India's Shubhanshu Shukla completes two weeks in space, all eyes on return
The Ax-4 mission stands out as the most research-intensive private astronaut mission by Axiom Space to date. The crew has been engaged in over 60 experiments spanning:Biomedical science: Studies aimed at advancing diabetes management and exploring innovative cancer treatments.Advanced materials: Research into new materials that could revolutionize manufacturing and technology both in space and on Earth. Neuroscience: Investigations into how microgravity affects the human brain and nervous system.Agriculture: Experiments to improve crop growth and food sustainability for future space missions.Space technology: Testing new tools and systems to support long-duration spaceflight.Each experiment is a step toward understanding how humans can live and work beyond our home planet, with findings that promise to impact health, technology, and sustainability on Earth.Looking Ahead: The Journey HomeAs the Ax-4 crew resumes their scientific duties, preparations are underway for their return to Earth.The world's attention now shifts to the safe homecoming of Shukla and his crewmates. Their mission not only advances scientific knowledge but also demonstrates the vital role of commercial spaceflight in humanity's quest to explore the cosmos.With every experiment and observation, Ax-4 brings us closer to a future where living and working in space is not just a dream, but a reality within reach for all.- EndsTune InTrending Reel
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Business Standard
24 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Shubhanshu Shukla to enter 7-day rehab after splashdown on Earth on July 15
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is set to splash down off the California coast on July 15 after an 18-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS). He will then undergo a week-long rehabilitation programme to help his body readjust to Earth's gravity, news agency PTI reported. Shukla travelled to space as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission. He was joined by mission commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. The team had docked at the ISS on June 26. According to Nasa, the four astronauts are scheduled to undock from the ISS on Monday, July 14, at 4:35 pm IST (7:05 am ET). The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said the Crew Dragon spacecraft will perform a series of orbital manoeuvres before making a controlled descent. The splashdown is expected to take place near the California coast on July 15, 2025, around 3:00 pm IST. "Post splashdown, the Gaganyatri will undergo a rehabilitation program (about 7 days) under supervision of Flight Surgeon to adapt back to Earth's gravity," Isro said in a mission update. Valuable experience for Gaganyaan Isro paid nearly ₹550 crore for Shukla's mission to the ISS. The experience will be used to support the planning and execution of India's first human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, which is targeted for launch in 2027. "Isro's flight surgeons are continuously monitoring and ensuring the overall health and fitness of the Gaganyatri through participation in private medical/psychological conferences. Gaganyatri Shubhanshu is in good health and in high spirit," Isro said. Final preparations before return Before undocking, the astronauts are expected to suit up and carry out systems checks starting at 2:25 pm IST. The ISS, currently orbiting Earth at 28,000 kmph, will release the spacecraft, which will then slow down for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The Nasa said, "The Dragon spacecraft will return with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including Nasa hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted throughout the mission." A taste of home in space As the astronauts prepare to leave, mission commander Peggy Whitson shared on social media: 'Enjoying our last few days on the @Space_Station with rehydrated shrimp cocktails and good company! #Ax4.' Shukla had contributed to the gathering with traditional Indian treats — carrot halwa and mango nectar (aamras). Research highlights from the mission During his time on the ISS, Shukla worked on a key experiment involving microalgae. Axiom Space said that these algae could potentially serve as a source of food, oxygen, and biofuels for future deep-space missions. Their resilience makes them a strong candidate for sustaining human life beyond Earth. Nasa also highlighted several other studies the crew contributed to: -Exercise and spacesuit maintenance: Core activities for both Expedition 73 and Axiom-4 teams. -Voyager displays study: Examined how spaceflight affects eye movement and spatial coordination. -Environmental perception: Collected data to help design more mentally supportive habitats for long missions. -Cerebral blood flow research: Studied how microgravity and high carbon dioxide levels impact cardiovascular health. -Radiation monitoring: Used the compact Rad Nano Dosimeter to assess radiation exposure levels. -Cognitive testing: Participated in the acquired equivalence test to measure learning and adaptability in space. -PhotonGrav study: Captured brain activity data to support the development of neuroadaptive technologies for space and healthcare. These experiments aim to improve astronaut health and also offer potential medical benefits on Earth.
