4 of 7 microgravity tests done, Shubhanshu Shukla may undock on Tuesday
BENGALURU: Indian astronaut
Shubhanshu Shukla
, expected to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) at 4.35pm on July 14, has completed four of the seven Isro-led microgravity experiments.
Shukla, who is part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is working on the other three that are nearing completion, Isro confirmed.
The completed experiments are - Tardigrades (Bengaluru strain): focusing on survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptomic changes in microgravity; Myogenesis: studying the effect of space on human muscle cell development; Sprouting of methi and moong seeds: with implications for in-orbit nutrition and food sustainability, and Cyanobacteria: tracking the growth of two variants for potential use in closed-loop life support systems.
"These experiments are now being packed for their return to Earth for further analysis," Isro said.
The three experiments nearing completion are - Microalgae: investigating its viability and applications in space; Crop seeds: studying growth responses to spaceflight conditions; and Voyager display: details of which remain undisclosed but are part of the scientific payload.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Print
33 minutes ago
- The Print
Sriharikota, start-ups to space cities: Naidu govt aims for the cosmos with ambitious space policy
The policy, which leverages Sriharikota's strategic location on Andhra Pradesh's southern coast, aims to attract investments worth Rs 25,000 crore in the sector over the next 10 years, and create 5,000 direct and 30,000 indirect jobs in high-technology, space-linked sectors. The Chandrababu Naidu government's Andhra Pradesh Space Policy (4.0), unveiled Sunday, seeks to build on the country's progress and plans in satellite constellation, next-generation technology missions, planetary and interplanetary exploration, and human spaceflight and space station development. Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh, home to India's only operational spaceport at Sriharikota, has unveiled an ambitious space policy aimed at attracting massive investment and creating thousands of jobs in the state. The five-year policy's strategic goals include the establishment of an enabling eco-system by developing indigenous research and testing infrastructure to reduce dependency on external agencies, and fostering international collaborations and partnerships in critical space technologies, satellite applications and launch logistics. The policy outlines plans to build an enabling ecosystem by developing indigenous research and testing infrastructure to reduce reliance on external agencies, while promoting international collaboration in critical areas, such as space technology, satellite applications, and launch logistics. For the purpose, the government is planning two dedicated Space Cities at Lepakshi (close to Bengaluru), and Tirupati (close to Sriharikota), to make them hubs for space tech, R&D and manufacturing. To implement the policy, the state government will establish a dedicated Special Purpose Vehicle called Andhra Pradesh Space City Corporation, according to government orders issued Sunday. 'The corporation serves as the central agency to coordinate infrastructure development, raise startup funds, attract investments, facilitate industry partnerships, build partnerships to attract global demand and liaise with all Government of India entities for domestic demand. It will also facilitate investors to ensure streamlined execution of space-related projects,' N. Yuvaraj, the industries and commerce department secretary, said while issuing the policy. Operating under the Department of Space, the three key organisations responsible for research, regulatory functions and commercial operations in the space sector are the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) and the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Also Read: What's next as ISRO pulls off short-duration 'hot tests' for Gaganyaan module propulsion system Financial incentives The policy offers several incentives to encourage start-ups and attract investors in the fast-expanding sector. Start-ups could get a grant of up to Rs 15 lakh in a phased manner, an interest subsidy and seed funding with equity of up to Rs 50 lakh, based on an equity sharing model. Large enterprises are eligible for 15 percent of the eligible fixed capital investment with a maximum cap of Rs 75 crore, disbursed over three years. Enterprises successfully entering technology transfer agreements with national or international organisations are eligible for a technology transfer subsidy and can receive 50 percent of the technology acquisition cost, up to a maximum of Rs 1 crore. The state is offering other incentives, such as rebate on land cost, net SGST reimbursement payable on the sale of final products for five years, a de-carbonisation subsidy and stamp duty reimbursement. However, the overall incentive claim should not exceed 100 percent of the fixed capital investment in the state. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can also claim these benefits, along with power subsidies, skill development assistance, branding and marketing support, although the the overall incentive claim cannot exceed 75 percent of the fixed capital investment. Geographical advantage Officials say Andhra Pradesh has a geographical advantage in the national space ecosystem, being home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota—India's only operational launch site. With over 90 successful launches to date, the facility anchors the state's strategic relevance in the country's space programme. 'The development of a third launch pad at Sriharikota further reinforces Andhra Pradesh's role in supporting future strategic, commercial, and crewed space missions. Additionally, the State's proximity to key aerospace hubs such as Bengaluru and Chennai offers significant logistical and technical advantages for component sourcing, talent access, and cross-sector collaboration,' the policy says. The Lepakshi Space City in Sri Satya Sai District (along the Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor) would be situated close to Bengaluru, home to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) R&D hub and prominent aerospace clusters. The Tirupati Space City could boast of direct road access to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) launch pad, facilitating efficient launch operations. 