Science and Technology

 

Science and Technology, Important Development for Competitive Exams. 

Pixxel Space Launches World’s Highest-Resolution Hyperspectral Satellites

Pixxel Space, a Bengaluru-based startup backed by Google, launched its first private satellite constellation, Firefly, on January 14, 2025, using a SpaceX rocket from California.

Key Features: Firefly consists of six satellites, making it the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation. The satellites observe Earth in over 150 spectral bands, capturing detailed data for various applications.

Applications:

  • Agriculture: Monitoring vegetation health.
  • Mining: Identifying mineral compositions.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Tracking water quality and atmospheric changes.
  • Defense: Enhancing surveillance capabilities.

Future Plans: Three additional satellites to be launched in the next two months and Expansion to a 24-satellite constellation by 2029.

The technology enables precise detection of chemical, biological, and environmental changes, marking a major advancement in hyperspectral imaging.

SpaDeX Mission Successful: India Becomes Fourth Country to Achieve Space Docking

On 16 January 2025, ISRO announced that India successfully achieved space docking under the SpaDeX mission, becoming the fourth country in the world to do so, after Russia, the USA, and China.

Mission Details: The mission demonstrated the docking, undocking, and power transfer capabilities between two satellites in low-Earth orbit. It involved maneuvering, precise docking, retraction, and stabilizing the docked satellites as a single unit.

Future Applications: The success of SpaDeX will support ambitious projects like the Indian Space Station and Chandrayaan-4. It showcased critical technologies for in-space robotics, spacecraft control, and payload operations.

Leadership and Indigenous Technology: The project was led by N. Surendran and featured the fully indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.

Launch Details: SpaDeX was launched on 30 December 2024 aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket along with other payloads.

Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota approve by Cabinet

Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota: On 16 January 2025, Cabinet approved a Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at a cost of ₹3985 crore.

The project aims to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles, human spaceflight missions, and increase launch capacity for ISRO.

India Joins UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics

India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics.

Purpose: The committee focuses on setting global standards and practices for using big data and data science in official statistics.

India’s Contribution: India will showcase its initiatives, such as the establishment of the Data Innovation Lab and the exploration of alternative data sources.

Committee Objective: The UN Committee investigates the benefits and challenges of big data, including its use in monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

ArabPlast 2025: India Leads Charge in Sustainable Plastics

The 17th edition of ArabPlast, West Asia’s premier trade exhibition for plastics and petrochemicals, opened on January 7, 2025, in Dubai, with India emerging as a key player in sustainable manufacturing. Running through January 9, 2025, the event has attracted over 750 exhibitors from 12 international pavilions, focusing on innovations in plastics, recycling, petrochemicals, packaging, and rubber industries.

India’s delegation, led by the Plastic Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), includes 125 companies, a 70% increase from the previous edition. This underscores India’s growing role in the global plastics sector and commitment to sustainable practices and the circular economy. Vikram Bhaduria, Chairman of PLEXCONCIL, highlighted the potential for expanding Indo-UAE trade relations.

The event emphasizes environmental sustainability, with Indian companies showcasing biodegradable plastics and advanced recycling technologies. The GCC petrochemical sector, generating over $100 billion in annual revenues, is also a key focus.

Inaugurated by Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, ArabPlast 2025 solidifies Dubai’s status as a global hub for industrial innovation and sustainable development, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore new technologies and forge partnerships.

IndiaAI Partners with Microsoft to Accelerate AI and Skilling in India

IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under Digital India Corporation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft on January 8, 2025, to boost Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption and development in India. This collaboration aligns with the core objectives of the India AI Mission. Here are the key highlights:

Skilling 500,000 individuals: By 2026, Microsoft will work with IndiaAI to train students, educators, developers, government officials, and women entrepreneurs.

AI Catalysts: Establishing a Center of Excellence to promote rural AI innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, impacting 100,000 AI innovators through hackathons, community building, and an AI marketplace.

AI Productivity Labs: Setting up labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes/NIELIT centers across 10 states to train 20,000 educators and empower 100,000 students with foundational AI courses in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

AI-enabled solutions for critical sectors: Leveraging Microsoft Research’s expertise.

