'It's an exciting time to be part of space exploration': Peggy Whitson
Excerpts:
You've seen spaceflight evolve dramatically. How different is the landscape now?
It's changed a lot. When I started, spaceflight was almost entirely govt-led. Now, companies like Axiom Space are transforming how we explore space. They're not only accelerating innovation but also opening doors for more people and more science ... It's an exciting time to be involved in space exploration.
How do you maintain physical and mental health during extended space missions?
Staying healthy in space is a top priority. We follow a strict exercise routine to counteract the effects of microgravity - things like muscle loss and bone density reduction.
Nutrition is key, too. Mentally, staying sharp means staying connected with loved ones and keeping ourselves intellectually engaged. Whether it's science, reading, or crew activities, it's about finding ways to stay focused and fulfilled.
The ground team's support and the camaraderie with fellow astronauts play a huge role.
You've conducted many spacewalks. What's one challenge that truly caught you off guard?
During one spacewalk, we unexpectedly lost a thermal and micrometeoroid shield. Despite meticulous planning, space has its surprises.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
40대 이상이세요? 한 번 시작하면 멈출 수 없어요. 준비되셨나요?
Sea of Conquest
플레이하기
Undo
The shield drifted away, and we had to rely on the ground team's rapid thinking to come up with a workaround.
What makes the Axiom-4 mission stand out?
Ax-4 is setting a new benchmark. We're conducting more research studies than any private ISS mission before. It's not just about science-it's about international collaboration... And for countries like India, which have bold space ambitions, missions like this demonstrate how commercial partnerships can help achieve those goals faster.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
7-minutes of this workout has proven to be 40% more powerful than High Intensity Interval Training for body transformation
When it comes to fast, efficient workouts, everyone's mind goes to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as the holy grail. But new findings are replacing that thought. Researchers now propose that a little-known alternative, Sprint Interval Training (SIT), may be even more potent with greater fat loss, greater muscle gain, and takes much less time. It sounds too good to be true. But the statistics prove it. A peer-reviewed article published in Run Repeat, titled 'Sprint Interval Training: Burn 40% More Fat Than HIIT in 60% Less Time,' concludes that, Sprint Interval Training (SIT) is significantly more effective than HIIT or traditional cardio for fat loss and muscle gain, while requiring much less time. How? Read on to know more! SIT vs. HIIT: The real difference Both SIT and HIIT fall under the umbrella of high-effort training. The difference lies in the intensity and duration. HIIT typically involves short bursts at about 70–90% of max effort for 30 seconds to 4 minutes, followed by active recovery. SIT pushes the body to 100% max effort, but for even shorter periods, i.e, usually 20 to 30 seconds, with longer rest in between. This tiny variation in form creates a huge variation in result. What does the research say A review of 75 studies that contrasted Sprint Interval Training (SIT), High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) produced astonishing findings: SIT created more than 90% more fat loss than MICT. It was also 39.6% better at lessening body fat than HIIT. On average, SIT workouts took 60–70% less time, but produced the highest outcomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo In real-life terms, in terms of time commitment: SIT volunteers trained -390 minutes over 9–10 weeks HIIT took -995 minutes MICT took -1350 minutes Just 7 minutes a session, 3 times a week, for SIT and still performed higher than longer routines. What goes on in those 7 minutes? Here is a typical SIT workout: Warm-up: 2–3 minutes of gentle movement Sprint rounds: 3-6 rounds of 20–30 seconds maximum effort Rest intervals: 2–4 minutes walking or complete rest between sprints Cooldown: 1–2 minutes to bring the heart rate back to resting level Although the work period is brief, the physiological effect is tremendous. Sprint intervals ignite fast-twitch muscle fibers, stimulate growth hormone release, enhance fat burning, and enhance post-workout calorie burning. The body burns calories for hours after the workout is completed and it is a process referred to as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). Why it works SIT's success relies on trying your best. In contrast to HIIT or MICT, it recruits the entire range of muscle fibers, specifically those responsible for explosive power. This provokes a more intense metabolic response, enhances insulin sensitivity, and speeds up fat breakdown. It also: Raises levels of testosterone and growth hormone Raises VO2 max (a metric of cardiovascular capacity) Enhances mitochondrial efficiency, or the cells become more efficient at utilizing energy And it accomplishes all this without long sessions or heavy weights. Who all can try it SIT is scalable and that's part of why it's gaining popularity. A beginner can begin with: Just 2 sprints lasting 20 seconds each and 3 to 4 minutes rest between rounds. Gradually, one can progress to 6–8 sprints. The mantra is quality over quantity. Each sprint should be an all-out effort. Note: Patients with existing heart or joint problems should see their doctor beforehand. Because SIT is so strenuous, it places a greater burden on the cardiovascular system. Can it build muscle too? Yes, especially in the legs, glutes, and core. Sprinting places a high mechanical stress on the muscles, which causes muscle sparing and, in some instances, even lean muscle growth. This also makes SIT a better choice for those who prefer a lean, athletic physique over bulk.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Ancient wisdom meets modern science: Nano-formula offers hope for brittle bones
