14 Days of Discovery: An Indian Astronaut's Groundbreaking Work on the ISS

India.com

3 days ago

Shubhanshu Shukla (File)
On June 25, 2025, at 11:51 AM IST, India etched its name in history. Shubhanshu Shukla, affectionately known as 'Shux,' became the first Indian in over 40 years to live and work on the International Space Station (ISS). He flew as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a groundbreaking journey that made him the 634th person to orbit Earth.
The mission lifted off on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named 'Grace' from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Joining Shukla were Commander Peggy Whitson from the United States and mission specialists from Poland and Hungary. Their spacecraft journeyed for approximately 28 hours before successfully docking with the ISS at 4:01 PM IST on June 26, 2025, while soaring above the North Atlantic Ocean. By 5:53 PM IST the same day, the crew entered the orbiting laboratory, welcomed by NASA's Expedition 73 team in a special ceremony. Science Work by Shukla in Space: Unlocking Microgravity's Secrets
Aboard the ISS, Shukla immersed himself in a diverse array of scientific experiments, primarily focusing on how living organisms adapt to the near-zero gravity environment of space.
A key area of his research involved microalgae—tiny green powerhouses capable of producing food, oxygen, and even fuel. These could be vital for sustaining future long-duration missions to the Moon or Mars. By observing their behavior in microgravity, scientists aim to develop more efficient life support systems.
Shukla also delved into the rapid muscle loss experienced in space, a condition known as muscle atrophy. Utilizing the specialized Life Sciences Glovebox, he studied muscle cells and tested potential countermeasures to combat this weakening, with findings that could benefit both astronauts and individuals on Earth suffering from muscle-related ailments.
Another fascinating experiment involved tardigrades, often called 'water bears,' known for their incredible resilience and ability to survive extreme conditions, including the vacuum of space. By studying these microscopic marvels, scientists hope to uncover new strategies for protecting human cells during extended space voyages.
Furthermore, Shukla contributed to the burgeoning field of space farming. He meticulously tended to seeds from six different plant varieties, monitoring their growth patterns in space. He also nurtured sprouts and microgreens, nutritious tiny plants that could provide fresh food for astronauts. This research holds promise for sustainable agriculture in space and could also inform innovative urban farming techniques or cultivation in harsh climates on Earth. India's Growing Role in Space: A New Era of Collaboration
Shukla's mission has undeniably propelled India onto the global stage of space exploration. A momentous occasion occurred on June 28, 2025, when he spoke directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi from space, a proud and emotional exchange that underscored India's remarkable progress—from sending its first astronaut in 1984 to now having one live and work on the ISS.
This mission serves as a testament to India's active participation in global space partnerships and its unwavering commitment to peaceful international cooperation. Life in Space: Adapting to New Challenges
Life aboard the space station presents unique challenges. Daily activities like eating, sleeping, and even moving require novel approaches. Shukla has adapted to sleeping within the Dragon spacecraft, while his crewmates utilize various sleeping quarters within the ISS.
The team adheres to a rigorous daily schedule, balancing scientific experiments, station maintenance, exercise, and educational outreach. To counteract the effects of microgravity, they utilize specialized exercise equipment with harnesses and cords to provide resistance.
One significant challenge is space radiation. Lacking Earth's protective atmospheric shield, astronauts wear radiation-monitoring devices to study its effects, providing crucial data for future deep-space missions beyond Earth's orbit. Inspiring Students Across India: A Window to the Cosmos
Shukla has actively engaged in educational videos from space, illustrating how scientific principles manifest differently in microgravity. He demonstrated the behavior of liquids, the intricacies of plant growth, and the physiological changes experienced by the human body in space.
These captivating lessons are igniting a passion for science among Indian students, offering a real and exciting connection to the cosmos. The mission also highlights the power of global teamwork, with Shukla collaborating seamlessly with astronauts from the US, Hungary, and Poland. Scientific Benefits and What They Mean: Impact Beyond Orbit
The mission's experiments span a wide range of critical areas. His work on cancer research, investigating how cancer cells behave in space, could potentially lead to innovative treatment strategies on Earth.
Shukla's studies on muscle and bone loss are invaluable not only for astronauts on long-duration missions but also for patients on Earth suffering from bone or muscle-related conditions. His plant experiments have the potential to significantly boost food production in India, particularly in urban areas or regions with limited resources.
Furthermore, the data collected on radiation exposure in space is immensely beneficial for planning India's future missions to the Moon and beyond. Mission Status as of July 9, 2025: A Legacy in the Making
Today marks Day 14 of the Ax-4 mission. Shukla and his dedicated team have successfully completed over 60 scientific experiments. They have orbited Earth more than 200 times, traversing over 8 million kilometers—a distance equivalent to nearly 20 round trips to the Moon. In this incredible journey, they have witnessed over 200 sunrises and sunsets from their unique vantage point.
Their collective work has contributed significantly to scientific progress for 31 countries, solidifying Ax-4's place as one of the most international space missions in history. What's Next: India's Space Future Beckons
Although the crew remains aboard the space station, their highly anticipated return to Earth is expected very soon. While the final return date and time are yet to be officially confirmed, preparations are undoubtedly underway for their safe descent. Upon landing, they will bring back invaluable samples and data that will be meticulously studied for years to come.
This mission is a pivotal step in India's renewed commitment to human spaceflight. ISRO's Gaganyaan mission—India's indigenous human spaceflight program—is on the horizon, and Shubhanshu Shukla's invaluable experience will be instrumental to its success.
Axiom Space, the company behind this pioneering mission, is also actively developing the first private space station, which could offer exciting new opportunities for Indian astronauts and researchers in the future.
Shubhanshu Shukla's mission has galvanized the nation, uniting it in immense pride and boundless hope. He has ignited the imaginations of students, inspired scientists, and fueled the dreams of countless individuals across India. His remarkable journey is a powerful testament that India is not merely a participant in space exploration—but is poised to lead the way in the years to come.
(The author, Girish Linganna, is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He also is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: [e-mail] )