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Time of India
5 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
'Proud to be their bridge': Shubhanshu Shukla on taking Indian science to space
Shubhanshu Shukla (File pic) Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux) feels 'proud' and 'excited' to represent Indian scientists aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and described his role as a 'bridge' between research institutions on Earth and the orbiting lab. Speaking from space in a live interaction with Axiom Space 's chief scientist Dr Lucie Low, Shux said, 'The Axiom-4 mission is opening the doors for microgravity research for Indian scientists… It is a joy to do this.' He is currently executing a portfolio of experiments designed by Indian institutions under Isro 's coordination. 'Isro has collaborated with national institutions all over the country, and they came up with some fantastic research. It is a joy to conduct this for them,' he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. Among the most exciting of the studies, according to Shux, is one that investigates the effect of microgravity on stem cells. Scientists are testing whether the addition of certain supplements can enhance recovery or repair mechanisms. Shux has been conducting these experiments inside the glovebox, a sealed environment used to safely handle sensitive biological materials. He also detailed studies examining the growth of seeds in space and experiments that evaluate astronauts' cognitive load while they interact with digital interfaces on board. These studies are part of a broader push to understand how the human body and mind adapt to extended space travel—insights that could be vital for future missions. 'I feel proud to be a bridge between researchers and the station,' Shukla said, adding that the research portfolio spans multiple domains, including human physiology and space agriculture . The live event, coordinated by mission control in Houston, saw Low engaging with the four-member Ax-4 crew — Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shux, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski and Tibor Kapu — about the science being carried out. Whitson, a veteran astronaut, outlined the diversity of the mission's research, which includes cancer studies, plant biology, human physiology, and multiple technology demonstrations that aim to enable more inclusive spaceflight. One such effort, she said, is focused on helping people with diabetes safely fly in space. Low reiterated that the Ax-4 crew is supporting research for scientists from eight countries, including India, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Uznański, who is representing Poland, shared that he has been working on nanomaterials and radiation research, including technology from CERN. He also conducted the first brain-machine interface demonstration in space. Kapu, representing Hungary under the Hunor programme, said they had brought 35 experiments, including brain activity monitoring and plant growth studies. 'My radishes, wheat and peppers are growing extremely fast… I might take up gardening as a hobby,' he joked. 'Everything you're doing is opening the door for more scientists in future,' Low said, adding that the mission represents a growing global scientific community contributing to microgravity research.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
‘Joy, a reflection of the cultural mix on board': Axiom-4's '5th crew member' has Shubhanshu Shukla's 6-year-old son's touch
BENGALURU: The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission will have a fifth "crew member"- "Joy", a soft, white toy baby swan that will travel with them to space as their zero-gravity indicator. But Joy isn't just a charming mascot. Her selection carries a quiet imprint from back home: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's six-year-old son, Kiash, who's also called Sid. The crew - commander Peggy Whitson, Shukla as pilot, and mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary - unveiled the toy, symbolising grace and elegance, late Tuesday. Kapu said: "Our first ideas all included animals, because we have one kid with the crew, Shux's kid, Sid who basically just loves animals... You know, show any animal to him, he will love it. We wanted to go with dinosaurs and lions, but we just couldn't find the right one, and we were extremely happy when we found Joy. " About why they named the swan "Joy", mission commander Peggy Whitson said that it was Kapu who actually came up with her name. "Why we selected the name, per se, might become more obvious once you hear the name of the vehicle. So, you'll have to wait for that," Whitson said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sanitize & Smooth Clothes Fast with Philips Steamer Philips Garment Steamers Shop Now Undo Axiom and the crew have kept the name of the vehicle - now just designated with a number - under wraps. It is expected to be announced either ahead of the launch or after. "...In Indian culture, the swan is the vehicle of goddess Saraswati, symbolising wisdom, learning, and purity. It is said to have the rare ability to separate milk from water, a symbolism that's a powerful reminder of discernment in an age of distraction. To carry the symbol is to carry the essence of formation, pursuit of knowledge, clarity of purpose, and grace under pressure," Shukla said. Whitson described Joy as a reflection of the cultural mix on board. "More than just a companion, Joy will signal our arrival in microgravity shortly after launch. Through Joy, we'll celebrate our diversity and our unity in the shared journey of space exploration," she said. Axiom Space confirmed that the swan will serve as the zero-G indicator - a floating object that provides a visual cue of the transition into microgravity after launch. Plush toys have long served this role in space missions, particularly in commercial flights. But Joy, Axiom said, is more than just a functional object. "Joy the baby swan embodies the shared pursuit of Isro, European Space Agency (ESA) and ] Hungarian to Orbit programme (Hunor) to soar high above our home planet. In this way, Joy represents cultural unity as three nations realise the return to human spaceflight together as one crew," the company said. Axiom added that the swan carries symbolic meanings across cultures. In India, it represents wisdom and purity; in Poland, it stands for loyalty and resilience; and in Hungary, it reflects grace and nature's beauty. "By choosing a swan as the zero-G indicator, the Ax-4 crew celebrates the diversity of their cultures, united in the shared human experience of space exploration," Axiom said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
