Indian Astronaut’s Space Station Mission: A Conversation with PM Modi
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group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), engaged in a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing insights into his mission, the challenges of microgravity, and the pride of representing India in space. The interaction, which took place on Thursday, June 28, 2025, highlighted India’s growing presence in space exploration and the unique experiences of living and working on the ISS.
Adjusting to Life in Microgravity
Shukla, a pilot, journeyed to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, accompanied by Commander Peggy Whitson, Sลawosz Uznaลski-Wiลniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission, which launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space centre, faced multiple delays before finally reaching the ISS [[NASA].
Describing his initial experiences, Shukla emphasized the profound impact of the absence of gravity.”Everything changes once we are here because gravity is absent,” he explained.”We are used to gravity.While I am talking to you right now, my feet have been tied, or else I woudl float up. Everything is different – drinking waterโฆ walking. Sleeping is a challenge – you can sleep on the roof, you can sleep on the walls, you can sleep on the floorโฆ It takes time to get used to.”
Did You Know? Astronauts on the ISS experience approximately 16 sunrises and sunsets each day due to the station’s high orbital speed.
beyond the scientific endeavors, Shukla also shared a taste of India with his fellow astronauts.He proudly recounted sharing ‘gajar ka halwa’, ‘moong daal halwa’, and ‘aamras’. “I wanted others to taste and experience the rich culinary heritage of India. And they really enjoyed it,” he said.
Inspiration for India’s Youth
Prime Minister Modi, referencing the success of Chandrayaan-3 and India’s ambitions for future lunar missions, asked Shukla about his message to the youth. Shukla responded, “I would say, there is not just one path to success, what is common, however, is never stop trying.”
Modi also encouraged Shukla to absorb as much knowlege as possible to contribute to India’s ongoing space program. Shukla expressed his eagerness to contribute, noting that his colleagues were already asking about participating in the Gaganyaan mission, India’s human spaceflight initiative.
Pro Tip: the Gaganyaan mission aims to send Indian astronauts into space from Indian soil, marking a important milestone in the country’s space program.
Mission Details
| Mission | Astronauts | Launch Date | Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| axiom-4 | shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Sลawosz Uznaลski-Wiลniewski, Tibor Kapu | June 2025 | Conduct experiments, experience microgravity, represent respective countries |
The conversation concluded with Shukla expressing his joy at raising the Indian flag on the ISS and a resounding “Bharat Mata ki Jai.”
What aspects of space exploration are most interesting to you? How can international collaboration in space benefit humanity?
The Importance of International Space Collaboration
International collaboration in space, exemplified by missions like Axiom-4 and the operation of the ISS, is crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and fostering peaceful relations between nations. These partnerships pool resources, expertise, and perspectives, leading to more ambitious and impactful projects then any single country could achieve alone [[United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs].The ISS, as an example, has been a hub for groundbreaking research in medicine, materials science, and Earth observation, benefiting people worldwide.
furthermore, space exploration serves as a powerful source of inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The challenges inherent in space travel drive innovation and technological advancements that frequently enough have applications in other sectors, contributing to economic growth and societal progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astronaut Missions
- What training do astronauts undergo before going to space?
- Astronauts undergo extensive training that includes survival training, learning how to operate in spacesuits, robotics training, and learning about the systems of the spacecraft and space station. They also train for the physical demands of spaceflight, including adapting to weightlessness.
- How do astronauts eat and drink in space?
- Astronauts eat specially prepared food that is often dehydrated or thermostabilized to prevent spoilage. They drink from pouches with straws, as liquids don’t pour in the absence of gravity. Utensils are often magnetized to prevent them from floating away.
- What kind of experiments do astronauts conduct on the ISS?
- Astronauts conduct a wide range of experiments on the ISS, including studies on human physiology in space, plant growth in microgravity, materials science, and Earth observation. These experiments help us understand the effects of space on living organisms and develop new technologies for use on earth and in future space missions.
- How do astronauts sleep in space?
- Astronauts sleep in sleeping bags that are attached to the walls of the space station to prevent them from floating around. They typically sleep for about eight hours per night, following a schedule that is synchronized with earth time.
- What happens to astronauts’ bodies in space?
- Astronauts’ bodies undergo several changes in space due to the absence of gravity. These changes include bone loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid shifts. Astronauts exercise regularly to mitigate these effects, and scientists study these changes to better understand how to protect astronauts on long-duration space missions.
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