Founders Hub program: Providing benefits to up to 1,000 AI startups, including Azure credits, business resources, and mentorship.

Indic language models: Developing models with support for India’s linguistic diversity.

Datasets platform: Building tools for dataset curation, annotation, and synthetic data generation.

AI frameworks and standards: Collaborating on responsible AI development and supporting an AI Safety Institute in India.

PSLV-C60: India’s Leap Forward in Space Docking Technology with SpaDeX

The PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Mission Objective: The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in a low-Earth circular orbit.

SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission aimed at developing and demonstrating the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft.

Significance: This mission is historic as it aims to make India the fourth country globally to master space docking technology. This capability is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.

Payloads: The PSLV-C60 carried 24 experimental payloads contributed by academia and startups. These payloads include high-resolution imaging, multi-spectral imaging for vegetation studies, and radiation monitoring.

Technological Milestones: The mission incorporates several cutting-edge technologies such as a compact docking mechanism, laser range finders, power transfer technology, and inter-satellite communication systems.

Future Operations: Docking operations are set to begin, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. Post-docking, electrical power transfer will be tested before the satellites operate their individual payloads for up to two years.

Smart India Hackathon 2024: A Platform for Technological Innovation

The Smart India Hackathon 2024 concluded successfully with multiple teams from across India emerging as winners across various categories. The event was held at multiple nodal centres, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, and IIT Jammu, among others.

Key Highlights:

  1. Winners in Mumbai: Teams such as Team Terabyte (Girijananda Chaudhary University Guwahati), Team Shiledar (Datta Meghe College of Engineering Navi Mumbai), and others were recognized for their solutions in problem statements like ‘Conversational Image Recognition Chatbot’, ‘Women Safety Analytics’, and ‘AI-based solution for traffic management’.
  2. Participation: A total of 34 teams consisting of 204 students participated at Welingkar Institute in Mumbai, working on problem statements provided by various ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology.
  3. NIT Srinagar: Hosted the Grand Finale for the first time, with six teams emerging as top performers from the 51 nodal centers across the country.
  4. Awards in Agriculture: Prizes for agriculture problem statements were bagged by institutions like Welingkar Institute of Management, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Yashwant Rao Chavan Engineering at IIT-Hyderabad.
  5. Other Winners: NIT Silchar and IIIT Nagpur won prizes for their solutions on oil spills and beach recreation suitability, respectively, at Vardhaman College of Engineering in Hyderabad. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, IIIT and Management Institute Gwalior, and others also received accolades for Earth Sciences problem statements.
  6. IIT Jammu: The Grand Finale saw 28 teams tackling critical cybersecurity challenges, with six teams receiving ₹ 1 lakh prizes.
  7. Notable Guests: The closing ceremonies were graced by dignitaries such as Professor Manoj Singh Gaur, Satish Kaul, Sunit Kumar, and Sandeep Sharma.

Conclusion:
The Smart India Hackathon 2024 fostered innovation among young minds, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. The event highlighted the importance of such initiatives in driving technological advancements and aligning with India’s vision of a technologically advanced future.

ISRO launches PSLV C-59 carrying ESA’s PROBA-3 from Sriharikota

On 5 December 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV C-59 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 16:04 IST, carrying the PROBA-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. The mission, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), is managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm.

The PROBA-3 mission, an in-orbit demonstration, involves two satellites launched in a stacked configuration to showcase advanced technologies such as precise satellite positioning, formation flying, and proximity operations. These satellites, weighing a combined 545 kg, were placed in orbit 18 minutes after launch and will fly in close formation to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).

This launch underscores ISRO’s expertise in commercial satellite missions, with PSLV C-59 marking the second ESA satellite launch using an Indian rocket.

Shukrayaan Mission: ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite Scheduled for Launch in 2028

ISRO has received approval from the Indian government for the Shukrayaan mission, a Venus Orbiting Satellite set to launch in 2028. Announced by ISRO Director Nilesh Desai, the mission will enhance India’s planetary exploration capabilities.

Desai also revealed plans for Chandrayaan 4, a collaborative mission with Japan, aiming for a precise landing at the Moon’s south pole by 2030, pending approval. This mission will feature a heavier rover weighing 350 kg, significantly larger than Chandrayaan 3’s.

