Latest news with #NorthEastSpaceApplicationCentre


India Today
08-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
We don't follow the Sun: Shux tells Indian students how astronauts sleep in space
'We don't follow the Sun,' Indian astronaut Shubhanshu 'Shux' Shukla told a captivated audience of students during a live HAM radio interaction organised by ISRO's North East Space Application Centre (NESAC).Connecting directly from the International Space Station (ISS), Shukla shared firsthand experiences about the unique challenges of living, and sleeping in space, offering inspiration and practical advice to India's next generation of space Unique Rhythm of Life on the ISSAddressing a question about daily routines and sleep in orbit, Shukla explained, 'On the ISS, we see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day because we circle the Earth every 90 minutes. Our activities aren't guided by sunlight, but by Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).' This means astronauts must rely on scheduled routines rather than natural day-night cycles for sleep and work, a stark contrast to life on described the effects of microgravity on the human body. 'We grow up in gravity on Earth, but here in space there is none. The body goes through a lot of changes, and it takes some time to adapt. I experienced some space sickness at first, but there are medications, and we adapt quickly.'He emphasised the importance of physical and mental preparation, noting that astronauts train extensively in Russia, India, and other partner countries to handle every conceivable scenario, especially emergencies. 'Most of our training is about handling off-nominal situations. Teamwork and a strong support system are crucial.'Staying Fit and Healthy in OrbitMaintaining health is a top priority for astronauts, Shukla said. 'Microgravity causes muscle and bone loss, so we exercise every day using treadmills, cycles, and strength training machines. It's essential to stay fit for the mission and for our return to Earth.'Shukla also highlighted the advanced technology aboard the ISS. 'Robotics and AI are integral to our mission. We use robotic arms for many internal and external tasks, making our work safer and more efficient on the Space Station.' Shubhanshu Shukla performing an experiment in space. (Photo: Axiom) Before signing off, Shukla encouraged Indian students to dream big: 'I will be back, and I will guide you. Many of you will become future astronauts. Stay curious, work hard, and believe in yourself someone from you could even walk on the Moon.'- EndsTune InMust Watch


Mint
06-07-2025
- Science
- Mint
Stunning visuals! Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys view of Earth from ISS
The government of India on Sunday released a set of pictures showing Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla observing the Earth from the International Space Station. He became the first Indian to be on the station. In the pictures shared online, Shukla is seen seated on the edge of the 7-windowed Cupola Module on the ISS with the Earth visible in the background. 'Gazing Down From The Space! Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla enjoys the stunning panoramic view of Earth from the 7-windowed Cupola Module aboard the International Space Station. It's been a remarkable journey as he marks a week in orbit, representing India among the stars,' read the caption. Earlier on 26 June, Shukla and three other crew members docked with the ISS following a 28-hour journey around the Earth. As per the details, Shukla is on a 14-day scientific expedition on the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, along with three other astronauts and led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. Shukla is the second Indian to go to space. On Tuesday, Shukla is scheduled to interact with school students at ISRO's North East Space Application Centre (NESAC) from his orbital post on ISS via ham radio. The interaction is planned via a telebridge set up NESAC in Shillong, said the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS). Earlier on Friday, Shukla interacted with students at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. On 4 June, Shubhanshu Shukla relished 'aam ras', 'gajar ka halwa', 'moong dal halwa' and delicacies from other countries after he completed a week on board the orbital lab. In a brief interaction with scientists at the URSC, Bengaluru over HAM radio connection, Shukla had said, "It was a good moment. We got food from different countries and got to share it with all the crew."


The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Assam, Meghalaya to set up joint hydel project
The Assam and Meghalaya governments have decided to set up a 55-megawatt hydropower and irrigation project apart from addressing the issue of urban floods in Guwahati jointly. The two States, which have been trying to resolve their 52-year-old boundary dispute, also decided to erect boundary pillars in five of the six disputed sites, and target the sixth after settling some 'land adjustment' issues. The decisions were taken during a meeting between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Meghalaya counterpart Conrad K. Sangma in Guwahati on Monday. 'The two governments will take up the 55 MW Kulsi hydropower-cum-irrigation project after consultations with the local people. The project is envisaged to generate electricity for the two States while Assam will benefit from the irrigation part of it,' Mr. Sarma told journalists. The Kulsi river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra to the west of Guwahati, flows down from the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The river is a major nesting site for the Gangetic river dolphin. Tackling Guwahati floods 'The two other important topics of discussion were resolving the long-pending boundary dispute and the issue of urban flooding in Guwahati. After our presentations, the Meghalaya government agreed that a huge volume of water floods Guwahati and adjoining areas,' Mr. Sarma said. 'We decided to let the North East Space Application Centre conduct a proper satellite mapping of the areas within three months, following which we will approach the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, for a solution that minimises flooding in Assam while safeguarding the livelihood and economic activities in Meghalaya,' Mr. Sangma said. The Assam Chief Minister has been blaming the flattening of hills in Meghalaya, specifically for a medical college run by the Assam-based Mahbubul Haque, for the floods in Guwahati. Boundary dispute On the 52-year-old boundary dispute between the two States, Mr. Sarma said an agreement on six of the 12 disputed sectors was reached in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in March 2022. 'We will continue to talk on the remaining disputed sites and try to arrive at a solution as soon as possible,' he said. 'Of the six sectors already resolved, we are confident of erecting boundary pillars in five of them by August 15. There are a couple of land adjustment issues at Tarabari and Gizang,' Mr. Sarma said. 'The Meghalaya government requested us to adjust these areas. We have decided to consider the request and respond within a week. This entails readjusting some villages in favour of Meghalaya after an equal portion of land is given to Assam,' he said.