Latest news with #Falcon9CrewDragon
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Growing Methi To Studying Muscle Cells: Top Biologist Lists Space Experiments
India is poised to mark a historic milestone in its space exploration journey as an Indian astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, or Gaganyatri, completes more than half his mission at the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom 4 mission, launched via SpaceX's Falcon 9 Crew Dragon. This 14-day mission, a collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, sees the astronaut conduct seven scientific experiments that could help in future of space biology and sustainability in long-duration missions. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, NASA biologist Dr Sharmila Bhattacharya, and a guest speaker at the Ashoka University, shared detailed insights into some of the Indian experiments and their significance. Dr Bhattacharya, who has flown at least nine experiments on the ISS and trained astronauts, including Sunita Williams, expressed her excitement about India's growing role in space science. Recently, on July 4, ISRO gave an update suggesting that 'Gaganyatri has successfully completed the microgravity experiment involving Tardigrades on board ISS.' In addition, ISRO aims to inspire students and the public by bringing the experience of space closer to Earth through its outreach activities. The microgravity environment provides a great tool to demonstrate scientific principles. During this mission, the Gaganyatri is also conducting science demonstrations on board the ISS, as part of ISRO's planned scientific outreach activity. Sprouting Indian Nutrition in Space One of the most anticipated experiments is titled "Sprouts," led by Dr Ravikumar Hosamani, a former postdoctoral fellow in Dr Bhattacharya's lab. This experiment involves sprouting two culturally and nutritionally significant Indian plants-fenugreek (methi) and green gram (moong dal)-in microgravity. These plants were chosen for their high nutritional value and potential health benefits, including support for bone density, cardiovascular health, and immune function. "These seeds will be sprouted in space, returned to Earth, and analysed for how they responded to the space environment," said Dr Bhattacharya. "This is the first time these specific seeds are being flown, and the data could be invaluable for future space diets." Although the astronaut won't be consuming the sprouts during the mission, the experiment will assess microbial growth and viability, paving the way for future edible space crops. Crop Seeds and Space Agriculture Another experiment, "Crop Seeds on ISS," is being led by Dr Kumaran Sreejalekshmi from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Kerala. This study will expose various Indian crop seeds to the space environment and analyse their germination and growth upon return. While similar studies have been conducted by NASA, ESA, and China, Dr Bhattacharya emphasised the importance of repeating such experiments with region-specific crops. "The more data we gather, especially with seeds relevant to Indian diets, the better we can prepare for sustainable agriculture in space," she noted. Cyanobacteria And Microalgae: Life Support And Beyond Two additional experiments will explore the use of cyanobacteria and microalgae-organisms known for their ability to photosynthesise and produce oxygen. These studies aim to evaluate their potential in environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) aboard spacecraft. "Cyanobacteria can help regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, while microalgae could serve as both a food supplement and a source of biofuel," explained Dr Bhattacharya. "Understanding how these organisms behave in space is crucial for long-term missions." Myogenesis: Studying Muscle Loss in Space The "Myogenesis" experiment will investigate muscle cell degradation in microgravity. Muscle loss is a well-documented challenge for astronauts, and this study aims to identify biological changes and potential countermeasures. "In vitro studies allow us to examine cellular responses in detail, which is not always possible with human subjects," said Dr Bhattacharya. "This research could inform exercise routines, dietary supplements, or medications to mitigate muscle loss." Visual-Motor-Spatial Adaptation Another experiment will focus on how astronauts' visual and spatial orientation is affected by prolonged exposure to microgravity. Using computer display screens and specialised algorithms, the study will monitor changes in perception and coordination. "Even though astronauts are highly capable, subtle changes in visual-motor function can occur," said Dr Bhattacharya. "This experiment will help us understand and possibly improve how astronauts interact with digital systems in space." A Personal Connection to India's Space Journey Dr Bhattacharya shared a personal anecdote about training Sunita Williams in 2004, long before Williams became a household name in space exploration. "She was in my class of four astronauts, and we spent a month together in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. We've stayed in touch ever since," she said warmly. Williams, known for her love of Indian food and dubbed the "samosa-eating astronaut," exemplifies the deep cultural and scientific ties between India and NASA. Building Toward India's Space Future These experiments are not just isolated studies-they are stepping stones toward India's broader ambitions, including establishing its space station and sending an astronaut to the Moon by 2040, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Doing science in space is not easy," Dr Bhattacharya emphasised. "You need approvals, safety checks, and efficient use of mass, volume, and power. But these baby steps by India are essential. The more data we gather now, the better prepared we'll be for future missions." She praised the collaborative nature of the Axiom 4 mission, calling it a model for international cooperation. "Science is best done collectively. ISRO's partnership with NASA and Axiom is a great example of how nations can work together to push the boundaries of knowledge."
