Do you know how much money ISRO spent on Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission? The amount will surprise you
A splashdown of the spacecraft carrying Shukla and three other astronauts is expected after the undocking, near the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean.
How Much Money Did ISRO Spent On The Mission?
Elon Musk's SpaceX has charged India USD70 million (approx Rs 538 crore). The amount is significantly higher than SpaceX's competitors such as Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic. Astronaut training for ISS research missions is a comprehensive program lasting one year.
According to CEO Tejpaul Bhatia, the whopping fee of USD70 million covers the cost of the journey and intensive training that meets American space agency NASA's standards. However, it not that rigorous as that for the American space agency's astronauts.
Axiom Space astronaut training is a rigorous, year-long program. Collaborating with NASA, SpaceX, ESA, and JAXA, astronauts receive 700-1000 hours of instruction covering safety, health, International Space Station systems, and launch procedures.
Astronauts described the experience on ISS as 'rugged' with every minute count due to the tight schedule.
What did Shukla do at the ISS?
Group Captain Shukla performed as many as seven India-specific experiments at the ISS as part of mission 'Akash Ganga' that paves the way Gaganyaan human space flight mission.
India is emerging as a leading player in the space sectors with Indian space agency ISRO sending other countries satellites in space at a very affordable prices.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
39 minutes ago
- India.com
Stargazing In Chennai? Locals Swear These Spots Feel Like Another Galaxy
Chennai emerges as Tamil Nadu's capital city in southern India because it maintains its fame through its deep cultural diversity along with its artistic dynamism and its tasty culinary arts. The astronomical community and amateur stargazers both find deep attachment toward Chennai for its special appeal beyond its city lifestyle. The city of Chennai provides outstanding conditions for astronomy enthusiasts through its strategic position and its luminous skies alongside its strong astronomical support network. The following seven factors make Chennai an ideal place for people who enjoy stargazing. 1. Proximity to the Equator The equatorial position of Chennai makes it rank among the most suitable Earth regions for observing stars in the night sky. The position near the equator gives observers an expanded view of celestial objects that people would see less prominently at locations located north or south. Chennai residents throughout the year can view all constellations situated in both the northern and the southern celestial hemisphere. Different periods throughout the year bring out Orion along with Scorpius and the Southern Cross as well as other iconic constellations for viewers in Chennai. 2. Relatively Clear Skies The city of Chennai shows favorable astronomical viewing conditions during select times because it avoids severe urban light pollution problems throughout its sky. Thirteen months create dry conditions followed by wet conditions because of the tropical climate system in the city. The skies remain crystal clear throughout the dry months between December and March thereby enabling excellent opportunities to see planets alongside stars together with deep-sky objects such as galaxies and nebulae. Special astrophysicists make trips beyond urban areas to areas with reduced light pollution in order to enhance their cosmic viewing experience. 3. Thriving Astronomical Community Chennai has developed into a place which supports both professional astronomical institutions and enthusiastic amateur astronomers who work together to promote astronomy interests. Public lectures as well as workshops and star-gazing activities happen frequently through the combined efforts of Tamil Nadu Science Forum (TNSF) and Madras Astronomical Society (MAS). These educational projects help people learn about astronomy as they build an environment where new stargazers can receive support. Schools and colleges in Chennai regularly provide students the opportunity to view through telescopes which encourages young people to study astronomy either professionally or as a hobby. 4. Access to World-Class Observatories The city of Chennai serves as a passage to multiple prestigious Indian astronomical facilities even though it lacks major observatories within its urban district. The Vainu Bappu Observatory at Kavalur represents an excellent example since it exists approximately 200 kilometers outside of Chennai. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) operates this tank which provides research-based functions through powerful telescope systems. The sites attract numerous astronomy enthusiasts in Chennai who want practical experience with sophisticated instruments and want to learn about active scientific research. 5. Cultural Fascination with Astronomy India maintains a centuries-long tradition of studying astronomy which began with astronomical content found in ancient documents such as Vedas and Siddhantas. Modern Chennai residents honor its astronomical history through regular festive celebrations. A significant number of people gather to observe eclipses as well as meteor showers and planetary alignments because these cosmic occurrences are remarkable to experience with their own eyes. Local news channels as well as educational organizations work together to inform residents about upcoming celestial displays by promoting awareness. 6. Affordable Equipment Availability The essential needs of beginning astronomers include obtaining reasonably priced astronomical instruments like telescopes and binoculars. The marketplaces of Chennai along with its online sites serve as venues where people can obtain entry-level through mid-range astronomical equipment. Retail businesses devoted to hobbyists provide inexpensive equipment accessible to beginners who need suitable tools. People encountering difficulties when starting with space exploration can borrow telescopes from local astronomy clubs because membership provides exposure to the night sky free of charge. 7. Educational Opportunities and Research Initiatives Numerous distinguished education institutions and research centers at Chennai deliver astrophysics and space sciences courses through their programs and study options. Anna University along with Loyola College present astronomy courses which combine theoretical learning with practical astrophysics instruction to their students. Academic bodies working alongside organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) enable researchers to take part in transformative projects. These programs encourage students to follow space science and astronomy fields which helps solidify Chennai's position as India's scientific research center. Wrapping Up Chennai establishes its status as a planet-watching destination because it unites ideal geographical traits with strong participation from local communities together with training possibilities. The urgent difficulties of urbanization do not halt the continued growth of Chennai's astronomy enthusiast field. The city of Chennai extends varied ways for people from astronomy experts to cosmic novices to experience celestial beauty. Through its commitment to developing curiosity and facility access the city preserves the night sky wonders available to all who wish to explore them.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Biggest Piece Of Mars On Earth Is Up For Auction In New York. All About It
