, Gezeravc? and Wandt had not flown with SpaceX before; indeed, Ax-3 is the first orbital mission for all three. López-Alegría, on the other hand, now has six spaceflights under his belt, including the Ax-1 mission to the ISS in April 2022. He is the first astronaut ever to fly on Dragon twice.

Freedom is scheduled to catch up with the space station early Saturday morning (20th Jan 2024), docking with the Harmony module at around 5:15 a.m. EST (1015 GMT). Hatch opening between Freedom and the ISS will occur not long after that, followed by an Ax-3 crew welcome ceremony with the station's entire complement.

The Ax-3 astronauts will spend about two weeks working as integrated residents of the orbital laboratory, conducting microgravity research and science. Experiments performed by the Ax-3 crew will include investigations into physics, human health and outer space medicine. Some of this research will help Axiom better understand and develop training programs for their astronauts on future flights.

Private crew mission: Axiom Space Mission 3

* Axiom Space Mission 3 marks the third private crew mission to visit the ISS, ushering in a new era of space exploration.

* The crew, composed entirely of private crew, is set to spend approximately 14 days aboard the ISS, undertaking up to 30 experiments. Their endeavours align with the ongoing activities of the seven astronauts already present on the space station.

Correct Answer :   India (ISRO)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked the beginning of 2024 with a significant milestone, launching its first mission of the year. On 1st January 2024, ISRO successfully lifted off the XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) along with 10 other satellites from the Sriharikota spaceport, using the reliable PSLV-C58 rocket.

This groundbreaking mission marks India’s foray into space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emissions from celestial sources, with a specific focus on the enigmatic world of black holes.


Purpose of XPoSat :

The primary objective of XPoSat is to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources in space. Astrophysicist Dr. RC Kapoor, commenting on the launch, emphasized that XPoSat is India’s maiden X-Ray satellite designed for detecting X-rays emanating from exotic objects such as neutron stars and black holes.


ISRO’s PSLV-C58 Mission :

The PSLV-C58 Mission is pivotal in propelling the XPoSat Satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit. Following the injection of XPoSat, the PS4 stage will undergo two re-starts to reduce the orbit into a 350 km circular orbit. This adjustment aims to maintain the satellite in a 3-axis stabilized mode, facilitating Orbital Platform (OP) experiments, according to ISRO.

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) Experiment :

An integral part of the mission is the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment. This experiment is poised to achieve the objectives of 10 identified payloads, provided by both ISRO and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).


Scientific Payloads on XPoSat :

The spacecraft of XPoSat hosts two crucial scientific payloads within a low earth orbit. The first of these, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), is designed to measure polarimetry parameters, including the degree and angle of polarization. This will be conducted in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons, originating from astronomical sources. The second payload, XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), is focused on providing spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.


ISRO’s Vision for XPoSat :

ISRO’s XPoSat mission represents a pioneering effort in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emissions. The agency underscores the significance of XPoSat as its first dedicated scientific satellite designed to undertake research in this specialized domain. With a specific focus on exploring the polarisation of intense X-ray sources, XPoSat is expected to contribute valuable insights into our understanding of celestial objects like never before.

Correct Answer :   January 1, 2024

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to kick off the year 2024 with the launch of XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) on Monday (January 1, 2024). It is India's first XPoSat which aims to investigate the polarization of intense X-Ray sources and study the enigmatic world of black holes.

“XPoSat is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions," the space agency said. The satellite will be launched on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).


XPoSat Mission: Date, time and venue

The ISRO will launch PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT Mission at 09:10 hrs IST on Monday, January 1, 2024. The launch is planned from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.


All about XPoSat mission :

* ISRO's PSLV-C58 Mission will launch the XPOSAT Satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit. "After injection of XPOSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice to reduce the orbit into 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments," the space agency said.

* "The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment will be executed meeting the objective of 10 identified payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN-SPACe," the ISRO said.

* The spacecraft of the XPoSat will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.

* "The primary payload POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin. The XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV," ISRO said.