NDTV
15-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
"Dangerous": India's Science Chief Flags Liquid Oxygen Leak On Axiom 4
New Delhi: India's second astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to embark on the Axiom 4 mission from Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 Crew Dragon. The 14-day journey to the International Space Station (ISS) marks a significant milestone in India's human spaceflight ambitions. In an exclusive conversation, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, offered insights into the technical challenges and safety imperatives of this high-stakes mission. Professor Sood reaffirmed the complexity of rocket science, especially when human lives are involved. "It is indeed rocket science," he said, emphasizing that the integration of hundreds of thousands of components, particularly those involving liquid propellants, saying it is "far from trivial'. "It is not something which you can just say that once you put together everything, it works like charm. It does not work like charm," he explained. The recent delay in the launch, caused by a leak in the liquid oxygen line, brought these challenges into sharp focus. Professor Sood described such leaks as "unpredictably dangerous", noting that even minor breaches can escalate under high temperatures. "Everything is very measured. So, there is no question that the leak can be tolerated," he said, stressing that there is no room for compromise when human safety is at stake. The leak was detected and resolved by the SpaceX team, and the decision to postpone the launch was made collectively by SpaceX, ISRO, and other stakeholders in the mission. Professor Sood praised this collaborative approach, calling it a model of international coordination. "This is what it means when we talk of collaboration and co-development," he said. "It is not to say that one is doing more than the other. It's a collective decision." The Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space, represents a leap forward for India's space programme. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's participation in Axiom 4 is a testament to India's growing capabilities and commitment to global partnerships in space exploration. The mission also highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols and technical precision in human spaceflight. As the launch date approaches, the focus remains on ensuring that all systems are functioning flawlessly. Professor Sood expressed confidence in the mission's success, saying, "I'm very certain that with all difficulties under control, we will have a successful mission." Professor Sood reassured the Indian public that every delay and decision has been made with safety as the top priority with "Safety first, safety always" being the guiding principle.
