Shubhanshu Shukla docking Space Station Live Updates: Dragon connects to space station; hatch opening soon
The Axiom-4 mission is more than just a scientific endeavour; it stands as a powerful symbol of India's emergence as a global technology leader. It reflects the country's growing capability to drive space innovation, champion sustainability, and play a pivotal role in international scientific collaborations.
Once aboard the International Space Station (ISS), Group Captain Sudhanshu Shukla will lead groundbreaking research in the field of food and space nutrition. These experiments, developed through a partnership between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), with support from NASA, are designed to advance knowledge of sustainable life-support systems, an essential component of future long-duration space missions.
A key focus of the research is to investigate how microgravity and space radiation affect edible microalgae, a nutrient-rich and high-potential food source for deep space exploration. Scientists will assess critical growth parameters and study transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic changes in various algal species, comparing their behaviour in space to that on Earth. The results could have far-reaching implications for developing efficient, sustainable food sources for astronauts on future interplanetary missions.
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Indian Express
20 minutes ago
- Indian Express
As Oppn skips Lok Sabha discussion on Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey, Shashi Tharoor says: ‘Mission a symbol of India's ambitions in human spaceflight'
With the Opposition parties skipping a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Shubhanshu Shukla's space journey as part of its protest against the Central government, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to his social media to call the space mission a a pivotal moment for India's human spaceflight ambitions. He said the mission had 'captured the nation's imagination' and would inspire many young Indians to explore careers in space science and technology. Responding to a tweet by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on X, the Congress leader confirmed the absence of Opposition from the special discussion. 'Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS),' he said. In a series of posts on X, the Congress leader elaborated on the significance of Shukla's mission for India's space program, particularly ISRO's upcoming Gaganyaan mission. 1/3 Since the Opposition are not participating in the special discussion, let me say how proud all Indians are of the recent mission of Commander Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). It served as a stepping stone to our nation's own human spaceflight… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 18, 2025 'Shukla's mission provided ISRO invaluable hands-on experience & data that cannot be replicated in simulations. His first-hand observations on pre-launch procedures, spacecraft systems, and the psychological and physiological effects of microgravity are crucial for de-risking and refining the Gaganyaan mission.' Tharoor also spoke about the importance of the mission in strengthening India's position, saying that working with international space agencies was a big step forward for India's role in global space efforts. 'His mission in partnership with international agencies reinforced India's role in global space diplomacy. It demonstrates India's willingness and capability to engage in multilateral space efforts and opens doors for future joint research and investment,' he said. 'Commander Shukla's historic flight serves as a powerful symbol of India's ambitions in human spaceflight. It has captured the nation's imagination, inspiring a new generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths & space studies — all essential for sustaining India's long-term space goals. Well done!'
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
'Since opposition isn't...': Shashi Tharoor's shoutout for Shubhanshu Shukla
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Business Standard
an hour ago
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ITI celebrates successful launch of NISAR satellite in GSLV F16
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