The Hindu
32 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to undergo seven-day rehabilitation post return to Earth on July 15
Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will undergo a seven-day rehabilitation programme after his splashdown off the California coast on July 15 as he returns to the Earth from an 18-day sojourn at the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla and three other astronauts — commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu of Poland and Hungary — had docked at the ISS on June 26 as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission. The four astronauts are scheduled to undock from the ISS on Monday, July 14, at 4.35 p.m. IST (7.05 am ET), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration said in a statement. According to ISRO, following a series of orbital manoeuvres after undocking Crew Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down near the coast of California on July 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. IST. "Post splashdown, the Gaganyatri will undergo a rehabilitation program (about 7 days) under supervision of Flight Surgeon to adapt back to Earth's gravity," the ISRO said in an update on the Axiom-4 mission. ISRO paid approximately Rs 550 crore for Shukla's travel to the ISS — an experience that will help the space agency in planning and execution of its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, set to take to orbit in 2027. "ISRO's flight surgeons are continuously monitoring and ensuring the overall health and fitness of the Gaganyatri through participation in private medical/psychological conferences. Gaganyatri Shubhanshu is in good health and in high spirit," ISRO said. Shukla and the three other astronauts are expected to board the spacecraft at 2.25 p.m. IST, wear their space suits and carry out the necessary tests before they begin their journey to the Earth. The ISS is orbiting the Earth at a speed of 28,000 kilometres per hour, and the spacecraft will initiate the autonomous undocking process to gradually slow down and re-enter the planet's atmosphere for a splashdown off the coast of California. "The Dragon spacecraft will return with more than 580 pounds of cargo, including NASA hardware and data from over 60 experiments conducted throughout the mission," NASA said. Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy Whitson said in a post on X: "Enjoying our last few days on the @Space_Station with rehydrated shrimp cocktails and good company! #Ax4." Shukla had brought carrot halwa and mango nectar (aamras) to the party. On the experiment front, Shukla worked on the microalgae experiment, deploying and stowing samples that could one day provide food, oxygen and biofuels for deep-space missions, Axiom Space said in a statement. The resilience of the microalgae makes them a promising asset to sustain life beyond the Earth, it added. "Exercise research and spacesuit maintenance topped the schedule for the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crews on Thursday," the NASA statement said. The crew also continued the Voyager Displays study, which examines how spaceflight affects eye movement and coordination. The crew collected data for a study to explore how astronauts perceive and interact with their environment in orbit, which is critical for designing mentally supportive habitats for long-duration missions. Another study focused on cerebral blood flow, investigating how microgravity and elevated carbon dioxide levels affect cardiovascular function, which could later benefit both astronauts and patients on the Earth. Radiation exposure was monitored using the compact Rad Nano Dosimeter, a tool for assessing astronaut safety. The crew took part in the Acquired Equivalence Test, a cognitive experiment that measures learning and adaptability in space, and supported the PhotonGrav study by collecting brain-activity data to explore neuroadaptive technologies for space and medical applications.
Hindustan Times
35 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
DRDO invites internship applications from UG/PG Science and Engineering students, apply by July 14
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has invited applications for paid internships from students pursuing Engineering and Science courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. DRDO invites internship applications from UG/PG Science and Engineering students (Representative photo) Also read: Bihar govt launches scheme to financially support youths for carrying out internships These internships will be at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Hyderabad. It is a premier laboratory engaged in the research and development of advanced technologies in the area of missile systems for the Indian Armed Forces. DRDL has asked Indian nationals with excellent academic background to apply for these paid internships which will last for six months. Candidates who are pursuing Engineering at the graduation level or Engineering/Physical Science at the postgraduate level are eligible. Also read: Delhi CM launches internship to involve youth in governance DRDO internship: Vacancy details Electronics/ Electronics and Communication Engineering/ Embedded Systems/ VLSI Engineering/ Electronics and Instrumentation/ Electrical Engineering: 58 vacancies Engineering- Mechanical/ Chemical/ Aerospace/ Production/ Material/ Safety/ Instrumentation/ Metallurgical/ Ceramic: 75 vacancies Physics/ Chemistry/ Mathematics and Allied Science: 8 vacancies Computer Science and Engineering (CSE, AI, Cybersecurity and allied): 24 vacancies Total: 165 vacancies Interns will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month. Only those who are pursuing regular courses at recognised institutions will be considered for the internships. They should be at the final year of their respective programmes. In addition, they must have a good academic track record with at least 60 per cent marks or its equivalent CGPA. Candidates should be below 28 years of age. Eligible candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of interview/ interaction and on the basis of their marks obtained in the qualifying degrees (average of completed semesters/ years). The last date to receive applications is July 14. Shortlisted candidates will be informed about the interview on July 22, which will take place on July 26. Interviews will start on August 1. Interested candidates are advised to check the official website for further information.
