16th July 2025 (13 Topics)

Copy

1 Jul

2 Jul

3 Jul

4 Jul

5 Jul

7 Jul

8 Jul

9 Jul

10 Jul

11 Jul

12 Jul

14 Jul

15 Jul

16 Jul

17 Jul

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Return

Context:

The SpaceX Dragon carrying the Axiom-4 crew, including Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, successfully returned to Earth on 15th July 2025 after a 20-day ISS mission, marking a milestone as Shukla became the first Indian to pilot a private commercial space mission.

Axiom Space Mission:

Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4):
- Launched by NASA and Axiom Space, using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
- Marked one of the first fully private crewed missions to the ISS, combining NASA’s infrastructure with commercial spaceflight
- Crew included Commander Peggy Whitson (USA), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), and Mission Specialists from Poland and Hungary.

India's Role and Achievements

Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian pilot of a commercial orbital space mission and the first Indian to reach the ISS via a private U.S. mission.
His role reflects India’s increasing participation in global private spaceflight and collaborative exploration efforts beyond ISRO-led missions.
This aligns with India’s broader ambitions under its Space Policy 2023, which encourages private sector participation, astronaut training, and international partnerships.

SpaceX Crew Dragon Spacecraft

Reusable orbital-class spacecraft developed by SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the ISS.
Capable of autonomous docking and reentry with full life-support systems and abort capabilities.
Spacecraft splashed down using parachutes, with post-landing crew recovery operations conducted off San Diego.

International Space Station (ISS)

Overview

The International Space Station (ISS) is a habitable artificial satellite orbiting in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Altitude Range: Approximately 370 km to 460 km above Earth.
It serves as a microgravity and space environment research laboratory, where crew members conduct experiments in various fields like biology, physics, astronomy, and materials science.

Timeline and Lifespan

The first module (Zarya) of the ISS was launched into orbit in 1998.
Since then, multiple modules from different countries have been added.
The ISS has been continuously inhabited since November 2000, making it one of the longest human-inhabited structures in space.
As per current plans, the ISS will remain operational at least until 2030.

Key Partner Agencies

The ISS is a multinational collaborative effort involving:

NASA – United States
Roscosmos – Russia
ESA (European Space Agency) – Represents 22 European countries
JAXA – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
CSA – Canadian Space Agency

Revisiting Consent and Criminalisation

Polity & Governance Fundamental Rights

Rethinking Global Leadership

Polity & Governance

Uneasy Calm in Inflation

Economy

Road Accidents in India

Governance

India’s Linguistic Secularism

Polity & Governance

Decarbonisation of Global Shipping

Ecology and Environment

Cybercrime Vulnerability in Delhi

Internal Security

Growing Misuse of Free Speech on Social Media

Polity & Governance Fundamental Rights

Appointments Governors and Lt. Governor

Polity & Governance

Nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign

Polity & Governance Scheme

PM VIKAS Scheme

Governance

Manipulation in MGNREGS Digital Attendance System

Governance

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Return