NDTV
07-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
"Go Shux": Veteran Astronaut Strikes Confident Note Ahead Of Axiom-4 Launch
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. The Axiom-4 mission launches on June 10, featuring Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as India's second astronaut in space after 40 years. Trained by veteran Michael Lopez-Alegria, Shukla will operate the Crew Dragon and conduct ISS experiments. New Delhi: The excitement is palpable as days are left for the Axiom-4 mission's scheduled launch on June 10, which will launch the second Indian into space after over four decades. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot, is set to fly as the mission pilot aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 Crew Dragon. His destination: the International Space Station (ISS). Cheering him on is none other than Michael Lopez-Alegria, Chief Astronaut of Axiom Space and a veteran of four spaceflights. "Shux, good luck to you and the rest of the crew. Enjoy it," said Lopez-Alegria, using Mr Shukla's call sign, in a message filled with warmth and confidence. Mr Shukla has spent nearly a year training under Mr Lopez-Alegria's guidance at Axiom Space, undergoing rigorous simulations, emergency drills, and mission rehearsals. The former NASA astronaut, who has logged over 257 days in space, has seen Mr Shukla up close and is unequivocal in his assessment. "He'll feel some pressure. He'll be under a lot of tension to keep up with the pace because it's pretty fast, but he's very well trained. He'll do great," he said. The Axiom-4 mission marks a significant milestone for India's human spaceflight ambitions. While Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space in 1984 aboard a Soviet Soyuz, Mr Shukla's mission is India's first participation in a commercial crewed flight to the ISS. It is funded by the Indian government-signalling a new era of state-backed international collaboration in space. NDTV asked Mr Lopez Alegria if Mr Shukla will make an outstanding astronaut? "I have no doubt that he'll do great," he replied without hesitation. As the mission pilot, Mr Shukla will be responsible for critical operations aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft and will assist in scientific experiments aboard the ISS. His crewmates include astronauts from Hungry, Poland and the United States, making this a truly global mission. "Will there be a happy landing for him?" NDTV asked. "Happy splashdown," Lopez-Alegria smiled, referring to the ocean landing that awaits the crew at the end of their 14-day-long mission. The launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will be watched closely not just by India's space community but by millions of Indians who see in Mr Shukla a symbol of national pride and aspiration. "Go Falcon 9. Go Crew Dragon. Go Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla," Lopez-Alegria cheered. As India's space program gathers momentum-with Gaganyaan, the Bhartiya Antariksha Station, and a Moon landing on the horizon-Mr Shukla's mission is more than just a flight. It's a statement: India is ready to take its place among the stars.
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
How To Eat Rice In Space: Astronaut's Rundown To NDTV
New Delhi: As India prepares to send its second astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew Dragon, the insights of veteran astronaut Thomas Pesquet offer invaluable perspective. Group Captain Shukla will be part of a crew that will include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary for the June 8 Axiom Mission 4. Mr Pesquet, who has flown to space twice and spent over a year aboard the ISS, shared his experiences and advice for Captain Shukla in an exclusive interview with NDTV. "Well, first, going into space on a rocket is very impressive, obviously. It's a sensory experience," Mr Pesquet said. "Just getting on the elevator to get on top of the rocket, you get an appreciation of the size of those machines. You only see them from a distance, but when you see them from up close, they're as tall as several different buildings, like put on top of one another. And then you get on top, you look down, you see the cars that brought you. They're very, very small." Mr Pesquet, a veteran European Space Agency (ESA) described the moments leading up to launch as calm and quiet, with final checks and fuelling of the rockets. "Then you hear the countdown and you blast into space. Almost nine minutes of acceleration, very dynamic, and then it stops. You're weightless, you're floating around the Earth. It becomes so smooth. It's like you're floating in a cloud, like in your dreams." Acknowledging the inherent risks, Mr Pesquet emphasised the controlled nature of space travel. "You have a lot of speed, a lot of altitude, a lot of chemical energy with all that propellant. So yeah, it is risky, but it's controlled. You know, all the engineers at different space agencies make sure that it's very safe." Having flown both the Soyuz and Falcon 9 systems, Mr Pesquet noted the differences. "First of all, same principles, right? Space is the same. The physics is the same. Escape velocity remains the same. I'd say the Soyuz is from earlier times, and the Falcon is more modern. So you've got digital screens, it's very sleek, and Soyuz is more from the 70s. But actually, I like Soyuz a lot as well, because the reliability is very, very high. They have many different systems, many different backups, and it's not as comfortable as the Dragon. It's smaller, it's more cramped, but it feels good to fly both." Mr