According to the ISRO, the objective of the mission are :

1. To measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload.

2. To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV by XSPECT payload.

3. To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energy band.

4. To study the distribution of magnetic field, geometric anisotropies, alignment with respect to line of sight, nature of accelerator in galactic cosmic X-Ray sources by measuring degree of polarization and its angle.

5. Structure and geometry of magnetic field of neutron stars, mechanism of X-Ray beaming and its relation with luminosity and mass of accretion rate of powered pulsars.

6. Understanding of galactic black hole binary sources.

7. To study and confirm about production of X-Rays is either from polar cap of neutron star or outer cap of pulsar magnetosphere.

8. To distinguish the synchrotron mechanism as dominant over thermal emission in Supernova remnants..


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Pakistan

* Pakistan on Wednesday (27th Dec 2023) conducted a successful flight test of indigenously developed guided multi-launch rocket system 'Fatah-II', which is capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres, the army said.

* The 'Fatah-II' is "equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, sophisticated navigation system and unique flight trajectory," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement.

* The weapon system is "capable of engaging targets with high precision up to a range of 400 kilometres," it said. The launch was witnessed by senior officers from tri-services and dedicated scientists and engineers, it added.

* In October end, Pakistan successfully conducted a training launch of the Ghauri Weapon System, a week after holding the flight test of the ballistic missile Ababeel Weapon System. In August 2021, Pakistan had conducted a successful test of indigenously developed Fatah-1 guided multi-launch rocket system (MLRS)..

Source : CNBC

Correct Answer :   Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Recently (25 Dec 2023), Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) spacecraft entered into orbit around the moon after a months-long journey.

* It is a spacecraft built and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023, from the Tanegashima spaceport.

* It weighed only 590 kg.

* It was launched together with XRISM, a next-generation X-ray space telescope, onboard an H-2A rocket.

* It entered into an elliptical orbit around the moon over three minutes or so.

* Its apogee (farthest point) in this orbit is 4,000 km and perigee (closest point) is 600 km above the lunar surface.

What will SLIM do on the moon?

Just before it lands, SLIM will deploy two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2. LEV-1, LEV-2, and SLIM will together study the lunar surface near the landing point, collect temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to study the moon’s mantle.

Correct Answer :   China and Egypt

China, jointly with Egypt, launched a new MisrSat-2 satellite into space on Monday (4th Dec 2023) hitting a milestone in its space cooperation program with the African country.

* The MisrSat-2 satellite was launched on the Long March-2C carrier rocket around 12:10 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center located in China's Gobi Desert, according to the Chinese state media. The optical remote sensing satellite has successfully entered the orbit. China also helped Egypt build the satellite assembly integration testing center.

"The MISRSAT-2 is a landmark project of deep cooperation between China and Egypt in the field of high-tech aerospace and is of milestone significance in aerospace cooperation between the two countries,” the CNSA said.

* The satellite, which boasts its role in crucial functions such as farming, national resources, urban planning, and coastal change monitoring in space, was tested and developed jointly at the China-funded Satellite Assembly, Integration, and Test Center (AITC) in Cairo. It underwent the three month orbital testing phase before it was handed over to the Egyptian Space Agency. The Egyptian staff received the training programs from China that included the entire satellite design, assembly and testing.

China launches two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B

* The launch with China has enhanced Egypt's capabilities in satellite research, development, measurement, and control, positioning, improving Africa’s space capabilities. Along with MisrSat-2, China also launched two separate remote sensing satellites—Starpool 02-A and 02-B— which were designed and developed by Chinese startup EllipSpace into the predetermined orbits. These satellites will perform functions such as the wide-area comprehensive perception services, laying a solid foundation for the construction of the "StarPool Plan" integrated communication, navigation and remote sensing system, according to Xinhua.

* The space program manager from the Egyptian Space Agency, Haitham Medhat Akah, told Xinhua that the MISRSAT-2 project has cemented the “solid foundation for the development of Egypt's space industry, promoted the training of Egyptian space professionals, and helped Egypt become a leader in the field of space satellites in Africa and the Middle East.” It not only marks a milestone in the field of Chinese-Egyptian space cooperation but also accomplished Egypt Vision 2030 sustainable development strategy in key areas like the agriculture, mineral exploration, urban planning, and monitoring of coastline changes.

