These pictures show India's Shubhanshu Shukla is loving it in space
The Ax-4 crew is also contributing to the Wireless Acoustics project. (Photo: Axiom)
Insights from this work are crucial for developing interventions to protect astronaut health during long-duration missions, such as those planned for Mars.SCIENCE UNDERWAYShux has also redeployed a culture bag for the Space Micro Algae experiment. Microalgae are being studied for their remarkable potential to support life beyond Earth—they can generate food, oxygen, and even biofuel.Success in cultivating microalgae aboard the ISS could make them indispensable for future lunar and Martian outposts, providing sustainable life support and resource recycling.
Ax-4 Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla carries out operations for the myogenesis study in the Life Sciences Glovebox aboard the International Space Station. (Photo: Axiom)
The Ax-4 team, including Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Specialists Sawosz 'Suave' Uznaski-Winiewski, and Tibor Kapu, has maintained a relentless pace of scientific activity:Tibor Kapu observed the Fruit Fly DNA Repair study, which examines how space radiation affects genetic integrity.
Shubhanshu Shukla looking out of the cupola of the Space Station. (Photo: Axiom Space)
By analysing how fruit fly DNA responds to the harsh conditions of orbit, researchers hope to develop strategies to shield human DNA from similar dangers during interplanetary travel.The crew contributed to the Wireless Acoustics project, evaluating a wearable acoustic monitor that measures sound levels throughout the station. This device is being assessed for comfort and accuracy, with its readings compared to those from traditional fixed sound meters.
Shux testing his photography skills in space. (Photo: Axiom)
Axiom added that a crewmember underwent an ultrasound scan as part of a project tracking cardiovascular and balance system changes. This study aims to enable real-time, AI-driven health monitoring for astronauts, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare both in space and on Earth.As the Ax-4 mission progresses, the crew's dedication to research, technology demonstrations, and outreach continues to expand humanity's understanding of living and thriving beyond our home planet.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Look up, India! Wave at Shubhanshu Shukla as space station is set to fly over your city, here's when and how to spot it
For the next few days, you have a magical chance, look up, and you might just spot Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla soaring across the sky aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Though you can't really wave to him and expect a wave back, you can feel part of his incredible journey around Earth. Here's a simple guide to catch this orbiting lab as it flies right over India, no telescope, no fancy gear, just your eyes (and maybe a helpful app). Why Is Everyone Talking About the ISS? The ISS is not just a floating science lab; it's one of the most inspiring human-made objects in space. Zooming around the Earth at 28,000 km/h, it completes an orbit every 90 minutes. That means astronauts up there see 16 sunrises and sunsets every single day! by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tan Phu: Repossessed Houses For Sale At Prices That May Surprise You Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now This international project is built by countries including the USA, Russia, Japan, Canada, and the European Space Agency, and now, with Group Captain Shukla onboard, India joins this list of proud contributors. So, How Can You Spot It? The ISS doesn't have blinking lights like an aeroplane, but it does shine brightly, reflecting sunlight as it glides across the sky. It's best seen shortly before sunrise or just after sunset, when the sky is dark but the ISS is still lit by the sun. Live Events When it passes by, it looks like a fast-moving star, crossing the sky in about five to seven minutes. Be quick, it won't wait for anyone! Use These Free Apps to Make It Easy You don't need to be a scientist to track the ISS. Just download: Spot the Station (by NASA) ISS Detector These apps give you exact details for your location, including: When to look Where in the sky it will appear and disappear How high it will be (angle-wise) For how long it'll be visible Some even offer Augmented Reality mode, just point your phone at the sky and it'll show you where to look! Tips for the Perfect Sky-Watching Moment Twilight is best: That golden hour before sunrise or after sunset. Go outdoors: Avoid areas with tall buildings or too many trees. Be ready: It moves faster than you think! Use the AR feature: Let your phone guide you. Wave hello: Shukla may not see it, but the gesture matters. Don't be sad about clouds: Monsoon is life-giving, and you'll have more chances. The ISS will be visible again between July 24 and August 1, but by then, Shukla might be back home. A Shared Moment for All of Us Watching the ISS fly overhead is a simple joy, but also something powerful, it reminds us we are part of something bigger. It's not just New Delhi or Mumbai watching, it's Noida to Nagpur, Nairobi to New York. This lab in the sky belongs to all of us. India spent just Rs 4 per person to make this historic moment happen. So, go out, look up, and be proud. What Does Shukla See from Up There? When Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Shukla from space, he said: 'Today you are farthest from your motherland, but you are closest to the hearts of Indians.' And Shukla, looking down on Earth, said something truly touching: 'From space, you don't see any borders. The Earth looks united. Bharat looks grand.' It was a beautiful echo of Rakesh Sharma's iconic 1984 line: 'Saare Jahaan Se Achha.' Inputs from agencies
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
‘Salute to team ISRO': Shubhanshu Shukla speaks to ISRO chairman from the International Space Station
India's first Gaganyatri , Shubhanshu Shukla , currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , spoke to ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan on the afternoon of July 6, 2025. During the telephonic conversation, Shukla thanked the Indian space agency for enabling his safe and successful journey to space, saying, 'Salute to team ISRO.' The call covered key updates on the scientific experiments being conducted on the ISS, as well as Shukla's well-being in microgravity. The ISRO Chairman emphasized the need to meticulously document all activities post-mission, as the insights would play a vital role in shaping India's Gaganyaan program , which aims to launch Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit using indigenous capabilities. Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS mission: A conversation to guide Gaganyaan ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan commended Shubhanshu Shukla's efforts and emphasized the mission's strategic value. He highlighted how the knowledge and experience gained aboard the ISS would directly inform the development and execution of Gaganyaan, India's first indigenous crewed space mission. The Chairman also encouraged detailed documentation of all experiments, observations, and challenges to serve as critical input for ISRO's ongoing human spaceflight initiatives. ISRO leadership joins the interaction Several senior officials from ISRO participated in the call, including Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and Chairman of the Program Management Council for the Human Space Programme; Shri M. Mohan, Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC); Shri Padmakumar E.S., Director of ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU); Shri M. Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary of ISRO; and Shri N. Vedachalam, former Director of LPSC. They discussed the scope and status of the scientific experiments being carried out aboard the ISS and expressed their admiration for Shukla's dedication and professionalism. A Mission of national pride During the interaction, Shubhanshu Shukla expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO for providing him the opportunity to represent India on the global stage. He shared updates on the scientific experiments and challenges of working in space, while acknowledging the tireless efforts of the ISRO team in preparing him for the mission. The Chairman assured him of the agency's unwavering support and recalled regular pre-mission meetings where he guided and motivated Shukla personally. The Chairman also interacted regularly with Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the designated standby astronaut for the Axiom-4 mission. His involvement ensured robust mission preparedness and contingency planning. The collaboration between ISRO and Axiom Space under this mission serves as a critical milestone as India inches closer to launching its first homegrown human spaceflight.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- United News of India
Indian Astronaut Shukla speaks to ISRO Chief from ISS
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