Pesquet shared his preference for the Dragon due to its roominess, especially given his height. "Honestly, for my knees, because I'm a little bit tall. And having my knees folded in the Soyuz was very painful, because you're strapped really tightly in your seat for a long time before launch and after launch. So I think the Dragon was roomier." Docking at the ISS is a precise operation, Mr Pesquet explained. "You have to be very, very precise. Those are vehicles that are flying at 28,000 kilometres per hour, roughly. And you have to control their relative velocity in a very, very tight manner so that you don't impact one with the other. From the crew's perspective, you've been launched, you see the emptiness, the vastness of space, and then you see your targets, you're getting close, and then you realise how big and huge the space station is. It's really magical. It's like a castle in the sky." Entering the ISS after docking is a momentous occasion. "It actually takes a lot of time once you've docked to do the second mechanical link. First of all, it's just a small docking, then you have to equalise the pressure. You wait for the temperatures as well to settle. It takes a lot of time to do all the checks, sometimes 45 minutes, an hour, or an hour and a half, and then you can finally open the hatch. You hear your colleagues, they're knocking on the other side of the hatch. That's how you communicate. Knock, knock, knock, and then you answer. And eventually you open and you enter a new world." Life aboard the ISS is a unique experience, Mr Pesquet noted. "Life in weightlessness is not hugely complicated, but it's different. You have to relearn how to do simple things like sleeping, doing your hygiene or eating. Everything floats, right? Everything is in free fall. That's weightlessness. And so you cannot put anything on the table. It would float again. You cannot put your spoon on the table. It would float away. So everything comes with Velcro. And sometimes we even put tape on the table so that it sticks." Eating in space requires adaptation, he said. "All the food is in cans or in pouches or dehydrated foods. And then you prepare your food like you would a meal. You're asking your crew members what they feel like eating. Sometimes you prepare for them. Sometimes they prepare for themselves. And then you have your own spoon. Eat your food. Always hold your packet, your pouch. And if you stick it, you have to make sure it sticks. And the beginners at the beginning, it's always fun to see them eat because it's hard to control. Things like rice. I mean, imagine rice. It goes everywhere. And then, as they're trying to catch the bits of rice floating away, they send even more rice away. So sometimes there's a bit of a catastrophe. But you know, that's how you learn." Mr Pesquet described the daily routine aboard the ISS, which includes shared meals and individual portions. "We start the day at the same time. We finish the day at the same time. Usually, the lunch break can vary between everybody's different schedules. So it's more like the evening meals that we share together. But the portions are individual. The packaging is always individual, so that you can cook your own can or your own pouch. And then somebody else can choose something else to eat. So at least once a day, we make a point to be all together to cook different types of meals that we share." Hygiene in space is another area of adaptation. "There's no running water, obviously. So we use wipes, wet wipes, and dry wipes. We also have wet towels. Put a bit of soap, put some water on the towel, and then you can wash yourself. No showers, no bathtub, no spa. Very rough conditions." Mr Pesquet reassured that despite the lack of showers, astronauts remain clean. "You're actually very clean. It was one of the questions I had. I thought, hmm, you must be pretty dirty when you come back, but you're not. First of all, because there's much less dust and perspiration and things in the air, it's much more controlled. So it's a clean environment. And second, also because you're wiping yourself with wet towels and etc., works really well." Sleeping in space requires adjustment. "We've got some bunks, some crew quarters. It's like a telephone booth size. You stick your sleeping bag on the wall pretty much. But you could sleep anywhere on the space station. You could sleep on the floor. You can sleep upside down. You just need a bungee to bungee you against the wall, and then you'll be fine. It takes some getting used to because you have to really let go of all your articulations. Your head won't be resting against anything like it does on the bed." Mr Pesquet offered advice to Captain Shukla as he prepared for his mission. "Trust your training, because sometimes, you know, it's still an unexpected environment that you haven't been in. So trust your training, like you've been doing your whole life. Do the right thing. Keep calm. If things don't go the way it's expected-its space, you know, it doesn't always cooperate. Enjoy the ride. Try to make yourself some good memories. Look at the Earth, take pictures of your activities, of your crewmates, and it's going to go superfast. So be really conscious in trying to imprint those memories on your brain, because you're going to need them when you come back." Mr Pesquet also had a message for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. "Be part of the mission. Make sure that Shukla is supported, which I think is the case by the government, by ISRO, by the entire population. It's going to be a huge wave of national pride and hopefully happiness."