Chandigarh: In a development that bridges centuries of traditional wisdom with cutting-edge scientific innovation, a team of researchers at PGI and Panjab University has been granted a patent for a novel approach to combating osteoporosis, a debilitating condition causing weak and brittle bones. Their invention — Cissus quadrangularis loaded novel lipidic nano formulation for osteoporosis — promises to unlock the full potential of a medicinal plant. At the heart of this breakthrough is Cissus Quadrangularis, a succulent native to tropical regions of India, often called 'hadjod' or 'bone setter'. "It comes from a personal experience when I saw my relative healing faster from a bone fracture after eating this herb. I decided to grow it at my place and work on it," said Prof Sanjay Bhadada, head of the endocrinology department in PGI, who has global recognition in bone diseases. For generations, the plant's stem has been used in traditional medicine for its remarkable ability to aid bone healing. However, despite its powerful properties, conventional formulations of Cissus quadrangularis have faced a significant challenge: bioavailability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo As a researcher under Prof Bhadada, Dr Jaspreet Garg, a BIRAC innovator fellow from the university institute of pharmaceutical sciences in PU, said, "Whatever is the required amount does not reach the target organ conventionally, that is why it's not widely prescribed by medical practitioners. " The team discovered that existing Ayurvedic formulations of Cissus quadrangularis in the market only achieve 30% bioavailability. This innovative nanotechnology encases the beneficial compounds of Cissus quadrangularis, protecting them and ensuring they reach the bones with unprecedented efficiency. The researchers revealed that their new formulation has demonstrated a remarkable 76% bioavailability in preclinical tests. Beyond enhanced absorption, the researchers highlighted the multifaceted benefits of Cissus quadrangularis itself. Through advanced chemical tests, they have confirmed the plant is a powerhouse of natural substances with diverse health-boosting properties. It's packed with potent antioxidants that fight cellular damage, and contains compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer potential. Traditionally, Cissus quadrangularis has also been used for its anti-arthritic, anti-obesity, and glycemic control properties. "We have meticulously standardised the formulation, which is in the form of a capsule, and conducted rigorous efficacy tests in animal studies, observing highly positive results on key bone health biomarkers," said Dr Garg. The invention is now moving swiftly towards scale-up studies to prepare for commercialisation. The team is also actively engaged in regulatory studies to bring this innovative product to market within one year. This research is particularly focused on its application for post-menopausal osteoporosis and fracture healing, with the potential to also be launched as a nutraceutical for broader bone health support. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
After NISAR mission, India to launch 6500-kg US communication sat: Isro chief
NEW DELHI: After launching the world's costliest earth observation mission NISAR in collaboration with the US on July 30, India is set to launch a US communication satellite —Block-2 BlueBird — weighing 6,500 kg in a couple of months, chairman V Narayanan disclosed on Sunday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Block 2 BlueBird satellite features large communication arrays, up to 2,400 sq ft, and has been designed to achieve data transmission speeds of up to 12 Mbps, enabling voice, data and video communication capabilities for end users. The satellite will provide direct-to-smartphone broadband connectivity, eliminating the need for specialised terminals. The next-generation American satellite is expected to reach India in Sept and will be launched aboard LVM-3-M5, Isro's heaviest rocket, from the Sriharikota spaceport. BlueBird satellite uses AST & Science's patented technologies for connecting to cellphones in a space environment for their SpaceMobile constellation. The satellite has a communications array measuring 64.38 sq m to establish direct connectivity with cellphones via 3GPP-standard frequencies, in partnership with leading cellular service providers around the world. After NISAR, the Block-2 BlueBird launch will further boost Indo-US space collaboration. Narayanan, who was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Maharashtra governor C.P. Radhakrishnan during the convocation ceremony at SRM Institute of Science and Technology at Kattankulathur near Chennai, talked about the rapid strides India's made in the field of space technology. He said Isro was set up in 1963, with a tiny rocket being donated by the US that year to mark the beginning of the Indian space programme. In 1975, with satellite data given by the US, Isro demonstrated 'mass communication' through 2,400 TV sets at 2,400 villages across six Indian states. 'From that (humble beginnings), the 30th of July was a historic day for the Indian space programme. We have launched the NISAR satellite, the costliest one ever built in the world. Today, we are working shoulder to shoulder with advanced countries,' Narayanan said.
