Axiom-4 takes India's space dreams higher
This January 16, Isro's Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) saw two unmanned spacecraft attaching with each other in space, making India only the fourth country to achieve such a feat after the US, Russia and China. SpaDex itself was part of Isro's fourth Orbital Experiment Module, which carried 24 payloads from the government's department of space and non-government entities such as academic institutions and startups. Payloads from startups were received through the National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, the nodal agency promoting space-related activities in the country. That mission allowed the scientific community to carry out various in-orbit microgravity experiments that will help the missions planned for the future.
On his 14-day Ax-4 mission, Shux will carry out seven experiments aboard the space station to study the impact of microgravity and space flight on the germination and growth of two strains of seeds, on the genetic activity of microalgae, on skeletal muscles, on computer screens' cognitive effects, and on tardigrades, the highly resilient micro animals. The momentum and range of India's space experiments—involving the government, private startups and the academia—have never looked more intense. That holds a lot of promise for a country planning to send its first human space flight under the Gaganyaan mission by 2027, set up the Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035, and send astronauts to the Moon by 2040. So far, India's space odyssey is on course.
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New Indian Express
41 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Our man in space: Shubhanshu Shukla leads the way beyond the stars
The reason why Shukla's Ax-4 space mission experience aboard the ISS is crucial is because it exposes him to a longer duration of stay and conduct of experiments in space. Gaganyaan mission will be much shorter. The experience that Shukla will bring back to the table will be invaluable. It will include the experience of living in space for two weeks, during the lift-off effects on the body, and that of splashdown at the end of the mission. In addition will be the valuable data that he will have gathered through his seven experiments that he will be conducting in space over the 14-day mission onboard the ISS, which will be of crucial relevance for India's own manned space missions in the years ahead. Also, as Shux will have already had the experience of a space mission following the Ax-4 mission, he may likely be among the three Indian astronauts to be on the maiden Gaganyaan mission. The other three Gaganyatris (as Gaganyaan astronauts are called) are Gp Capt Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Gp Capt Ajit Krishnan and Gp Capt Angad Prathap. Born on October 10, 1985, and a native of Lucknow, Shukla is the youngest of three siblings born to the now-retired government official Shambhu Dayal Shukla and homemaker Asha Shukla. As a 14-year-old, he was inspired by the 1999 Kargil War, which in turn influenced him to join the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, Pune, where he got his BSc in Computer Science in 2005. He later underwent training at the Indian Air Force Academy at Dundigal near Hyderabad. He was commissioned as a Flying Officer in June 2006 in the fighter stream of the IAF, turning out to be an impressive air combat leader and later a seasoned test pilot with the experience of flying a slew of aircraft. From Shukla, the fighter pilot of the IAF, where it is believed 'sky is the limit', Shux, the astronaut, now believes 'Sky is never the limit!' for Indians, and is the man who is showing the way beyond it.
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
American woman applauds India's space programme after Shubhanshu Shukla enters ISS: ‘Top space power'
In a heartfelt and widely-shared Instagram video, an American woman has praised India's growing stature in space exploration, shortly after Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS). An American woman's video praising India's space feats went viral.(Instagram/kristenfischer3) Kristen Fischer, the woman behind the viral video, took to Instagram to celebrate India's recent space milestone, saying, "India just successfully launched their astronaut into the International Space Station. While this is an accomplishment on itself, did you know these other facts about the Indian Space Program?" (Also read: American woman leaves 'average' life in US for extraordinary journey in India, calls it life-changing) A powerful tribute to ISRO Fischer went on to highlight several key achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), noting that it was founded in 1969 and is one of only six space agencies globally. She added, "India's Mars mission, Mangalyaan, was the first interplanetary mission and cost only $74 million. To put that into perspective, NASA spent over a billion dollars on their first Mars mission." Emphasising India's reputation for low-cost innovation, she continued, "India was the first nation to reach Mars on the first try and the third nation to reach Mars overall. Also, India's Chandrayaan-1 mission in 2008 was the first to detect water molecules on the moon, which was then later confirmed by NASA." Fischer also pointed out that ISRO holds several world records, including launching the lightest satellite and the most satellites in a single mission. Caption applauds India's progress Her video, viewed over 36,000 times, was shared with a caption that read, "Did you know that India's space program was so impressive!? First founded in 1969, the ISRO is one of only 6 national space programs worldwide… India is definitely on track to be a top space power in the world." She added, "When people talk about India, they often talk about underdeveloped parts. They don't often talk about the parts where India