Ax-4 mission launches from Kwajalein Atoll: probing clouds that threaten global signals

The Ax-4 mission, delayed due to ISS module concerns, now embarks on a critical three-week study of high-altitude clouds that could disrupt vital communication systems worldwide. This historic mission features first-time astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, highlighting growing international cooperation amid ongoing ISS safety debates led by Elon Musk.

Sources:
ThehindubusinesslineNewsbytesapp+1
Updated 3h ago
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Sources: ThehindubusinesslineNewsbytesapp
The Ax-4 mission, launched from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, aims to investigate high-altitude cloud-like structures that threaten global communication systems.

This three-week mission features uncrewed suborbital spacecraft equipped with scientific instruments designed to probe these atmospheric phenomena.

"The aim is to study high-altitude cloud-like structures that could potentially disrupt critical communication systems," according to mission details.

Despite delays caused by safety concerns over the International Space Station's ageing components, the mission proceeds with a diverse crew including members from India, Poland, and Hungary. This marks the first space station mission for these countries and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades.

"The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation's first mission to the space station in history and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years," Axiom Space stated.

The delay was linked to observations of the ISS Zvezda module, with ISRO collaborating closely with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX to ensure mission safety and integrity.

V Narayanan, Secretary DOS and Chairman ISRO, emphasized, "safety and mission integrity were their priorities."

This mission highlights growing international cooperation in space exploration and the importance of addressing environmental factors that could impact critical satellite and communication infrastructure worldwide.
Sources: ThehindubusinesslineNewsbytesapp
The Ax-4 mission launched from Kwajalein Atoll to study high-altitude clouds threatening global communications. Despite delays linked to ISS safety concerns, the three-week mission includes crew from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking historic firsts for these nations in spaceflight.
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The Headline

Ax-4 mission launches with historic multinational crew

Key Facts
  • The Ax-4 mission is launching today from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands with an uncrewed suborbital spacecraft carrying scientific instruments.Newsbytesapp
  • The mission will last three weeks and aims to study high-altitude cloud-like structures that may disrupt global communication systems.Newsbytesapp
  • The Ax-4 crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking historic first missions for these nations at the ISS and the second government-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years.Thehindubusinessline
Key Stats at a Glance
Duration since last government-sponsored human spaceflight mission
40 years
Thehindubusinessline
Ax-4 mission duration
3 weeks
Newsbytesapp
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Background Context

ISS safety concerns and Ax-4 mission delay addressed

Safety and mission integrity are our priorities.
V Narayanan
Secretary DOS/ Chairman ISRO and Chairman Space Commission
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Key Facts
  • Elon Musk has expressed serious concerns about the ageing ISS components and recommended de-orbiting the ISS within two years despite SpaceX's involvement.1
  • ISRO is collaborating with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX to address issues with the ISS Zvezda module, which caused the Ax-4 mission delay.1
Key Stats at a Glance
Recommended ISS de-orbit timeline
2 years
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