'Both locations have vast land banks available, providing ample scope for development and growth,' the policy says. Recognising the need to target distinct sub-sectors within the space industry, the policy is categorised into two broad areas. The first focuses on design and development, including spacecraft and payload design, avionics and embedded systems, space applications and downstream services. The second covers manufacturing and launch logistics, such as the production and assembly of launch vehicles, propulsion systems, satellites, mechanical and precision components and support infrastructure. India's space sector accounts for about two percent ($8-$10 billion) of the global space economy valued at over $500 billion. The policy notes that the Centre has set an ambitious target to raise this share to $44 billion by 2030. The domestic space ecosystem comprises more than 700 firms supporting ISRO missions, in addition to over 200-250 space-focused startups that contribute to a vibrant and rapidly evolving innovation landscape. The Indian Space Policy 2023 marks a pivotal shift by liberalising access to space technologies and infrastructure, while permitting 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route for satellite component manufacturing and related services. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: Elon's Starlink gets nod from India's space regulator but data privacy, space debris concerns abound
Hindustan Times
39 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
From no alcohol to vegetarian food, inside Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS farewell
Close your eyes and picture a farewell party. We're sure you're thinking of music, food and a few teary-eyed hugs. But when the goodbye happens hundreds of kilometers above Earth, the situation looks a little different. Aboard the International Space Station, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla recently received a send-off that was minimal. No clinking glasses, no lavish spread – just floating food pouches, warm camaraderie and a sense of shared achievement, reports News18. Also, in keeping with ISRO tradition, there was no non-vegetarian fare. Shubhanshu Shukla, 39, is a Group Captain and test pilot in the Indian Air Force (HT_PRINT) Also read: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's family: He showed us sunrise from ISS; waiting for him to return tomorrow What's allowed at an ISS farewell? Shukla and a few fellow astronauts were given a low-key but meaningful farewell aboard the ISS, streamed live to Earth, sparking plenty of curiosity online. Is there cake? Can they play music? and much more. While images of astronauts doing rounds online in T-shirts might suggest a relaxed vibe, space life is definitely not casual. In fact, any crew gathering, including farewells, must be coordinated with Earth-based mission control centers in Houston and Moscow. Reportedly, every ceremony and every moment follows strict protocol. Farewells, too, are defined by the 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement and the Crew Code of Conduct (CCOC), signed by space agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA and CSA. Even in microgravity, rules guide everything, from who speaks when to what foods are permitted, and no confetti. Also read: India's Shubhanshu Shukla, Axiom-4 crew begin journey back to Earth: When, where they'll land Food items that are allowed Forget the champagne toasts or juicy steaks – those don't fly in space. On the ISS, NASA strictly prohibits alcohol, non-veg meals, or anything intoxicating. Food is limited to vacuum-sealed, pre-approved packets like rehydrated mac and cheese or the occasional chocolate bar. Even utensils need prior clearance. Why so strict? In a closed-loop system where air is recycled, even a strong food smell can throw things off. In space, even celebrations have to follow rules. Muted music, emotional goodbyes Music is allowed aboard the ISS, but only if it doesn't disturb communication or scientific work. Instead, astronauts connect with family through scheduled video calls. FAQs: 1. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? He (39) is a Group Captain and test pilot in the Indian Air Force and a Gaganyatri with ISRO. 2. What is his current mission? As of July 2025, he's serving as the mission pilot for Axiom Mission 4 to the International Space Station. 3. What kind of food do astronauts eat in space? Pre-approved, astronauts eat pre-packed, dehydrated meals. Also, non-vegetarian food is restricted.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla completes 7 experiments on ISS: ISRO
Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Crewmates -- veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson (US) as commander, Polish engineer Slawosz Uznanski, and Hungarian researcher Tibor Kapu pose for a picture ahead of undocking. Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla successfully concluded all microgravity experiments during the Axiom-4 mission, marking a significant achievement for ISRO. The experiments included studies on Tardigrades, Myogenesis, seed sprouting, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, and Voyager Display. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has successfully completed all seven microgravity experiments and other planned activities, achieving a significant milestone in the Axiom-4 mission, ISRO said on said that experiments on the Indian strain of Tardigrades, Myogenesis, Sprouting of methi and moong seeds, Cyanobacteria, Microalgae, Crop seeds and Voyager Display have been completed as July 13, 2025, the Expedition 73 Crew members onboard International Space Station ( ISS ) joined Axiom-4 crew members, including ISRO's Gaganyatri, for a farewell ceremony ahead of the departure of the Axiom-4 mission crew from ISS."Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla, while speaking at the farewell ceremony, thanked Expedition 73 crew members for their support along with team ISRO for developing a scientific research portfolio, associated protocols as well as designing student outreach activities with national participation," ISRO and three other astronauts of the Axiom-4 mission began their return journey to Earth on Monday as the Dragon Grace spacecraft undocked from the International Space Station after an 18-day a series of orbital manoeuvres after undocking, the Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down near the coast of California on Tuesday at 3.01 pm Industry Association-India Director General Anil Prakash said Shukla's 18-day mission aboard the ISS isn't just a milestone; it heralds India's leap into the space-biotech frontier."This mission, made possible through strategic private-sector engagement, showcases a powerful public-private partnership, transforming space research into sustainable biotech innovation," Prakash said."SIA-India applauds this collaborative breakthrough in propelling India from space exploration to global space-driven biotech leadership," Prakash his stay at the ISS, Shukla interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students, and also connected with ISRO centres using amateur radio.
