'It's an exciting time to be part of space exploration': Peggy Whitson
Excerpts:
You've seen spaceflight evolve dramatically. How different is the landscape now?
It's changed a lot. When I started, spaceflight was almost entirely govt-led. Now, companies like Axiom Space are transforming how we explore space. They're not only accelerating innovation but also opening doors for more people and more science ... It's an exciting time to be involved in space exploration.
How do you maintain physical and mental health during extended space missions?
Staying healthy in space is a top priority. We follow a strict exercise routine to counteract the effects of microgravity - things like muscle loss and bone density reduction.
Nutrition is key, too. Mentally, staying sharp means staying connected with loved ones and keeping ourselves intellectually engaged. Whether it's science, reading, or crew activities, it's about finding ways to stay focused and fulfilled.
The ground team's support and the camaraderie with fellow astronauts play a huge role.
You've conducted many spacewalks. What's one challenge that truly caught you off guard?
During one spacewalk, we unexpectedly lost a thermal and micrometeoroid shield. Despite meticulous planning, space has its surprises.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
40대 이상이세요? 한 번 시작하면 멈출 수 없어요. 준비되셨나요?
Sea of Conquest
플레이하기
Undo
The shield drifted away, and we had to rely on the ground team's rapid thinking to come up with a workaround.
What makes the Axiom-4 mission stand out?
Ax-4 is setting a new benchmark. We're conducting more research studies than any private ISS mission before. It's not just about science-it's about international collaboration... And for countries like India, which have bold space ambitions, missions like this demonstrate how commercial partnerships can help achieve those goals faster.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Who are the Africanized ‘killer bees' spreading across the U.S.?
Across parts of the U.S., a hybrid bee species is turning everyday moments—like mowing the lawn or hiking a trail—into near-deadly encounters. Africanized honey bees, commonly (and ominously) known as 'killer bees,' have slowly spread into 13 U.S. states, leaving behind a growing list of victims and warnings. They look nearly identical to the gentle European honeybees we rely on for pollination, but don't be fooled—these bees don't back down. As per a report by USA TODAY, in the past few months alone, these bees have been responsible for several terrifying incidents: a man was fatally attacked while mowing his lawn, three hospitalized after disturbing a tree-bound hive, hikers were chased a mile, and three horses killed after being swarmed by thousands of stings. Why are these bees so aggressive? Scientists say the bees' temperament is a defense mechanism to ward off predators. And since honey bees die after stinging, these acts are sacrificial, meant to protect their colony. But to unsuspecting humans, killer bees sure seem aggressive, spiteful, and terrifying. They've been known to follow victims for up to a mile—even chasing cars and trucks—and can sting through regular beekeeping suits. How did they get here? Africanized honeybees are a cross between Western honeybees from Europe and East African lowland honeybees. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Though they look like European honeybees, they are known for their aggressive defensive behavior, including swarming, pursuing intruders over longer distances, and attacking in larger groups. Africanized honeybees first arrived in South America in 1956. A Brazilian geneticist, Warwick Kerr, brought East African lowland honeybees to Brazil to hybridize with Western honeybees. A year later, 26 Africanized queen bees were accidentally released into a nearby forest, and they thrived. The hybrid species reached South Texas in 1990 and has been moving northward ever since. Where are they found now? Africanized honeybees are now present in 13 states, mainly across the South and Southwest. Feral colonies are common in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and especially Texas. They've also been seen in southwest Arkansas, southern Utah, and about two-thirds of Oklahoma, according to Allen Szalanski, professor of entomology at the University of Arkansas. They prefer warm, dry climates and don't survive in areas with cold winters or high rainfall, creating natural geographic limits. How dangerous are Africanized bees? Their danger lies not in the venom itself, but in the numbers. A Western honeybee colony might defend itself with a few dozen stings. But Africanized bees? They send out hundreds or even thousands. Each bee dies after stinging, but collectively, the attack can be fatal. Researchers say the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of people) is about nine stings per pound of body weight. So for someone weighing 150 pounds, 1,350 stings could be deadly—a real possibility with Africanized swarms. What should you do if you encounter them? Run. Don't swat. Don't jump into water. Just run. Tethered pets or livestock are at greater risk, as they can't escape. Loud machinery like mowers can also put people in danger by agitating nearby colonies without warning.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla shares mesmerising view of Earth from International Space Station
