Latest news with #AxiomMission4
News18
5 hours ago
- Science
- News18
'Only A Mother Knows': Kin In Lucknow Await Shubhanshu Shukla's Return With Prayers & Delicacies
Last Updated: A few days ago, the family was on a satellite video call with Shukla from ISS where they saw him floating in zero gravity, surrounded by lab equipment and experimental modules As India's Gaganyatri and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla inches closer to his return from the International Space Station (ISS), the sense of anticipation is palpable back home in Lucknow. The Shukla family, that was grappling with anxiety during his historic lift-off a fortnight ago, now finds itself on a more stable emotional footing—thanks largely to Shubhanshu's calm composure and reassuring presence, even from space. 'He calls almost every day. And every time he sounds so calm, so confident—it gives us strength too," said Suchi Shukla, his sister, while speaking to News18. She said that going away was tougher. 'The launch day was something we had never experienced before. But now, we are more confident. He has made us comfortable, and for that, all the credit goes to him," she said. India's first astronaut aboard the ISS, Shukla is part of the international Axiom Mission 4, also referred to as 'Mission Akash Ganga'. The mission entered its 14th day on Wednesday, which means Shukla can now return any day next week, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Shukla and his crewmates are expected to spend close to three weeks in space—making it the longest Indian presence aboard the ISS to date. 'His Confidence Gave Us Confidence' For the family, the journey has been deeply emotional. 'We want a safe return. But this time we are more confident. Earlier, watching him go away was very tough," said Asha Shukla, his mother. 'Now we feel comfortable. I try to pretend that everything is normal, but only a mother knows," she said. Asha Shukla reveals that since the launch, the family has been in constant prayer. 'We haven't made any special plans for his return yet. But his favourite dishes are already being prepared," she says with a smile. 'It's our way of telling ourselves he's coming back soon." A Call from Space that Brought Earthly Comfort Just a couple of days ago, the family experienced a moment that brought space closer than ever—a satellite video call with Shubhanshu from the ISS. The brief but emotional interaction showed scenes from inside the space station and allowed the family to see their son floating in zero gravity, surrounded by lab equipment and experimental modules. 'It felt surreal," said Suchi. 'For a moment, it didn't feel like he was thousands of kilometres away in space. He was smiling, speaking normally, and showing us around. That one call made everything feel okay." The video call, made possible through Axiom's private communication channel, also gave his mother the reassurance she needed. 'He looked healthy, his eyes were sparkling. That moment calmed all my fears," Asha added. A Mission Beyond Borders and Expectations Shukla's work aboard the ISS has drawn admiration from the global scientific community. In a recent conversation with Dr Lucie Low, Chief Scientist at Axiom Space, Shukla detailed the wide-ranging Indian research portfolio he is executing in microgravity. These studies, developed in collaboration with ISRO and Indian academic institutions, span vital domains, including space biology, agriculture, psychology, and sustainable food systems. 'This mission is actually opening the doors for microgravity or space research for Indian scientists," Shukla said. 'It's a privilege to be the medium through which India's experiments are being executed in space." Among the marquee experiments is a stem cell study exploring whether muscle regeneration can be accelerated with nutritional supplements. Conducted inside the ISS glove box, this could revolutionise both space medicine and treatments on Earth. Sprouting Moong and Methi in Space In another experiment close to Indian homes, Shukla is observing how Moong beans and Fenugreek (Methi) seeds germinate in zero gravity. These are part of a larger goal: to understand how space conditions affect genetic expression, nutritional value, and multi-generational plant growth. Though he will not eat the sprouts, their journey through space could inform future farming techniques for long-duration missions and improve food security. Understanding the Human Mind in Space Shukla is also taking part in 'Voyager Displays'—a cognitive psychology experiment that examines how microgravity impacts the way astronauts interact with digital screens. The study tracks gaze fixation, pointing accuracy, and cognitive load, and could help design smarter interfaces for spacecraft and remote mission control systems on Earth. Microalgae and Tardigrades: Testing the Limits of Life Another crucial experiment involves growing microalgae in space to assess its role as a sustainable food source and oxygen supplier. He is also working on an investigation into tardigrades—tiny resilient aquatic organisms—to understand how they survive cosmic radiation and ultra-low temperatures. These studies are not just academic exercises; they are vital to sustaining life in deep space. 