How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All the three
(d) None

UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution

Explanation :

Axiom-4: This mission is set to conduct numerous micro-gravity research experiments. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments for Axiom-4, covering fields such as human health, material sciences, biotechnology, and agriculture. These experiments are expected to foster a microgravity research ecosystem in India.

SpaDeX: Primarily a space docking experiment, SpaDeX has also provided opportunities for microgravity research. It carried payloads for experiments, including a study of plant growth under microgravity, with cowpea seeds successfully germinating in space. The docking technology demonstrated by SpaDeX is essential for India’s future space station, critical for microgravity experiments.

Gaganyaan: India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, is designed to encourage and support microgravity research. ISRO plans to perform biological and physical science experiments related to microgravity during the mission. There is collaboration between the Department of Biotechnology and ISRO focused on space biotechnology research with emphasis on microgravity for Gaganyaan.

Therefore, all three missions encourage and support microgravity research.