How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?

Science & Technology ·Previously asked in UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025

View the full solved paper: GS Paper I

Question

Consider the following space missions:

I. Axiom-4

II. SpaDeX

III. Gaganyaan

How many of the space missions given above encourage and support microgravity research?

  1. A. Only one
  2. B. Only two (Correct answer)
  3. C. All the three
  4. D. None

Correct Answer

Option B — Only two

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Only two.

Key Points

  • Axiom-4 is a commercial ISS mission (space station) that includes microgravity science experiments — YES.
  • SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is primarily an ISRO technology demonstration for docking in space; while it could theoretically support microgravity payloads, it is not primarily a microgravity research mission — NO.
  • Gaganyaan is India's crewed space programme designed with a core objective of conducting human spaceflight and microgravity research — YES.
  • Two missions (Axiom-4 and Gaganyaan) support microgravity research.