ISRO is advancing its INSAT 4 series for improved weather forecasting and communication, incorporating advanced sensors and satellites to match global technological standards in meteorology and oceanography.

Future plans include a Mars mission with both orbital and surface exploration goals, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, with an unmanned flight expected in two years, followed by a manned mission.

The Indian government has also approved the construction of a space station, with the first module set for 2028 and full completion by 2035. The space station will serve as a transit hub for future lunar missions, aligning with India’s goal to land on the Moon by 2040.

Scientists at JNCASR identify new pathway for Monkeypox detection and diagnostics

Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have discovered a novel method to detect and develop diagnostic tools for the Monkeypox virus (MPV). They identified and characterized G-quadruplex sequences (GQs) within the MPV genome, which are unique nucleic acid structures absent in other pox viruses, pathogens, or the human genome.

This discovery holds potential for creating diagnostic tools and antiviral therapies, as these GQs can be targeted using small-molecule fluorescent probes. The Ministry of Science and Technology emphasized that this work is significant given the global concerns about MPV’s unanticipated spread, unclear transmission modes, and symptoms. The research offers valuable insights into MPV virology and aids in developing diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

India Launches First Indigenous Antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to Combat Drug-Resistant Infections

On 20 November 2024, Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous antibiotic, to combat drug-resistant infections. Speaking at the launch event in New Delhi, he highlighted that the three-day treatment regimen of Nafithromycin is a breakthrough in addressing drug-resistant pneumonia, a condition causing over two million deaths annually.

Developed with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), under the Department of Biotechnology, the drug is marketed under the trade name Miqnaf. This Made-in-India antibiotic is a significant step in tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), marking a milestone in India’s pharmaceutical innovation.

ISRO Launches GSAT-20 via SpaceX’s Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, USA

ISRO successfully launched its advanced communications satellite GSAT-20 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA, on 18 November 2024. The satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is one of India’s heaviest and will provide broadband services in remote areas and in-flight Internet on passenger aircraft.

  1. First-time collaboration with SpaceX: ISRO launched GSAT-20 through its commercial arm, New Space India Limited (NSIL).
  2. Reason for choosing SpaceX: India’s LVM-3 rocket, or “Bahubali,” cannot carry such a heavy payload, and French provider Arianespace lacks operational rockets currently. SpaceX’s Falcon-9, capable of launching up to 8.3 tonnes to geostationary transfer orbit, was chosen.
  3. Operational Lifespan: GSAT-20 will operate for 14 years.
  4. Satellite status: It is healthy, and its solar panels have been deployed.

This marks a significant milestone in ISRO’s efforts to enhance satellite-based broadband connectivity.

World’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at NTPC Vindhyachal

On November 8, 2024, NTPC, India’s largest power producer, marked its 50th anniversary by inaugurating the world’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility. NTPC Chairman Gurdeep Singh called this a “historic step” in carbon management and sustainable fuel production.

The company is advancing various green technologies, including Gen-4 ethanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel. Additionally, NTPC has developed the first indigenous catalyst for methanol synthesis and is progressing in hydrogen and carbon capture innovations. At the event, NTPC also introduced hydrogen-fueled buses in Leh and launched new IT applications.

World’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat was launched into space by Japan

On November 5, 2024, Japan launched LignoSat, the world’s first wooden satellite, into space to test wood’s viability as a space-grade material. Developed by Kyoto University researchers, LignoSat is made from honoki wood, traditionally used for sword sheaths.

After a 10-month experiment on the ISS, honoki was found to be the most suitable timber for space applications. Constructed using a traditional Japanese technique without screws or glue, LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months, testing wood’s resilience to extreme temperatures (-100 to 100°C) and its potential to shield semiconductors from space radiation.

ISRO launch India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh

ISRO has launched India’s first analog space mission in Leh, Ladakh, simulating life in an interplanetary habitat to advance India’s lunar and interplanetary mission goals. Analog missions are conducted in Earth locations with conditions that mimic space environments, helping to test and solve challenges for space research. Ladakh’s dry, cold climate and high-altitude terrain resemble Martian and lunar landscapes, making it ideal for such a mission.

