Correct Answer : Shubhanshu Shukla
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been selected to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, marking a historic achievement as the first Indian astronaut to embark on this journey. The Ax-4 mission, a collaborative effort between India and the United States, will also see renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson commanding the mission. During his time aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu will conduct five experiments, contributing to scientific research and the growing presence of India in space exploration.
Correct Answer : 2,104.06 Crore
The Union cabinet has approved significant expansions to India's space exploration initiatives, including the Chandrayaan-4 mission, Gaganyaan follow-up missions, and the Venus Orbiter Mission.Speaking on the decisions, Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today (18th Sep 2024) announced, "Chandrayaan-4 has been expanded with additional elements, and the next step is a manned mission to the Moon. Preparatory steps have been approved. The Venus Orbiter Mission and development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle have also been greenlit."Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, the Modi government has allocated Rs 2,104.06 crore to Chandrayaan-4 that entails bringing lunar rocks and soil to earth, with a mission timeline of 36 months. The mission will consist of two spacecraft stacks featuring five modules. Stack 1 will focus on lunar sample collection, while Stack 2 will handle propulsion, transfer, and re-entry of samples back to Earth..Source : India Times
Correct Answer : Rosatom
Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, plans to deploy a 0.5-megawatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2036. This project aims to address power challenges on the Moon, particularly during its extended nights when solar energy is insufficient. The reactor is part of Rosatom's broader strategy for sustained lunar exploration and potential international cooperation, with interest noted from both China and India. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in supporting future lunar bases and exploration activities.
Correct Answer : NewSpace India Limited
The Munal satellite, a collaborative project between Nepal and India, was developed by the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). The satellite aims to build a vegetation density database and represents a significant milestone in space collaboration between the two nations. The launch is facilitated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This initiative reflects the strengthening of Nepal-India space relations and advancements in space technology.
Correct Answer : ISRO
The Earth Observation Satellite-8 (EOS-8) is set to be launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. The mission includes the development of a microsatellite equipped with advanced payloads for various applications such as environmental monitoring and disaster response. ISRO's efforts in this launch are part of its broader commitment to enhancing satellite technology and space exploration capabilities, highlighting its role as India's leading space agency.
Correct Answer : China
China is launching the “Thousand Sails” satellite constellation as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink network. This new initiative aims to establish a global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite Internet network similar to Starlink. The first 18 satellites have already been deployed, with plans to expand the constellation to 648 satellites by next year and 15,000 by the end of the decade. This ambitious project, managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), seeks to provide global network coverage and rival the extensive broadband capabilities of SpaceX’s constellation.
Correct Answer : ESA
The European Space Agency (ESA) is collaborating with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the Ramses project to study the Apophis asteroid. This collaboration focuses on monitoring the 375-meter asteroid Apophis, which is expected to pass 32,000 km from Earth in 2029. The Ramses spacecraft, developed for this mission, will closely approach and follow the asteroid to gather valuable data and assess potential threats to Earth. This international partnership highlights the importance of joint efforts in space exploration and planetary defence.
Correct Answer : NASA
NASA conducted the CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) project, which involved year-long simulated Mars missions to evaluate food systems, human health, and behavioural patterns crucial for future space expeditions. The missions took place at Mars Dune Alpha, a 3D-printed habitat at Johnson Space Center, designed to replicate realistic Mars conditions. These analog missions are part of NASA's efforts to prepare for long-duration space exploration missions, studying crew performance under stressors like isolation and resource constraints typical of Mars environments.
The European Space Agency (ESA) was responsible for the successful launch of Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket. This launch marked a significant achievement for European space efforts, restoring independent access to space after a four-year delay. Despite minor setbacks during the launch process, the rocket successfully placed satellites into orbit. The event was celebrated as a historic milestone for Europe, with key figures from ESA and France’s CNES emphasizing the importance of this accomplishment for the continent's space capabilities.
Correct Answer : SpaceX
SpaceX is leading the Polaris Dawn mission, which aims to achieve an orbital altitude of 870 miles, marking the highest since the 1970s. This mission is notable for including the first commercial spacewalk and conducting experiments on the effects of space travel on human health. Scheduled to launch from Florida using a Falcon 9 rocket, the mission represents a significant advancement in commercial space exploration capabilities, pushing boundaries and expanding possibilities in modern spaceflight.