is excelling in technology and worldwide advancement. I think it is worth acknowledging the successes India has had in their amazing space organisation!" Watch the clip here: Viewers applaud her passion The video struck a chord with Indian and international audiences alike. One viewer remarked, 'You look more excited than Indians. You love India more than Indians!' Another added, 'Yes, it's a proud moment for us. Jai Hind.' Others praised her research and sentiment, saying, 'Well researched information! India has the potential to give its best!!' and 'Kudos to you, Kristen, for recognising the advancements in our space program.' A particularly thoughtful comment read, 'Wow, you know more than so many people about ISRO. Thank you for sharing this information and congratulations to the Indian space programme.' Historic mission to the ISS Kristen's video came on the heels of India's proud moment in space exploration. On 26 June, the Axiom-4 mission's Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the ISS after a 28-hour journey. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as mission pilot, joined veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and two other crew members on this milestone mission.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
'You may be far, but hearts of 140cr Indians beat with you, it's start of new era': PM Modi to Shukla on ISS
NEW DELHI: 'Earth looks borderless and gives feeling of oneness, and Bharat looks big from space,' Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla told PM Narendra Modi on Saturday during his first interaction with the PM through a video link from the International Space Station while 'orbiting Earth at an altitude of 400 km". Cheering the astronaut, Modi told him that 'you may be far from us but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you'. 'The first thing I saw was Earth — it looks perfectly unified. No borders are visible. India looks so large from here, far more prominent than on a map. From up here, there are no countries, no divisions — just one home. That is our ethos: unity in diversity. Just a while ago, when I saw from the window of ISS, I could see Hawaii,' Group Captain Shukla told the PM while informing him, 'I have hoisted the tricolour on ISS. India has reached ISS. ' Modi said Shukla's name carries the word 'shubh' (meaning auspicious) and that his journey marked the auspicious 'beginning of a new era'. The Indian astronaut told the PM that his space sojourn was 'not my journey alone but also our country's'. 'We trained for a year and I learnt about different after coming here, everything even small things are different because there is no gravity in by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Livguard Lithium-X: The Future of Power Backup Livguard Shop Now Undo here is a big challenge...I can even sleep on the roof. It takes some time to get used to this environment,' Shukla told the PM, while adding, 'Right now, we are travelling at a speed of 28,000 kmph and I am talking to you with my legs tied. ' 'This speed reflects how fast our nation is progressing and now, we must go even beyond this,' he said. The astronaut said the space station orbits Earth 16 times a day and that he is privileged to witness 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets every day. While referring the astronaut as 'Shux', PM gave him 'homework', telling him to learn as much as possible because the lessons learnt from this Axiom-4 mission 'will have to be extensively used in the Gaganyaan mission , our own Bharatiya Antariksh Station and also for landing an Indian on the Moon.' Shukla told Modi that he is 'absorbing experiences at ISS like a sponge'. When the PM asked about Indian delicacies he carried to space and whether he shared them with his space mates, Shukla said he is carrying 'gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras into orbit'. 'I wanted my fellow crew members from other countries to taste India's heritage. We all sat together and enjoyed it. They loved it,' Shukla said. Shukla shared his reflections from space — on science, struggle, and the boundless dreams of a rising nation. The call was more than ceremonial. It was a glimpse into how India's spacefaring ambitions have matured. Modi described Shukla's journey not as a solitary voyage but as India's own orbit of progress. 'When I was a child, I never imagined I could become an astronaut. But today, modern India enables the realisation of such dreams,' Shukla said. When asked by Modi about microgravity tests he will carry out on ISS, especially from the medicine and agriculture sectors, Shukla said, he 'will do seven experiments'. 'Today, I am going to do a test on stem cells. I am doing a test on supplements to see if such supplements can help prevent muscle loss. This will help people in old age who are losing muscle due to ageing,' he said. Another test explores the cultivation of nutrient-rich microalgae, which could boost food security back home. 'The advantage of space,' he said, 'is that processes happen quickly. That accelerates research and inspires children back home to say, 'I can go there too'.' PM Modi asked what message he would send to India's youth. Shukla responded with clarity and conviction: 'Never stop trying. Whether today or tomorrow, success will come if you don't give up. This is just the first chapter of India's space story. We'll build our own space station. We'll land Indian astronauts on the Moon. And, I'm documenting everything—every lesson I learn will help others fly sooner.' His final words struck a chord destined to echo across classrooms, command centres and quiet corners of the country: 'The sky is never the limit—not for me, not for you, and not for India.' 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' chant filled up the space station as the PM raised the slogan towards the end of the 18-minute conversation, which was reciprocated by Shukla.