'Thank you, Shux," said Low during their conversation, adding: 'That's fantastic, and thank you for all your hard work doing all the science in the glove box and for the entire ISRO portfolio." Strategic Collaboration Between ISRO and NASA The Axiom-4 mission is the culmination of a strategic partnership between NASA and ISRO—fulfilling a commitment made during the tenures of Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS. The mission also includes five confidential human biology studies and STEM education modules conducted jointly by the two agencies. Earlier, Union science minister Dr Jitendra Singh had said Shukla's mission covers space tech, bio-manufacturing, and astronautics—making it a landmark moment for Indian space science. As the family awaits his return, a sense of peace has replaced the earlier restlessness. 'We're all into prayers," says Asha quietly, gazing at a framed photo of her son in uniform. 'This time, they are not prayers of fear, but of gratitude and hope." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : International Space Station ISRO ISS nasa Shubhanshu Shukla view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 10, 2025, 08:52 IST News india 'Only A Mother Knows': Kin In Lucknow Await Shubhanshu Shukla's Return With Prayers & Delicacies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India.com
19 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
14 Days of Discovery: An Indian Astronaut's Groundbreaking Work on the ISS
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: girishlinganna@ )
NDTV
a day ago
- Science
- NDTV
"Opening Doors For Space Research For Indians": Shubhanshu Shukla On Axiom Mission
India's Gaganyatri and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla in at the International Space Station (ISS) doing scientific research. Group Captain Shukla, who is part of the Axiom Mission 4, or what is sometimes also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga, is India's first astronaut aboard the ISS. In a conversation with Dr Lucie Low, the chief scientist at Axiom Space, he shared an update on how he has been busy doing the scientific experiments at the space station. He highlighted the breadth and significance of the Indian research portfolio he is executing in microgravity, marking a new chapter in India's space exploration journey. He also expressed immense pride in being the conduit for Indian scientists and researchers, bringing their experiments to life aboard the ISS. "This mission is actually kind of opening the doors for microgravity or space research for Indian researchers and scientists," he said, emphasising the collaborative efforts between the Indian space agency, ISRO, and national institutions across India. The research spans multiple disciplines, including stem cell therapy, agricultural science, cognitive psychology, and micro-foods. Group Captain Shukla detailed his work on stem cell research, which he described as particularly exciting. In this experiment, scientists are exploring whether adding supplements to the stem cells of muscles can accelerate healing and tissue regeneration. Conducted inside the station's glove box, this study could have far-reaching implications for both space medicine and terrestrial healthcare. Another key area of investigation involves studying the effects of microgravity on seeds, specifically Moong beans and Fenugreek (Methi), which are used in Indian diets. These experiments aim to understand how space conditions influence germination, genetic expression, and nutritional content across generations. The findings could inform future space farming strategies and enhance food security for long-duration missions. He will sprout these in space, but will not be able to eat them there. Group Captain Shukla also mentioned research evaluating cognitive load on astronauts interacting with digital screens. This study, known as Voyager Displays, examines how microgravity affects human-machine interaction, including gaze fixation, pointing accuracy, and stress levels. The results could lead to improved interface designs for spacecraft and even benefit aviation and remote operations on Earth. In addition to these, Group Captain Shukla is conducting experiments on microalgae growth and the survival of tardigrades-tiny aquatic organisms known for their resilience. The microalgae study investigates their potential as a sustainable food source and life support component, while the tardigrade experiment seeks to understand how these organisms withstand extreme space conditions, including cosmic radiation and ultra-low temperatures. Dr Low responded with admiration, thanking Group Captain Shukla for his dedication and hard work. "Thank you, Shux (Group Captain Shukla's call sign), that's fantastic, and thank you for all your hard work doing all of the science in the glove box and for the entire ISRO portfolio," she said, acknowledging the significance of his contributions. This mission, a product of the partnership between NASA and ISRO, fulfils a commitment made by former US President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS. It also includes doing five secret joint science human biology investigations between NASA and ISRO and two STEM demonstrations, reinforcing the shared vision of both agencies to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration. Earlier, Union Science Minister Dr Jitendra Singh had noted that Group Captain Shukla's focus areas include space technology, space bio-manufacturing, and bio-astronautics. This mission not only marks India's entry into high-end space research but also sets the stage for future collaborations and innovations in the field. His work aboard the ISS is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space science and its commitment to contributing meaningfully to global research efforts.
