From Fighter Jets to Space Stations: How Shubhanshu Shukla and Sunita Williams Prepared for Space

Time of India

8 hours ago

On Tuesday, Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
returned safely to Earth after making history. He became the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), marking a proud moment for the country. A former fighter pilot,
Shukla
was part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, where he flew alongside veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and other crewmates from Poland and Hungary.
The team docked at the ISS on June 26 and spent close to two weeks in orbit before landing safely off the coast of San Diego, California. With this mission, Shukla has become only the second Indian to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, who went up nearly forty years ago.
While the successful splashdown captured headlines, what many may not realise is the intense and demanding journey it took to reach there. Shukla, along with
NASA
astronaut Sunita Williams– another name familiar to Indian households– underwent years of challenging training to prepare for life in space.
From flying fighter jets to practising underwater spacewalks and training in zero-gravity environments, both astronauts put in years of preparation before taking on the mission of a lifetime.
Global training across facilities
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's training for his space mission took him to different parts of the world. After being selected in 2019 for
ISRO
's astronaut program, he began his training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia.
He then continued his preparation at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, trained on SpaceX's Crew Dragon simulator, and also trained at ISRO's centre in Bengaluru, according to the Axiom Space website.
His training focused on learning how to handle the spacecraft, follow emergency steps, survive in tough situations, and work well with his team– skills that were important for his time on the ISS and for future missions like India's Gaganyaan.
Pre-launch diet and mental preparation
According to a report by NDTV, in the two weeks leading up to the launch, Shubhanshu Shukla and his team followed a strict routine to prepare for space. They were kept in quarantine to stay healthy and avoid any infections. Their diet was changed to simple, easy-to-digest food that could boost their immunity. Slowly, they were given meals with textures like space food, so their bodies could adjust in advance.
Along with this, they also focused on mental preparation, which is just as important, especially when spending a long time in space.
Years of ground and flight training:
Sunita Williams
' journey
According to NASA's website, Sunita Williams began her astronaut journey back in 1998. Her training included many important skills, like understanding how spacecraft systems work and learning to fly in T-38 jets. She also trained for survival in water and in the wilderness– important in case a spacecraft lands in an unexpected place.
Later on, she worked closely with the Russian space agency in Moscow and supported the International Space Station (ISS) program.
She helped with robotic systems, including the station's robotic arm and maintenance work. All these experiences helped prepare her to be part of complex missions with international teams.
Underwater Living to Simulate Spacewalks
As part of her early training, Sunita Williams took part in NASA's NEEMO-2 mission, where she lived underwater for 9 days inside the Aquarius habitat. This underwater setting was designed to feel like space, helping her practise tasks like using tools, fixing equipment, and working in tough conditions, according to NASA's website.
The mission gave her real experience in problem-solving, working as a team, and staying focused in small, closed spaces–skills that are very important for living and working on the International Space Station.
What Every Astronaut Must Learn Before Going to Space
While the journeys of Shubhanshu Shukla and Sunita Williams are different in many ways, one thing is common– every astronaut has to go through intense and detailed training before they're cleared to fly. No matter their background, all astronauts must follow some basic steps to prepare for space:
Physical fitness is a must
Astronauts have to stay in top shape.
Their daily routine includes a mix of running, strength training, and exercises to build stamina. This is important because in space, muscles and bones can get weak quickly. Staying strong helps them stay healthy and do their work properly while in orbit.
Long hours in simulators
Before the real flight, astronauts spend hours inside simulators. These are realistic, full-size mockups of the actual spacecraft. They practice everything– from connecting with the space station to emergency situations– so that when they go to space, they already know what to do.
Training based on their mission
Every space mission is different, so astronauts are trained based on what they'll be doing. Some learn how to use new tools, do scientific experiments, or work with astronauts from other countries. For missions like Axiom-4, they even learn medical steps and how to manage space research.
Spacewalk practice underwater
One of the hardest parts of space missions is doing a spacewalk– stepping outside the space station in a suit. To train for that, astronauts practise in large swimming pools that mimic the feeling of zero gravity.
This helps them get used to moving, using tools, and fixing things while floating.
Learning space tech
Astronauts are also trained to use the latest space technology. This includes working with satellites, communication tools, and systems that help them stay connected with Earth. It's important for both safety and staying in touch during the mission.