* The MISRSAT-2 project made Egypt the first country in Africa to achieve the satellite development and launch, Gao Lyuhua, deputy director of the Earth Observation System and Data Center of the CNSA told Xinhua..

Source : Republic World

Correct Answer :   Akshata Krishnamurthy

Akshata Krishnamurthy is an Indian woman who created history as she became the first person from the country to operate the Mars rover with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the United States. She shared her achievement on Instagram, saying, "No dream is ever too big or crazy. Believe in yourself, keep those blinkers on and keep working! I promise you'll get there if you work hard."

Akshata is a PhD holder from the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). She is among the few Indians who joined NASA for a full-time opportunity. According to her LinkedIn profile, Akshata is a principal investigator and mission science phase lead at NASA. She has been working at NASA for over five years now.

Akshata shared her inspiring journey on Instagram and how she became the first Indian citizen to operate a rover on Mars and collect samples to bring back to Earth. Akshata's journey began 13 years ago when she came to the United States with a dream to work at NASA and lead science and robotic operations on Earth and Mars. However, she was discouraged from having unrealistic goals as she was a foreign national on a visa. People told her to have a different plan or change her field entirely. However, Akshata blocked those comments and persevered until she reached the goal.

"From getting my PhD at MIT to knocking 100s of doors to get hired full-time at NASA, nothing came easy. Today (7th Dec 2023), I work on multiple cool space missions, including the Perseverance rover collecting samples to bring back to Earth," she wrote.

Since then, the video she posted has garnered over seven lakh views. Her followers hailed her for her achievement and for making the country proud.

"Seriously, this is very impressive and commendable! Folks don't realize how many hardworking and talented individuals are needed in every sector of our workforce to keep advancing society," a user wrote. Another user said, "Women like you are an inspiration to aspiring female youth leaders."

"So inspiring, Dr Krishnamurthy. People like you are an absolute inspiration for the younger ones. Wish you the best of the best in the years to come. Congratulations again," another user commented. A user added, "MIT and NASA? Living the dream. You go girl."..

Source : WIO News

Correct Answer :   AgniKul Cosmos

Agnikul Cosmos, an aerospace startup based in Chennai specialising in the development of satellite launch vehicles, is set to launch its inaugural flight with the world’s first 3D-printed engine before the close of this year (2023).

The upcoming mission serves as a technological demonstrator, and is supposed to emulate Agnikul’s planned orbital launch — the first commercial launch anticipated in 2024 — but on a smaller scale.

“We are looking to launch by the end of the year. One test is pending, which will be conducted on our campus at IIT-Madras. Once the final reviews with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are complete, we are good to go as the launch vehicle is already at the launch pad,” stated Chief Executive Srinath Ravichandran told reporters. “This isn’t a sounding rocket and is a complex machine, so we want to get it right in the first attempt.”

Should the mission prove successful, the startup, incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras campus, will become India’s second private company to develop a small satellite launch vehicle. The first, Skyroot Aerospace, launched the Vikram S in November 2022.

Ravichandran highlighted a key distinction between Agnikul’s rocket, Agnibaan, and the Vikram S. While the Vikram S was a sounding rocket launched from guide rails, Agnibaan would lift off vertically, following a predetermined trajectory and executing precisely orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is a highly customizable, single-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 300 kg payload to orbits around 700 km above the ground (basically into the low Earth orbits). Anirban follows a plug-and-play configuration, adapting to the size of the satellite taken to space.

One of the biggest differences comes in the propellant system that Agnikul is using and how they resize their launch vehicles. Because they offer customisable sizes of launch vehicles, they can configure the vehicle for a particular payload size or satellite size. Furthermore, liquid propellants, used in Agnikul’s rocket, are reusable and safer compared to solid propellants.

Agnikul’s patented Agnilet engine stands as the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed engine, designed and manufactured entirely in India. Successfully test-fired in early 2021, this achievement marked a significant milestone for 3D printing technology in India, which traditionally have been reserved for medical implants.