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Business Standard
a day ago
- Science
- Business Standard
Shukla highlights exciting Indian-led research during Ax-4 mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Mission 4, has expressed his excitement over the range of scientific research being conducted in space, particularly the Indian-led projects. Since arriving at the station, he said he has been "very busy" with research activities. During a conversation with Axiom Space's Chief Scientist, Dr Lucie Low, on Wednesday, Group Captain Shukla provided a succinct overview of the research and advancements being done at the space station, particularly the Indian-led projects. The Group Captain underscored the significance of the ISS as a premier laboratory for research and innovation, with his mission opening new avenues for Indian scientists. "I would agree. I have been very busy since the time we have come, doing a lot of research on the station, and I'm very excited. This mission is actually kind of opening the doors for microgravity or space research for Indian researchers and scientists and I'm so proud that ISRO has been able to collaborate with national institutions all over the country and they came up with some fantastic research, which I am doing on the station for all the scientists and researchers and it is exciting," he stated. Group Captain Sukla revealed that the research spans diverse fields, including stem cell studies, seed growth under microgravity, and evaluating cognitive loads on astronauts, reflecting a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry. One particularly exciting project, he noted, is stem cell research aimed at exploring whether supplements can accelerate recovery, growth, or repair of injuries while taking pride in serving as a bridge between researchers and the ISS. "It has been fantastic and I feel proud to be this kind of bridge between the researchers and the station to conduct this research on behalf of them. One particular research project which I am really excited about is the stem cell research where the scientists are trying to explore whether by adding supplements to the stem cells it is possible to accelerate the recovery or the growth or to repair the injury and it has been great to work in the glove box doing this research for them," he shared. "It is a joy to do this and the research spans various domains and various disciplines, right from doing some stem cell research and growing some seeds to seeing the effect of microgravity on seeds and also evaluating the cognitive load on astronauts while they are interacting with screens on board the station," he added. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, part of Axiom Mission 4, launched on June 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 3:21 am ET on Wednesday aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. Group Captain Shukla is serving as Mission Pilot on the four-member Axiom Mission 4 and piloted the Dragon spacecraft, which successfully docked with the ISS on June 26, ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. The Ax-4 crew is expected to stay aboard the space station for up to 14 days.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Science
- United News of India
In final week at ISS AX-4 crew laser focussed on suite of scientific experiments
Chennai, July 8 (UNI) As the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew, piloted by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, enters their final week aboard the International Space Station (ISS), they remain laser-focused on completing a wide-ranging suite of scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and global outreach initiatives. Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu 'Shux' Shukla, and Mission Specialists Sławosz 'Suave' Uznański-Wiśniewski and Tibor Kapu have spent the past eleven days driving forward research that could shape the future of space exploration and deliver real-world benefits back on Earth. Today, Peggy supported her Ax-4 crewmates through another day of microgravity research. Drawing on her decades of experience living and working in space, Peggy has been guiding the crew as they conduct diverse scientific investigations, ensuring the success and efficiency of the mission's research objectives, Axiom Space said on 13th day updste today. Shux took imagery and conducted a centrifugation of cyanobacteria. By comparing two strains of these photosynthetic microorganisms, researchers aim to understand how microgravity affects their growth, cellular behavior, and biochemical activity. In another experiment, Shux redeployed a culture bag for the Space Microalgae study. Microalgae are being investigated for their potential to produce food, oxygen, and even biofuels. Their resilience and versatility make them ideal for supporting human life on long-duration missions. The crew continued the Voyager Displays experiment, which examines how spaceflight alters eye movement, gaze coordination, and pointing accuracy. These insights could support designing intuitive, adaptive spacecraft interfaces that respond to the unique cognitive and motor challenges astronauts face on orbit. In support of the PhotonGrav study, a crewmember collected neural activity data using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This research explores how the brain adapts to microgravity and investigates the feasibility of human-computer interfaces in space. The results could inform the development of neuroadaptive technologies for space exploration and have applications in Earth-based medicine, such as rehabilitation and assistive devices. Tibor completed work on the VITAPRIC experiment by irrigating radish and wheat microgreens. These nutrient-rich plants are a potential fresh food source for astronauts and could offer insights into urban and arid-environment agriculture on Earth, where territory and resources are limited. The crew supported the ENPERCHAR study, which investigates how astronauts perceive and interact with their environment in space. By analyzing spatial orientation and environmental awareness, researchers aim to design spacecraft and habitats that better support mental health and operational efficiency during long-term missions. Data was collected for the Cerebral Hemodynamics study, which examines how the cardiovascular system adapts to spaceflight. Understanding these changes is essential for astronaut health and could also enhance diagnostics and treatments for cardiovascular conditions on Earth. Finally, a crewmember explored the potential of nanomaterials through the Mxene in LEO study. The results could lead to the next generation of wearable health monitoring technologies, benefiting both astronauts and patients on Earth. Today, Suave spoke with members of the Polish media about the importance of the Ax-4 mission and his role in advancing Poland's scientific research goals. UNI GV 2235