The month-long mission includes a compact, inflatable habitat named Hab-1, equipped with a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation, creating a self-sustaining environment. This setup offers insights into sustaining human life for long-term space missions to the Moon and Mars. Collaboratively organized by ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre, AAKA Space Studio, University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, the mission also leverages Ladakh’s low-oxygen, low-pressure conditions to evaluate life support systems, essential for future interplanetary missions.

AIIMS Delhi starts GRASSROOT trial to evaluate advanced stent retriever for stroke treatment

On October 28, 2024, AIIMS Delhi announced the start of the GRASSROOT clinical trial in New Delhi. This trial will test the safety and effectiveness of a new stent retriever designed for treating stroke clots. AIIMS explained that this device is specifically made to address the needs of stroke patients in India.

Dr. Sailesh Gaikwad, Head of Neurosciences at AIIMS, stated that the trial aims to improve stroke recovery and set new standards for stroke care. He also mentioned that the treatment would be affordable to make it accessible to more patients in India and globally.

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held in New Delhi, from 15 to 18 October 2024

The India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, concluded on 18 October 2024. The four-day event, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 October, brought together over 3,000 industry leaders, policymakers, and tech experts from more than 190 countries. On the final day, discussions focused on collaboration to drive digital transformation and innovation.

The 8th edition of IMC highlighted India’s innovation ecosystem, with advancements in 6G, quantum technology, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and green tech. The event featured 400 exhibitors, 900 startups, and over 900 technology use cases. It hosted 100 sessions, with more than 600 speakers. On the final day, discussions centered on AI governance and strategies for future regulation and policy.

SpaceX Starship Rocket Catches Reusable Booster

On 14 October 2024, SpaceX achieved a major milestone by catching the massive booster stage of its Starship rocket using robotic arms as it returned to the launchpad in southern Texas. After liftoff, the Super Heavy booster successfully returned, while the upper stage was scheduled to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

The Starship rocket, at 71 meters tall, is the largest and most powerful spacecraft ever built and is designed to be fully and rapidly reusable. This breakthrough is part of SpaceX’s goal to develop a reusable rocket system similar to airplanes, capable of landing, refueling, and launching again within hours. The success of this reusable system is crucial for reducing space travel costs and facilitating more frequent missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

NASA launches Europa Clipper to Jupiter’s moon Europa

On October 14, 2024, NASA launched the Europa Clipper, its largest spacecraft for a planetary mission. The mission’s goal is to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, specifically to determine if its subsurface ocean, hidden beneath a thick layer of ice, could support life.

The solar-powered robotic probe will travel 2.9 billion kilometers over 5 years and 6 months, reaching Jupiter in 2030. Once there, it will operate in the intense radiation environment of Jupiter, the solar system’s largest planet, focusing on studying Europa’s potential habitability.

New Cancer Therapy Target Identified by IACS Scientists

Scientists from the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata have identified a potential new cancer therapy target by activating the DNA repair enzyme Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1).

Their study shows that cancer cells survive chemotherapy by using TDP1 to repair DNA damage caused by Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibitors, such as Camptothecin. The enzyme Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) enhances this repair process by phosphorylating TDP1, which is crucial for cancer cell survival during treatment. The researchers propose that combining CDK1 inhibitors with Top1 inhibitors could overcome drug resistance, offering a more effective cancer treatment. Further studies are being conducted to validate this approach.

Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063775

NASA and SpaceX launched Crew-9 mission to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore

NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-9 mission on September 28, 2024, from Cape Canaveral. The mission has two people on board and two empty seats to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for months.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went to the ISS on Boeing’s Starliner, but it was found unsafe for humans. The Starliner returned to Earth safely, but the astronauts were left behind in space.

PM Modi launches three PARAM Rudra Supercomputers

The PARAM Rudra Supercomputers are a significant milestone in India’s technological advancements. Developed under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM), these supercomputers were dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 26 September 2024.

