India's second astronaut in space enters ISS (VIDEO)
SpaceX's Axiom Mission 4, carrying Shubhanshu Shukla, has successfully docked at the International Space Station
Shubhanshu Shukla has become the second Indian ever and first since 1984 to travel to space. SpaceX's Axiom Mission 4, carrying the Indian Air Force officer, successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, SpaceX has said.
Shukla was selected for the South Asian nation's first human spaceflight mission to the ISS. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Wednesday, following nearly a month of delays.
Shukla became the first Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's spaceflight aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. The air force officer, who was chosen by the Indian Department of Space as the prime astronaut for the mission, underwent an extensive training program with three other astronaut designates at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow in 2020.
On Thursday, he sent greetings from space with a 'namaskar', a traditional Indian greeting. "Since yesterday, I've been told that I'm sleeping a lot, which is a good sign," Shukla said on a SpaceX livestream. "I'm getting used to this quite well, enjoying the views, enjoying the entire experience."
He added that he was "learning like a baby... how to walk and eat in space... It's good to make mistakes, but it is better to see someone else do that, too." The Axiom Mission 4 carried Shukla and three other crew members to the ISS.
Aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct research on microscopic organisms known as tardigrades to understand how living things adapt to microgravity. Muscle regeneration, the growth of sprouts, the survival of tiny aquatic organisms, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity will also be studied, as well as the effects of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae, a potential food source for future space missions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
What If An Astronaut Gets Sick In Space? This Is NASA's Plan
Last Updated: Though not every crew has a certified doctor onboard, each mission designates one astronaut as the Crew Medical Officer (CMO), typically someone who has undergone medical training By June 2025, more than 280 astronauts from over 20 countries have set foot aboard the International Space Station (ISS), spending weeks and months orbiting Earth in microgravity. While the focus of these missions often lies in scientific experiments and global collaboration, the reality is that astronauts are human, and humans get sick. But what happens when illness strikes hundreds of kilometres above the Earth's surface? There are no traditional hospitals in space, no emergency rooms or surgeons on standby. Yet space agencies have meticulously prepared for the possibility of medical crises. From minor ailments like toothaches and skin rashes to potentially life-threatening conditions, astronauts are trained to respond, and the ISS is equipped to assist. Though not every crew has a certified doctor onboard, each mission designates one astronaut as the Crew Medical Officer (CMO), typically someone who has undergone extensive medical training, even if they're not a physician. They're supported by a well-stocked medical kit and guided, when needed, by ground-based experts. The ISS medical kit includes: When Ground Support Becomes Life Support Should a serious medical condition arise, astronauts don't face it alone. Real-time video and audio communication allows doctors at NASA's Mission Control in Houston to provide live telemedical assistance. Using biometric data transmitted from the ISS and step-by-step guidance, they can instruct the onboard crew on procedures. But when a situation becomes critical, beyond the capability of onboard treatment, the contingency plan kicks in: emergency evacuation. The ISS always has at least one Soyuz or SpaceX Dragon capsule docked, capable of performing what's known as a Contingency Return. In such cases, the ailing astronaut can be transported back to Earth in just 3-5 hours, typically landing in the Kazakh steppe. Once on the ground, they're swiftly transferred to facilities like NASA's Johnson Space Centre in Houston or the Russian Space Agency's medical centre for comprehensive care. Still, this measure is considered a last resort. The priority is always to manage the condition onboard, because the physical strain of re-entering Earth's gravity can worsen some medical issues. In the ISS's 20-plus years of operation, no astronaut has ever had to be evacuated due to a medical emergency. There have been a few incidents worth noting: In 2013, an astronaut experienced kidney stone symptoms, but medication helped manage the pain until he returned to Earth. In 2020, a Russian cosmonaut developed an infection and was successfully treated with antibiotics onboard. Other common complaints have included back pain, rashes, toothaches, and eye irritation, all resolved in orbit. Despite the odds, astronauts undergo thorough health screenings before missions, reducing the likelihood of serious conditions surfacing in space. But microgravity presents its own set of risks. Common Health Risks In Space The following conditions are known to be more likely during long-duration missions: Robots and AI Doctors Looking ahead to longer missions – especially to the Moon or Mars – NASA, ESA, and private partners like SpaceX are investing in automated robotic doctors, telemedicine, and AI-assisted diagnostics. Since immediate return won't be an option for deep-space missions, these technologies could prove vital. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : International Space Station nasa Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: June 26, 2025, 14:56 IST News world What If An Astronaut Gets Sick In Space? This Is NASA's Plan
India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
From Lucknow To Stars: 5 Lesser-Known Facts About Shubhanshu Shukla – 1st Indian On International Space Station
photoDetails english 2923252 Axiom Space's Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew successfully reached the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday in a journey that lasted approximately 28 hours. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station Harmony module at 6:21 am ET while soaring over the expansive North Atlantic, according to ANI, Axiom stated in a statement. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Space's mission, marking a historic moment for India's space collaboration with NASA. Updated:Jun 27, 2025, 06:42 PM IST His NDA Secret 1 / 7 According to a report by News18, Shubhanshu Shukla applied secretly to the National Defence Academy (NDA) at the young age of 16. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Shubhanshu Shukla's School 2 / 7 According to several media reports, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla did his schooling at City Montessori School. The family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla arrived at his school in Lucknow on June 26 to watch the successful docking of Axiom 4 Mission to the ISS. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) What Did He Take With Him? 3 / 7 Reports have also stated that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is carrying gajar halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango juice with him. