India's Shubhanshu Shukla working on experiment to power Gaganyaan Mission
India's first astronaut on the International Space Station, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is working on the space microalgae experiment sent by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).Shux deployed sample bags and captured images of the algae strains. These tiny organisms could play a big role in the future of space exploration, offering a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source for long-duration missions.advertisementMicroalgae are potentially useful organisms for future spaceflight that could be used as foods, fuel, or even in life support systems. In this experiment, three strains of microalgae will be grown, and the impact of microgravity on the growth, metabolism, and genetic activity will be investigated versus algae grown on the ground.
The results could provide Isro with new options to develop the critically needed life support system for the Gaganyaan Mission, the Indian human spaceflight mission.The Axiom crew, meanwhile, also collected data for the Neuro Motion VR project, where astronauts don VR headsets and perform attention-based tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This research explores how microgravity affects cognitive and motor functions, which could provide valuable insight for future deep space missions.advertisementMission Commander Peggy Whitson is working on the Cancer in LEO investigation by capturing imaging samples that could unlock new insights into how cancer behaves under the unique stressors of microgravity. She also turned her lens toward creativity, photographing student hardware, science experiments, and artwork for the Saudi Space Agency's Microgravity Challenge.Ahead of conducting the experiment, Shux spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ISS and said that he was safe and doing fine aboard the Space Station, calling it a "whole new experience". He also said he was extremely glad to represent India in space. Shukla was launched on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida to the Space Station on Wednesday. The spacecraft completed a 28-hour journey before executing a flawless docking manoeuvre at the ISS's Harmony module.He is joined by mission commander Peggy Whitson of the US, and mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.Shukla told PM Modi that he saw Earth as a complete planet with no borders visible and "it is our home".- EndsTune InMust Watch
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Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shux, crew, study microalgae, cancer, cognition & more
The view was still extraordinary, but the work, even more so for the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crew. With Earth turning silently below them, the crew, including India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux) spent their third day aboard the International Space Station (ISS) studying cancer, cognition, microalgae, the building blocks of long-term spaceflight, and more. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The experiments being carried out by Shux and other crew members are part of the more than 60 scientific investigations from 31 countries, including India, the US, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, Nigeria, and Saudi Arabia. After all, Ax-4 is the most research-intensive private mission to the ISS to date. Shux, who had kicked off his research activity with a muscle loss study the previous day, was hard at work on a project that's microscopic in size but potentially massive in impact. He deployed sample bags and imaging tools for a space microalgae experiment, studying how these tiny organisms fare in orbit. Rich in nutrients and capable of recycling carbon dioxide, microalgae could become a key part of long-duration space missions — a source of food, oxygen and life support rolled into one. He was also part of, along with other AX-4 crew, the 'Neuro Motion VR' study, which uses virtual reality headsets and brain-monitoring technology (fNIRS) to observe how astronauts' cognitive and motor functions respond to spaceflight. 'Alongside that, they collected data for 'Telemetric Health AI', a project that merges biometric tracking with AI analytics to better understand how spaceflight affects the cardiovascular and balance systems. These studies aren't just academic. They're building the foundations for safe, extended human missions into deep space,' Axiom Space said. Commander Peggy Whitson, a seasoned astronaut on her fourth spaceflight, devoted much of the day to the Cancer in LEO (low-Earth orbit) investigation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Working with the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, she captured imaging samples of cancer cells exposed to microgravity. The stress of space may change the way these cells behave, potentially offering clues to tackling aggressive, metastatic cancers back on Earth. Her camera didn't stop there. Whitson also photographed student-designed science experiments and artwork for the Saudi Space Agency's Microgravity Challenge — a competition that drew over 80,000 entries from young innovators across the Arab world. With submissions ranging from sustainable farming ideas to space-inspired art, it's an example of how missions like Ax-4 can inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and dreamers. Mission specialist Suave (Slawosz Uznanski) focused his attention on the microfluidic design experiment to observe how fluids behave in low gravity. The end goal? Developing microfluidic devices that test drug stability and quality — a vital step toward bringing autonomous health care to future space travellers. And yet, research isn't the only focus. The crew also reached out to Earth. Tibor Kapu shared a live conversation with Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, while Whitson and Suave spoke with Axiom Space Chief Scientist Dr Lucie Low about protecting astronauts from space radiation — a challenge no future mission can ignore.
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Happy to be his wingman, says Papa, Shux's backup astronaut
'Papa' (Below right) Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, known fondly as Papa, may not be aboard the International Space Station (ISS) this time, but he's soaring with pride. As the designated backup to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), who is currently making history as the first Indian to fly to the ISS, Papa says he's happy to be his wingman. The camaraderie runs deep between the two IAF pilots, both trained test pilots, who were selected for India's human spaceflight programme under Gaganyaan. Their journey together over the last ten months has not only forged a powerful professional bond but will also shape India's future human spaceflight. 'Shux is a fantastic guy,' Papa said ahead of Shux's docking, in a video shared by Axiom Space. 'We met a few years ago through our work as fighter and test pilots. I'm actually nine years older than him… Over the last ten months of training, it's been deeply satisfying for me to be his wingman — if I may use a bit of fighter pilot lingo.' Papa speaks of Shukla with admiration, highlighting his razor-sharp focus. 'Once he decides on a goal — like becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS — he clears out all distractions and gives it his all. And that's exactly what's got him there.' Yet, Papa's own path has been no less significant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo As Shukla's backup, he trained alongside him every step of the way. That training, Papa believes, has not only prepared both of them for individual missions but has also laid a broader foundation for the future of Indian spaceflight. 'It never felt like work. It was more like one big, exciting picnic, though a professional one,' he says, describing the extensive, rigorous training that involved collaboration with Axiom Space, Nasa, ESA, SpaceX, and other international partners. 'To train with legends like Peggy Whitson was just marvellous.' He recalls the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training experience in the US with particular fondness. 'We kayaked through rough weather, survived with limited resources, and what we learnt was this: your real strength in space is your teammate.' That, he says, is the very essence of space missions. 'It's not just about knowing someone's strengths, but also their limitations so that you're ready to step in, support and cover. That's what makes a crew solid.' Among his favourite parts of training? The food. 'An army marches on its stomach, and astronauts too fly on theirs,' he jokes. 'The space food training was a highlight for me.' While Shukla currently has the nation's gaze, Papa is quick to acknowledge the collective spirit behind their journey. 'I want to give a big shout-out to my Prime Minister, Isro chairman, my wife Leena, daughter Nandini, and my parents. And of course, to all my fellow Indians.' Though grounded for now, Papa's eyes remain on the skies. While Papa is happy to play wingman on this mission, one has to wait and see if may be in the pilot's seat when India launches Gaganyaan.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
NASA+ is coming to Netflix: Watch rocket launches and spacewalks live this summer
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