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Time of India
an hour ago
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom 4 mission: How Dragon 'Grace' will bring Shukla and crew back from space
IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , along with Peggy Whitson , ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu , will splash down to Earth off the coast of California around 3 pm IST on July 15. The Dragon 'Grace' vessel will undergo a series of re-entry manoeuvres before Shukla and crew make final landing. Here's how 'Grace' will bring Axiom 4 mission crew back to Earth: Departure from ISS: Dragon's return journey from space begins with a scientifcally planned departure process from ISS. All four astronauts will suit up and strap themselves into their seats inside the capsule. The hatch connecting the Grace to ISS will be closed and sealed to begin the air depressurisation process. Once the leak checks and system diagnostics are completed, the spacecraft is ready for autonomous undocking. Separation from ISS: Once all the systems are cleared, Dragon 'Grace' will separate from ISS and begin a series of small thruster burns to distance itself and shift into a new orbit in preparation for re-entry. Orbital Phasing: The next step after Dragon's separation from ISS is orbital phasing manoeuvre that lasts from a few hours to over a day. This depends on the mechanics and readiness of NASA's splashdown site. The spacecraft will jettison its trunk section, housing solar panels and radiators. Then, under favourable conditions, SpaceX will command a deorbit burn, which is the most critical manoeuvre of the return journey. Live Events The second burn, known as the 'deorbit burn', will slow the capsule down and drop it out of orbit using onboard thrusters. With this step, the spacecraft is committed to re-entry on Earth, and cannot enter ISS's orbit in next 24 hours. Peak Heating Phase: The spacecraft, after gaining speed, will plunge into the upper atmosphere at a speed of nearly 28,000 km/h. The exterior of the Dragon vessel will heat up to 1,900°C. At this point, the team experiences a brief communication blackout that lasts around six to seven minutes. This happens because the spacecraft is surrounded by ionised gases for protection against heat. The vessel slows down rapidly, also reducing the external body temperature. Preparation for splashdown: When 'Grace' reaches a point of 5,500 metres above the ocean, two small drogue parachutes will be deployed to stabilise the vehicle. After a few seconds, another pair of four large main parachutes will unfurl from the vessel's body to reduce the speed to a safe range of around 24-32 km/h. Splashdown & Recover: After a significant reduction in speed, Dragon 'Grace' will splash down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California. The SpaceX recovery ship, equipped with fast boats carrying medical and technical teams, will stand by as it waits for the vessel to splash down. These teams will prepare to lift the vessel into the ship using a hydraulic cradle after performing safety checks. Then, Ax-4 crew members will be carefully helped out of the capsule, followed by preliminary medical assessments. The team members help the crew get back to land, usually via helicopter or ship. The landed crew goes under further medical evaluations. Recovery procedures and official mission debriefs happen ahead of landing. SpaceX expects to refurbish the Grace spacecraft for potential reuse. The vessel is completely automated to ensure precision, safety and efficiency during the entire operation. It is also capable of manual override, if needed.