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Shubhanshu Shukla's Wife 4 / 7 According to a Times of India report, Shubhanshu Shukla and his wife, Kamna, met during their school years in Lucknow. Reportedly, she is a dentist by profession. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Second Indian In Space 5 / 7 After Rakesh Sharma went to space in 1984, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X) Record As 1st Indian at ISS 6 / 7 Axiom-4 mission Pilot and Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, is the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS). (Photo Credit: @Space_Station/ X) Message From Space 7 / 7 As per ANI, in a message to Indians (in Hindi), Shubhanshu Shukla said, "I have a small message for my countrymen: It is because of your love and blessings that I have safely reached the International Space Station. It may look easy to stand here, but it is not; my head is aching. However, we will get used to it. We will be here for 14 days, conducting scientific experiments and speaking with you. This is a milestone for India. Let's make this journey exciting and let everyone participate with interest." "The Tricolour I bear on my shoulder makes me feel as though the entire country is with me. I believe the next 14 days are going to be truly interesting," he added. (Photo Credit: @Axiom_Space/ X)
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Genomic testing sees sharp uptake in India, now growing beyond metros
With 18 per cent CAGR, India's genomic diagnostics market is expanding into Tier 2 and 3 cities as affordability, cancer screening, and personalised care fuel adoption Anjali Singh Mumbai Demand for genomic testing in India has surged significantly over the past two to three years, fuelled by growing clinical awareness, rapid technological advancements and the rising adoption of personalised medicine. From being a niche service concentrated in major metros, genomic diagnostics are now expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reshaping the landscape of preventive and precision healthcare. The Indian genomic diagnostics market is valued at $550 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent, reaching $2,066.31 million by 2030, according to industry estimates. Key drivers include wider physician adoption, declining test prices, improved accessibility and a shift in consumer behaviour towards proactive and personalised healthcare. Diagnostic majors such as Agilus Diagnostics, Metropolis Healthcare, Dr Lal PathLabs, Mahajan Imaging and Labs, and Redcliffe Labs report double-digit growth in the segment. While metros like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi still contribute the lion's share, growing awareness and infrastructure in cities like Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Kochi and Surat are driving demand beyond urban hubs. Test affordability has improved substantially. Prices for routine genomic tests—like BRCA1/2 (used to analyse a person's DNA to identify mutations in genes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer) and NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing, a blood test performed on pregnant women to assess the risk of certain genetic conditions in the foetus)—have come down by 30–40 per cent, now ranging between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000, depending on complexity. While advanced oncology panels and exome sequencing can still cost up to Rs 2 lakh, widespread adoption of high-throughput platforms and in-house test development has made even complex testing more accessible. Experts believe that although demand for genomic testing is rising across multiple segments, increasing cancer incidence and a countrywide focus on cancer detection and reproductive health have been key growth drivers. 'The rapid increase in demand for cancer tests, along with paediatric and reproductive health applications like prenatal testing and carrier testing, are major contributing factors driving growth in genetic testing. The country is also witnessing a rise in testing for rare genetic diseases, driven by India's huge genetic diversity,' said Nilaya Varma, group chief executive officer and co-founder, Primus Partners. 'Genomic testing now contributes 5–7 per cent of our total diagnostics revenue, up from under 2 per cent three years ago,' said Anand K, managing director and chief executive officer, Agilus Diagnostics. Redcliffe Labs pegs this number even higher, at 30–40 per cent, with consistent 20 per cent year-on-year growth in test volumes. 'We've seen a dramatic rise in genomic testing demand over the past five years, especially in oncology, rare diseases and reproductive health. What's encouraging is that Tier 2 and 3 cities like Lucknow, Bhubaneswar and Coimbatore are now actively adopting these tests,' said Himani Pandey, lab head – genomics, Redcliffe Labs. Metropolis Healthcare, which entered the genomics space three years ago, has seen over 50 per cent revenue growth in the segment and plans further expansion through investments in bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. 'We've seen over 50 per cent revenue growth in genomics since our entry into the space three years ago. Genomic testing is increasingly being integrated into routine health check-ups, cancer diagnostics, rare disease screening and personalised treatment planning. We are investing heavily in bioinformatics and NGS platforms to scale further,' said Kirti Chadha, chief scientific and innovation officer, Metropolis Healthcare. Similarly, Dr Lal PathLabs, through its genomics division Genevolve, has launched over 500 tests covering oncogenomics, neurogenomics, rare disease panels and reproductive health. 'With Illumina's NovaSeq X platform at our national reference lab and a focused genomics sales team, we're bringing cutting-edge testing to both metros and smaller towns,' said Shankha Banerjee, chief executive officer, Dr Lal PathLabs. While margins on genomic tests can vary—and in many cases remain lower than routine diagnostics due to high input costs and low volumes—players see genomics as a long-term strategic bet. 'It's not just about margins—it's about clinical value and helping doctors make better treatment decisions,' said Shelly Mahajan, lab director at Mahajan Imaging. A common thread across players is the push for in-house development and Indian population–specific panels, often coupled with global partnerships for specialised tests. Most labs are also investing in AI-driven bioinformatics, advanced molecular labs and automation to enhance scalability. Yet, challenges remain. Despite cost reductions, insurance coverage for genomic tests in India is still extremely limited, creating affordability barriers for patients in lower-income segments. Industry leaders stress that broader insurance inclusion could accelerate adoption, particularly for cancer, rare diseases and reproductive health-related tests. Nonetheless, the momentum is clear: Genomic testing is no longer a fringe offering. With its ability to provide deep molecular insights for early diagnosis, targeted therapy and risk prediction, it is fast becoming a core pillar in India's diagnostics growth strategy.