Image: Axiom Space Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , the first Indian astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has shared stunning images of Earth from space, captivating millions across India and beyond. In his latest pictures, Shukla is seen seated at the edge of the ISS's iconic 7-windowed Cupola Module , with the vast, blue planet Earth majestically visible in the background. These panoramic views highlight the beauty of our home planet, inspiring pride and a renewed sense of global unity. Shukla's journey aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission marks a historic milestone for India's space ambitions. Shubhashu Shukla's historic mission and arrival at ISS Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on the Axiom Space Ax-4 mission , launching aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA 's Kennedy Space Center on June 25, 2025. After a 28-hour journey, the crew, including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish scientist Slawosz Uznanski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, successfully docked with the ISS on June 26. Shukla serves as the mission pilot, contributing to scientific research and technology demonstrations during the 14-day mission. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo The iconic Cupola Module: A window to Earth The Cupola Module, with its seven windows, offers astronauts an unparalleled panoramic view of Earth and space. Shukla's photographs from this vantage point reveal breathtaking scenes of continents, oceans, and weather patterns, emphasizing the planet's interconnectedness. His images have been widely shared on social media platforms, including the Indian government's official X account (formerly Twitter), where they have garnered immense admiration and pride. Scientific endeavors and outreach Beyond capturing mesmerizing visuals, Shukla is actively engaged in critical scientific investigations aboard the ISS. One key experiment focuses on myogenesis, studying how microgravity accelerates muscle atrophy — a challenge for long-duration spaceflight. The data collected is vital for future missions deeper into space and for understanding muscle degeneration on Earth. Alongside research, Shukla participates in global outreach, inspiring the next generation of scientists and explorers in India and worldwide. A message of unity from space In conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shukla described seeing India from space as a profound experience, noting that the country appeared "much larger and grander" than on any map. He remarked on the absence of visible borders from orbit, expressing a powerful sense of oneness and shared humanity. This perspective resonates deeply as India celebrates its growing presence in the international space community. National pride and inspiration The release of Shukla's spaceborne photographs has sparked widespread excitement across India. Social media is abuzz with admiration for the astronaut's achievement and the spectacular views he has shared. His journey symbolizes a new era for Indian space exploration, inspiring millions to dream beyond Earth's boundaries and fostering a spirit of scientific curiosity and national pride.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
SSLV acquisition strategic, we'll look at redesign in future: HAL
BENGALURU: Defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd 's (HAL) winning Rs 511 crore bid for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) wasn't just about cost — it was a strategic move to own design capabilities and begin charting an independent path in India's launch vehicle ecosystem. The bid, which was significantly higher than competing offers in the Rs 250–310 crore range, was deliberate, HAL CMD DK Sunil told TOI in an interview. 'Our internal estimates were close to what we quoted — slightly lower, but in that range. This is a long-term play. We didn't want to just manufacture. We wanted to understand the rocket, build a cadre, and eventually modify the design ourselves,' he added. Unlike HAL's earlier collaborations with L&T on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the SSLV project marks a shift. It's a full transfer of technology (ToT) agreement, with HAL taking sole responsibility — not just for manufacturing, but also for absorbing the design and systems architecture. The formal agreement with Space PSU NewSpace India Ltd (Nsil) is expected to be signed by the end of July, after which HAL will begin building two SSLV prototypes. Sunil sees this as a beginning. 'The idea is to take baby steps. We want to understand avionics, structures, rocket parts, the entire stack. It's not about redesigning in two or three years. But ten years down the line, yes, I would be very happy if HAL builds a rocket from scratch.' The move comes as demand for launch vehicles catering to low-Earth orbit (LEO) small satellite constellations rises — both in the commercial and strategic sectors. HAL's interest in SSLV is not just about assembling hardware, but about developing a future-facing business vertical in rocketry. The immediate focus is on learning and integration, but the eventual goal is autonomy in design and adaptability to different mission profiles. Meanwhile, HAL-L&T work on the PSLV is expected to achieve a milestone later this year. The first rocket built entirely by industry is expected to launch around Oct-Nov 2025. The contract is purely for fabrication, using Isro's design and established supply chain. Even so, it has seen initial delays. 'There were some issues with sourcing materials, and the external environment has contributed to some slowdown,' Sunil admitted. 'But integration is under way. These are still early days, but we're now in better shape,' he added. Despite the differences in scope, HAL's engagement with both PSLV and SSLV signals a broader repositioning of the aerospace PSU — from being a supplier of structures to becoming a deeper stakeholder in space systems. The SSLV project, in particular, marks the beginning of HAL's ambition to design, adapt, and one day build rockets of its own. 'It's a journey,' said Sunil. 'Like how we built our aircraft capability over decades. We are starting that journey now for space.'