Key points about PARAM Rudra:

  1. Deployment Locations: The supercomputers have been installed in three major cities: Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata.
  2. Purpose: They are designed to support advanced scientific research across various fields, including physics, earth sciences, and cosmology.
  3. High-Performance Computing (HPC): Alongside PARAM Rudra, a specialized HPC system tailored for weather and climate research was also inaugurated.
  4. Self-Reliance: These supercomputers are a testament to India’s push towards self-reliance in technology and innovation.
  5. Cost: The project is valued at around ₹130 crore

India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, to be launched by the end of this year

ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced that India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is on track to be launched by the end of this year. The Union Cabinet recently approved expanding the Gaganyaan program and constructing the first Indian Space Station.

Somanath also shared updates on the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which has completed its engineering phase. This mission, approved on 18 September, aims to develop technologies for a safe return to Earth after a lunar landing and collecting moon samples. It will help India achieve a lunar landing by 2040. The government plans to build the Indian Space Station by 2035.

Cabinet Approves Expansion of Gaganyaan Program: Focus on Bharatiya Antariksh Station

On 18 September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the expansion of India’s Gaganyaan program. This includes developing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and new technologies for space missions.

The expanded program now aims to complete eight missions by December 2028, with the launch of BAS-1 as a key goal. The Gaganyaan program, initially approved in 2018, aims for human spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit and long-term space exploration. It plans to establish BAS by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040.

The program will collaborate with industry and academia, with a total budget of ₹20,193 crore, emphasizing technological growth and job creation in space exploration.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn Crew Returns to Earth After Commercial Spacewalk

A SpaceX Crew Polaris Dawn returned safely to Earth on 15 September 2024 after spending five days in space. The mission brought four astronauts back home after completing the world’s first commercial spacewalk. The Dragon capsule landed in the ocean near Florida.

During the mission, the astronauts aboard the International Space Station carried out many scientific experiments and technology tests.

NASA said the mission was a big step forward for the commercial space industry.

India Successfully Tests Ship-Based Missile System VL-SRSAM

On 12 September 2024, India successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.

The test, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy, was successful in meeting all performance criteria. The VL-SRSAM is a ship-based missile system designed to counter various aerial threats, including low-altitude sea-skimming targets, at close range.

Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis completed the first private spacewalk in orbit

On 12 September 2024, two astronauts, billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk outside a SpaceX capsule. This spacewalk was part of the Polaris Dawn mission, with Isaacman and Gillis spending about 10 minutes each outside the Crew Dragon capsule while tethered. The mission, streamed live by SpaceX, tested new spacesuits and procedures to depressurize the capsule, advancing private spaceflight technology for future Mars missions. The spacewalk lasted 1 hour and 46 minutes at an altitude of 450 miles above Earth.

Isaacman, who funded the mission, exited the capsule first, followed by Gillis, while their crewmates, Scott Poteet and Anna Menon, monitored from inside. The mission focused on testing spacesuit flexibility and movements, with the astronauts providing feedback to ground control. This mission marked a significant step for commercial space exploration.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the success as a major advancement for the space industry. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, developed with NASA’s support, is the only U.S. vehicle that has consistently sent people to orbit since its first launch.

First Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Governing Board Meeting chaired by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need to find local solutions to global problems during the first Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on 10 September 2024.

ANRF was established based on the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to foster a culture of research and innovation in universities, colleges, and research institutions. ANRF acts as an apex body providing high-level strategic direction for scientific research in India.

SpaceX set to launch private crew on breakthrough spacewalk mission

A crew of four private astronauts is preparing for a risky SpaceX mission that will attempt the first-ever private spacewalk using SpaceX’s new spacesuits and redesigned spacecraft. The mission, called Polaris Dawn, will be launched aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The crew includes billionaire Jared Isaacman, a retired military fighter pilot, and two SpaceX employees. Only government astronauts have previously conducted spacewalks; this is the first commercial spacewalk. Elon Musk described the mission as riskier than usual and emphasized crew safety.

The mission will last about five days in an orbit ranging from 190 km to 1,400 km, the farthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo. The spacewalk will occur on the third day at an altitude of 700 km and last around 20 minutes, with the entire cabin depressurized.

Jared Isaacman is funding the mission, which is part of his Polaris program, with future missions planned, including one on SpaceX’s Starship. The crew will participate in scientific experiments to study the effects of cosmic radiation and space vacuum on the human body.

Since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon has become NASA’s primary crewed spacecraft. Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, a potential competitor to Crew Dragon, has faced propulsion system issues during its NASA test mission.

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