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NDTV
30-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Stars, Stripes, Tricolour: Can India, US Align In Orbit In PM Modi-Trump Space Summit?
New Delhi: In a unique first, India and the US are choreographing a new chapter in global space exploration - an Indian and four American astronauts are working shoulder-to-shoulder at humanity's largest human outpost outside Earth. The symbolism of the world's oldest democracy, the US, and the world's largest democracy, India, together at the space station is a unique tango or ' jugalbandi '. Stars, stripes, and the tricolour - Can India and the US align in orbit? The surrealism of this first-of-its-kind alignment of stars could become a milestone for humanity if US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seize the opportunity and hold an Indo-US summit via a space bridge, and what better way than to do it on July 4, US' Independence Day. Space offers freedom from all borders as we know it on Earth. India's abiding philosophy of ' vasudhaiva kutumbakam ' or the world is one family could echo across the universe if PM Modi and Mr Trump, who together represent and lead a population of nearly two billion, reach for the stars together and address the world using space as a great unifier. Astronauts from India and the United States are currently working side by side aboard the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in global space collaboration. This unprecedented moment not only showcases the technological prowess of both nations but also symbolises the strengthening ties between the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest. In the next few weeks, India and the US will again hop-skip and jump in space as both ISRO and NASA get ready to launch the NISAR satellite from Sriharikota. The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite (NISAR) has been jointly made, and its biggest claim to fame is that it is the world's single most expensive civilian Earth imaging satellite ever to be made and costs upwards of $1.2 billion. It is currently ready, sitting in ISRO's clean room awaiting the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) to take it into space from Sriharikota. The NISAR satellite is a game-changing, life-saving satellite as it will help monitor the Earth's health and clock upcoming disasters. This is the first-ever big-time satellite collaboration between NASA and ISRO. Incidentally, till recently, ISRO and in fact India were always shunned and denied technology, and sanctions were the name of the game until the inking of the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal changed the chemistry between the two nations. From the doghouse to scripting history together, the journey of the Indo-US friendship in the last two decades is just breathtaking. In 2008, India opened its heart out and gave American instruments a free ride to the Moon on Chandrayaan-1. It was this Indo-American collaboration that rewrote lunar geological history once and for all by Chandrayaan-1, making the startling discovery of the presence of water molecules on the parched lunar surface. It was India's sub-$100 million Chandrayaan-1 which, in a way, opened the floodgates (pun intended) for the world to look at the Moon with new, moist eyes, so much so that now there is a new gold rush to reach the south pole of the Moon. India again pioneered reaching nearest to the south pole of the Moon by sending the lander Vikram, as part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023. Today, India has also inked the Artemis Accords so that the Indo-US friendship can together explore and permanently inhabit the Moon's surface sooner rather than later. The current friendship mission, the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which is sometimes also referred to as Mission Akash Ganga, launched on June 25 from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and veteran American astronaut Peggy Whitson, alongside astronauts from Poland and Hungary. This was India's first human spaceflight mission in over four decades and its debut participation in a private mission to the ISS. Group Captain Shukla already exclaimed from the ISS that he sees no borders from his vantage point in space. The space station already has three other NASA astronauts - Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim on board. The commander of the ISS is Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and the space lab is also home to Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky. In all six, countries are represented at the space station among the Space-11 who call ISS their home today. This Axiom-4 collaboration stems from a landmark agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Washington in June 2023. The joint statement between India and the US committed to sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS, a promise now fulfilled through the combined efforts of NASA, ISRO, and Axiom Space. "This is a very special occasion," said George Weinmann, an American aerospace engineer and investor. "To have Group Captain Shukla and one of our most respected astronauts, Peggy Whitson, together on the ISS is a testament to the vision shared by Indian and American leadership. A joint address by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the astronauts and the world could be a powerful symbol of unity and inspiration." The timing of the mission adds to its symbolic weight. With the US Independence Day on July 4 approaching, there is growing speculation about a potential joint communication from the two leaders to the astronauts aboard the ISS. Such a gesture could serve as a "space bridge" between the two democracies, reinforcing their shared values and aspirations. "This mission is not just about science," said Weinmann. "It's about diplomacy, inspiration, and the shared human quest to explore beyond our planet. A joint celebration on July 4 would be a fitting tribute to what these two nations can achieve together." The mission also has commercial implications. Axiom Space expressed interest in using Indian launch vehicles for future missions, and Indian astronauts have trained at NASA facilities. This deepening cooperation signals a new chapter in Indo-US space relations, with potential for joint exploration, technology sharing, and commercial ventures. As the world watches this celestial collaboration unfold, the message is clear: space is a great unifier. Whether through science, diplomacy, or shared dreams, the stars are aligning for India and the United States to reach new heights - together. After all 'yeh dil maange more'!