The integration process of the launch vehicle, located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the company’s private launchpad, was completed on August 15.

Agnikul’s customer base encompasses entities building small satellites aiming for a low Earth orbit, with payloads mainly consisting of communication and imaging satellites.

The Agnikul 3D printing Rocket Factory houses a metal 3D printer from EOS, along with other machines facilitating end-to-end manufacturing of a rocket engine within a single facility..

Source : First Post

Correct Answer :   SpaceX

SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon embarked on its 29th mission to the International Space Station (ISS), launching from the iconic Pad 39 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 8:28 p.m. EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on November 9th, 2023.


Synchronizing Earth’s Rotation for Orbital Rendezvous in SpaceX’s 29th Mission :

The timing was meticulously synchronized with Earth’s rotation, aligning the seaside firing stand directly with the orbital plane of the space station—a prerequisite for rendezvous missions with objects hurtling through space at speeds exceeding 17,000 mph.


Smooth Ascent and Autonomous Flight :

The ascent to space unfolded seamlessly, and approximately 12 minutes after liftoff, the Dragon spacecraft was released to navigate autonomously. Pending successful progression, the spacecraft was scheduled to rendezvous with the space station docking at the lab’s forward port.

SpaceX’s Impressive Records :

This mission marked the 29th Cargo Dragon flight to the space station and the second voyage for capsule C-211. Notably, the first stage booster, undertaking its second flight, autonomously returned to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking SpaceX’s 39th Florida touchdown and its 243rd overall.


Delivering Research Gear and Equipment :

The primary mission objective is to transport vital research gear and equipment to the ISS. Among the cargo is an experimental high-speed laser communications package designed to revolutionize data transmission using infrared laser beams, surpassing the capabilities of traditional radio systems.


Optical Communication Revolution :

Meghan Everett, a senior scientist with the space station program, highlights the potential impact of optical communication on space research. The technology aims to expedite data transmission from the space station to Earth, providing faster results for scientific experiments and aiding the medical community with swift data transfer.

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) :

A notable payload is the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE), an externally mounted instrument capturing 68,000 infrared images daily. AWE aims to study gravity waves at the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and space, offering insights into their effects on communication, navigation, and tracking systems as they interact with the ionosphere.


Rodent Experiment on ISS :

Inside the space station, a groundbreaking experiment involves 40 rodents, aiming to understand the combined effects of spaceflight, nutrition, and environmental stressors on female reproductive and bone health. This research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of the impact of space travel on reproductive health, both for female astronauts and women on Earth.

Correct Answer :   Determine the abundance of Earth-sized planets and their orbits

A system of seven sweltering planets was recently revealed by the continued study of data from NASA’s retired Kepler space telescope.

About Kepler Space Telescope :

* It was NASA’s first planet-hunting mission, assigned to search a portion of the Milky Way galaxy for Earth-sized planets orbiting stars outside our solar system.
It was launched on March 6, 2009.

* The spacecraft was named after the famed German astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571-1630).

* Its scientific goals included determining the abundance of earth-sized planets and the distribution of sizes and shapes of their orbits, estimating the number of planets in multiple-star systems, and determining the properties of stars that have planetary systems.

* In December 2011, NASA announced that Kepler had found its first planet, Kepler-22b, in the habitable zone of a star.

* On October 30, 2018, after nine years in deep space collecting data, NASA announced that Kepler had run out of fuel. The spacecraft was retired in its current, safe orbit, away from Earth.

* Kepler left behind a legacy of more than 2,600 planet discoveries from outside our solar system, many of which could be promising places for life.


Features :

* Kepler detected planets by observing transits, or tiny dips in the brightness of a star that occur when a planet crosses in front of the star.

* The spacecraft was basically a single instrument - a specially designed 3-foot (1-meter) diameter aperture telescope and image sensor array – with a spacecraft built around it.

* The diameter of the telescope’s mirror was 4 feet, 7 inches (1.4 meters), making it one of the largest mirrors beyond Earth’s orbit..

Source : Nasa