Washington: A rare and pristine Martian meteorite, the largest of its kind ever found on Earth, is set to go under the hammer at Sotheby's in New York on July 16. Known as NWA 16788, the rock from Mars could sell for upwards of $4 million (approx Rs 33.4 crore), with bids already reaching $1.6 million (approx Rs 13 crore) nearly a week before the auction. The meteorite weighs over 25 kg and is 15 inches wide. It is about 70 per cent bigger than any other piece of Mars ever found on Earth. It was discovered in 2023 in Niger's remote Agadez Region, after journeying roughly 225 million miles through space. According to Sotheby's, Martian meteorites are exceedingly rare, comprising only about 0.6 per cent of the 77,000 officially recognised meteorites found on Earth. Only 400 Martian rocks are known to exist, and this particular specimen makes up about 6.5 per cent of all Martian material ever recovered on Earth. The meteorite likely originated from a massive asteroid strike that ejected debris from Mars into space. One of those fragments eventually made its way to Earth, surviving the entry through the atmosphere before crashing into the Sahara Desert. "This isn't just a miraculous find, but a massive dataset that can help us unlock the secrets of our neighbour, the red planet," said Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's vice chairman of science and natural history, in a video released by the auction house. "The odds of this getting from there to here are astronomically small," she added. Sotheby's notes that NWA 16788 shows minimal terrestrial weathering, indicating that its physical and chemical makeup remains largely intact since its fall. "NWA 16788 is likely a relative newcomer here on Earth," the auction listing says. Some scientists are concerned about the potential loss of valuable research material to private hands. "It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch. It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied, and where it can be enjoyed by children and families and the public at large," said Steve Brusatte, professor of paleontology and evolution at the University of Edinburgh, in an interview with CNN. The meteorite is currently on public view at Sotheby's New York galleries until July 15. The July 16 Natural History auction will also feature ancient fossils, dinosaur skeletons, and other rare geological formations.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Axiom-4 crew's farewell today; ISS undocking, splashdown on Earth tomorrow
A formal farewell for the Axiom-4 crew, led by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, is scheduled for Sunday evening (India time), a day before their scheduled splashdown on Earth. With the Axiom 4 mission India sent an astronaut for the first time to the ISS. (X/@JonnyKimUSA) The 18-day mission at the International Space Station (ISS) is set to conclude on Monday with the splashdown expected off the California coast. With the Axiom 4 mission India sent an astronaut for the first time to the ISS. Shubhanshu Shukla, who is piloting the mission scripted history by becoming the only the second India to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma's pathbreaking spaceflight as part of the then Soviet Russia's mission to Salyut-7 space station in 1984. Axiom-4 mission crew's farewell Axiom 4 mission crew farewell: A formal farewell for the Axiom-4 crew is scheduled for Sunday evening, India time. Axiom Space's X handle said in a post that the Ax4 crew will soon conclude their mission aboard the Space Station. Axiom Space said the the farewell ceremony will be shown live at 8:55 am (CT) ahead of their scheduled undocking on Monday. Axiom 4 mission crew: The Axiom 4 (Ax-4) crew includes—Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, and Mission Specialists Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. Undocking time: Their undocking is expected no earlier than at 7:05 am ET (4:35 pm IST) on Monday. NASA will provide live coverage of the undocking and departure of the Axiom Mission 4 astronauts from the Space Station. Currently, there are 11 astronauts on the ISS, seven of Expedition 73 and four of the Axiom-4 commercial mission. Final feast aboard ISS: As the Axiom-4 mission drew to a close, astronauts on board the ISS gathered for a feast with a diverse menu from the six nations they represent. "One of the most unforgettable evenings I've experienced on this mission was sharing a meal with new friends, Ax-4, aboard the International @Space_Station," US astronaut Jonny Kim said in a post on X last week. Aam ras, gajar halwa: For appetisers, the astronauts made rehydrated shrimp cocktails and crackers and the main course featured savoury chicken and beef fajitas. The cosmonauts capped the night with a delicious cake made from sweet bread, condensed milk, and walnuts, Kim said. Shukla had got aam ras and carrot halwa (gajar halwa) for the feast, while Polish astronaut Slawosz had brought his native dish, pierogi with cabbage and mushrooms, to the ISS. What happens post splashdown: According to ISRO, post splashdown, Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a rehabilitation programme (about 7 days) under the supervision of a flight surgeon to adapt back to Earth's gravity. Shukla and the three other astronauts are expected to board the spacecraft at 2.25 pm IST, wear their space suits and carry out the necessary tests before they begin their journey to the Earth. How much did ISRO pay for Shukla's ISS travel? ISRO paid approximately ₹550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS, a PTI news agency report said. Shubhanshu Shukla's experience is expected to help the space agency in the planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027.