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA-ISRO to launch $1.5 billion NISAR satellite: Why this Earth-monitoring mission is so important
In a major joint effort, NASA and ISRO are set to launch the NISAR satellite , a $1.5 billion Earth-observing mission that could transform the way we monitor our planet. The launch is scheduled for June 18, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India. NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar , will track changes on Earth's surface with centimeter-level precision—whether it's day or night, sunny or stormy. The satellite carries a huge 12-metre radar antenna and weighs nearly three tonnes. It's built to deliver real-time data on critical issues like farming patterns, climate shifts, earthquakes, landslides and floods. Scientists, farmers and emergency teams across the globe are expected to benefit from the mission's insights, making NISAR one of the most anticipated Earth science projects in recent years. Why NASA and ISRO joined hands for the NISAR mission Most existing Earth-observing satellites depend on reflected sunlight to capture surface images, meaning they can only function in daylight and clear weather. This limits their effectiveness in cloud-covered regions like the tropics or during nighttime events. The NASA-ISRO collaboration on the NISAR mission aims to overcome these gaps. Using advanced radar technology, NISAR will provide round-the-clock, all-weather imaging, enabling more accurate monitoring of natural disasters, environmental changes, and agricultural patterns regardless of time or conditions. How NISAR's radar technology makes a difference NISAR uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a technology first developed for military use in the 1950s. Unlike optical imaging, SAR actively sends radar signals to Earth's surface and captures their reflections. This works much like using a flash in a dark room. SAR can see through clouds, smoke, and even dense vegetation, making it ideal for 24/7 monitoring in all weather conditions. Real-time disaster monitoring and response SAR has already proven useful in tracking disasters like floods, landslides, and earthquakes. NISAR takes this a step further by offering more detailed images and dual-frequency radar. It can detect even subtle land shifts caused by disasters and help emergency teams assess damage quickly, improving response and recovery efforts. Looking inside forests and wetlands NISAR's radar can penetrate thick vegetation, allowing scientists to study the structure of forests and wetlands in new detail. It will measure how much biomass and carbon forests hold and detect flooded vegetation, giving insights into ecosystems that store vast amounts of carbon and support biodiversity. Global benefits for science and agriculture The satellite's high-resolution data will be made freely available to researchers and institutions worldwide. It will scan nearly all land and ice surfaces every 12 days, offering more frequent and sharper imaging than previous missions like Sentinel-1. For agriculture, NISAR can measure soil moisture in all conditions, helping farmers time irrigation and boost crop yields. Tracking glaciers, coastlines, and oil spills Beyond forests and farms, NISAR will monitor the movement of ice sheets and glaciers, which is vital for studying rising sea levels. It will also help track coastal erosion and oil spills at sea, offering tools for both environmental protection and disaster response. A bold leap for Earth science After more than ten years in development, the NISAR satellite is ready to offer a powerful new view of our planet. It combines cutting-edge radar with global access to help scientists, governments, and communities better understand Earth's systems and respond to its challenges. From climate change to food security and disaster resilience, NISAR is set to play a key role in the years to come. .
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla educational qualification: From IISc to a historic NASA-ISRO space mission
Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from NDA to NASA-ISRO collaboration on Axiom Mission 4 Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from NDA to NASA-ISRO collaboration on Axiom Mission 4 Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shubhanshu Shukla's journey from NDA to NASA-ISRO collaboration on Axiom Mission 4 1 2 Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is all set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to spend 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His upcoming journey is a milestone for India, coming 41 years after Rakesh Sharma's spaceflight and marking the first time an Indian citizen will live and conduct experiments on the ISS. Shukla's educational and professional background has been crucial in shaping his path from the National Defence Academy (NDA) to the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and now to an extraordinary NASA-ISRO collaboration. Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla's early fascination with aviation and space began at a young age. His academic journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise, starting with his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the NDA. He later pursued a Master of Technology in Aerospace Engineering at IISc Bengaluru, equipping himself with the necessary scientific and technical knowledge to excel in aerospace and defence fields. His education laid a solid foundation that propelled him into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a combat and test pilot, and now, an astronaut representing India on the global stage. From NDA to Indian Air Force and beyond Shubhanshu Shukla joined the NDA in 2003, embarking on a rigorous military education that included physical and academic training. His journey into the Indian Air Force began in 2006 after commissioning, where he gained over 2,000 hours of flying experience on multiple fighter aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier 228, and An-32. Known for his skills as a test pilot and combat leader, Shukla's experience and training at NDA played a vital role in shaping his leadership and aviation expertise. In 2019, Shukla was selected for India's ambitious human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, which involves sending Indian astronauts into space aboard indigenous spacecraft. As part of this mission, he underwent advanced astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Moscow and later at the Indian Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. His education at IISc further enhanced his understanding of aerospace engineering principles, vital for coping with the scientific and technical challenges of space travel. A historic collaboration with NASA and ISRO Shubhanshu Shukla's upcoming mission, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), is a unique venture involving NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. Originally scheduled for launch earlier, the mission is now set to depart from Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft. Alongside Shukla, the crew includes mission commander