Consider the following space missions: I. Axiom-4 II. SpaDeX III. Gaganyaan How many of the space missions given above encourage and support micro-gravity research?
Explanation
Statement I is Correct: Axiom-4 is a private astronaut mission to the ISS specifically designed to carry out science and micro-gravity research payloads.
Statement II is Incorrect: Based on official classification, SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is categorized as a technology demonstrator for autonomous docking; while it paves the way for a space station, it is not officially listed as a micro-gravity research mission in this context.
Statement III is Correct: Gaganyaan, India's flagship human spaceflight program, includes multiple payloads for micro-gravity experiments to be conducted by the Vyomanauts in low Earth orbit.
Note: After the release of the UPSC ANSWER KEY 2025, we have updated the correct answer to B.