Peggy Whitson from the U.S., and astronauts from Poland and Hungary, marking an international collaborative effort. The mission will see Shukla spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, during which he will participate in seven experiments. These include studies on the germination of fenugreek and mung seeds in microgravity, conducted in collaboration with ISRO and India's Department of Biotechnology (DBT). The goal is to investigate how microgravity affects plant growth and to develop sustainable food production systems for long-term space missions. Additionally, Shukla will conduct experiments jointly with NASA, expanding scientific knowledge crucial for future space exploration. Personal dedication and preparation Shukla's dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. Married to Dr Kamna Shukla, a dentist, he balances family life with his demanding career. He maintains a keen interest in physical fitness, science literature, and even horoscopes, reflecting a curious and disciplined mind. His extensive astronaut training has included international collaboration, with sessions at the European Space Agency's astronaut centre in Germany and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in Japan, preparing him for the complex environment aboard the ISS. The Axiom Mission 4 is not only a milestone for India but also a testament to Shukla's remarkable journey from his humble beginnings in Lucknow to becoming a key figure in the global space community. His educational qualifications from NDA and IISc have been the pillars supporting his ascent into space, embodying India's growing prominence in human spaceflight through collaborations with NASA and ISRO. As the countdown continues for the launch from Kennedy Space Center, all eyes are on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla – a symbol of India's dreams reaching new heights, grounded firmly in education, training, and international partnership. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA-ISRO Collaboration: Shubhanshu Shukla's microgravity experiments on Axiom 4 Mission
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , India's first commercial astronaut, is set to embark on Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station on June 10. This two-week mission marks a significant collaboration between NASA and ISRO, showcasing India's expanding presence in space research. Shukla will conduct seven experiments designed by Indian scientists, focusing on areas like muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, plant biology, and human-computer interaction in microgravity. These studies aim to boost India's microgravity research capabilities and contribute to the development of sustainable life-support systems, food solutions, and astronaut health strategies for long-duration space exploration in the future. List of experiments of NASA-ISRO Mission Axiom 4 Regenerating muscle tissue in space The Myogenesis–ISRO experiment investigates how human skeletal muscle cells behave in microgravity, where muscle deterioration is common. Shukla will work with cultured muscle stem cells to study their regeneration and how mitochondrial metabolism changes in space. Scientists hope to find ways to counter muscle loss during extended space missions. The findings could also benefit people suffering from age-related muscle degeneration or muscular diseases on Earth, offering potential breakthroughs in both space and terrestrial medicine. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Growing sprouts and moong beans This experiment, named Sprouts–ISRO, focuses on the growth of green gram (moong) and fenugreek (methi) seeds in space. These are staple, nutrient-rich foods in India. Researchers will study how microgravity affects their germination, genetics, and nutritional content. Understanding these changes can help in developing reliable plant-based food systems for future space missions. The insights may also support agricultural advancements back on Earth, particularly in resource-constrained or extreme environments where conventional farming is difficult. Microalgae: A space superfood Microalgae are highly efficient organisms known for producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and providing dense nutrition. In the Space Microalgae experiment, Shukla will study how these organisms grow and evolve in the absence of gravity. If successful, microalgae could become a sustainable food source for long-duration space missions. Their ability to support life-support systems may also open up possibilities for using them in Earth-based environmental and food solutions, especially in areas with limited access to resources. Survival of tardigrades in space The Voyager Tardigrade–ISRO experiment studies how tardigrades, also known as water bears, endure extreme space conditions. These tiny aquatic creatures can survive radiation, vacuum, and freezing temperatures. Shukla will observe how they survive and reproduce in space and compare gene expression with Earth-based samples. The research aims to decode the biology behind their resilience, which could lead to innovations in radiation protection for astronauts and even new materials or therapies for use in harsh environments on Earth. Human interaction with technology in microgravity Voyager Displays–ISRO explores how spaceflight alters human interaction with electronic interfaces like touchscreens. Tasks involving gaze, touch, and eye movement will be analyzed to understand cognitive and motor changes caused by microgravity. The goal is to improve the design of control systems for spacecraft and future space habitats. The results may also benefit high-stress environments on Earth—such as aviation or emergency response—where quick, intuitive interaction with digital systems is crucial for safety and performance.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
‘Extremely confident': Indian astronaut on space mission
New Delhi: The Axiom-4 space mission having been pushed back by two days, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is part of the Axiom team, said he was confident of success. Axiom Space has announced that the lift-off will now take place at 5.52 pm on June 10. This is the second time the mission has been deferred. While the authorities have not ascribed a reason for the delay, sources indicated that the NASA-ISRO collaboration will need time to prepare. Group Captain Shukla - who is on mandatory pre-launch quarantine at Florida's Kennedy Space Center – said that for the last one year, they have been undergoing rigorous training and he is confident of success. "I can say that we have experienced a lot of different aspects or facets of this mission," he said. These, he said, included theoretical studies, simulator training, and "undergoing various protocols of underwater survival and emergency egress". "Having done these activities over the past few months, repeatedly again and again, I feel very confident, not just in my ability, but in the ability of this team who is sitting here, to execute this mission successfully," he said. "I am extremely confident that we will be successful in this mission," he added.