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Science
- United News of India
Over 60 space experiments completed on Axiom-4
Bengaluru, July 14 (UNI) The Axiom-4 mission has successfully conducted over 60 scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), producing critical data expected to shape future space missions and improve human health in both space and terrestrial environments. These experiments included research into muscle formation (myogenesis), bone health, microalgae sustainability, stem cell behavior, and the growth of edible sprouts in microgravity. The findings are anticipated to play a vital role in developing long-duration spaceflight strategies and enhancing biomedical understanding on Earth. Originally scheduled to return on July 10 after a planned 14-day mission, astronauts Shubhanshu Shukla, Peggy Whitson, Alper Gezeravcı (Kapu), and Slawosz Uznanski had their stay extended due to unfavorable conditions at the splashdown site, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). Another key reason for the delay was the need to complete several ongoing experiments, which required more time for meaningful results. Their return has now been tentatively rescheduled for July 14. Commissioned by Axiom Space, a Houston-based private space company, the mission was carried out in partnership with NASA, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), and ESA (European Space Agency). The Axiom-4 mission had two primary objectives: to enable commercial activities in space and to foster deeper international cooperation in space exploration. The successful collaboration between major space agencies and the private sector is seen as a significant step forward in the evolving landscape of space missions, where science, commerce, and diplomacy converge in low Earth orbit. UNI BDN SSP
The Herald Scotland
7 hours ago
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
A chance to show the world Glasgow's scientific expertise
Gravitational waves – ripples in spacetime created by accelerating masses – were predicted by Einstein in 1916. It took almost a century to observe them, a breakthrough providing a new way to study our Universe. Gravitational waves are generated by some of the Universe's most extreme phenomena, such as the mergers of black holes. The energy carried by gravitational waves is phenomenal – if you could see gravitational waves, one black hole merger would outshine all the stars in the sky combined. However, once gravitational waves travel the astronomical distance to Earth, they are almost imperceptivity small. Detecting these ripples was one of the great challenges in experimental physics. After decades of research, the twin LIGO detectors in the US (using Glasgow technology) made their first detection in September 2015. This discovery required LIGO to measure a change in length equivalent to less than the size of a single proton over their 4 km length. This first gravitational-wave signal came from the merger of two black holes, each about 30 times the mass of our Sun. This was the first observation of two black holes merging – a unique test of Einstein's theories – and the first discovery of black holes of that size – a unique insight into the remains left by massive stars. Since 2015, the pace of discovery has exploded. The LIGO detectors are currently in their fourth observing run, joined by the European Virgo and the Japanese KAGRA detectors. This run has already yielded over 200 detections. These observations will deliver a more precise understanding of gravity, astrophysics and cosmology than ever before. This week, scientists will discuss the future of gravitational-wave science and plans for new observatories. The first space-based observatory will launch in the 2030s – the LISA mission of the European Space Agency (ESA). LISA will observe more of the gravitational-wave spectrum and detect signals from the mergers of black holes millions of the times the mass of our Sun. These colossal black holes reside in the centres of all galaxies, yet astrophysicists do not know how they form. As part of GR-Amaldi, Prof. Carole Mundell, Director of Science at ESA and University of Glasgow graduate, will give a free public lecture on ESA and LISA. The GR–Amaldi conference is an opportunity to show the world Glasgow's scientific expertise. Beyond developing gravitational-wave astronomy, spin-out technologies from our research have enabled advancements ranging from monitoring volcanos to generating bone tissue for transplants. The conference also reminds us of what can be achieved through international collaboration. Technological advancements have made gravitational-wave detection an (almost) everyday event. As new connections are made between the world's researchers, we look forward to the next generation of discoveries. Dr Christopher Berry is a senior lecturer in the School of Physics & Astronomy at the University of Glasgow and a member of the University's Institute for Gravitational Research. Agenda is a column for outside contributors. Contact: agenda@
News18
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
No Alcohol, No Meat? What Was Allowed By NASA At Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS Farewell?
Last Updated: Shubhanshu Shukla's farewell on the ISS was streamed live, featuring no alcohol or non-veg food. NASA's rules ensure pre-approved meals and video call goodbyes When we picture a farewell party, we imagine music, food, maybe a few drinks, and some heartfelt goodbyes. But when the send-off happens 400 kms above Earth, like the one recently held for Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the rules are very different. No champagne toasts. No buffet table. And definitely no non-veg. Shukla and a few fellow astronauts were honored in a small, carefully scripted farewell ceremony on the ISS, streamed live back to Earth. The event prompted a flurry of curiosity online: What exactly happens at a space farewell? Do astronauts eat cake? Is music allowed? Can they talk to family? Here's how it works. The ISS might look laid-back in photos, with astronauts floating around grinning in T-shirts, but NASA and its international partners have laid down a dense manual of rules. These stem from the 1998 Intergovernmental Agreement and the Crew Code of Conduct (CCOC), documents signed by agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. Any crew gathering, including farewells, must be coordinated with Earth-based mission control centres in Houston and Moscow. These aren't parties in the traditional sense. They're brief, structured ceremonies where the departing astronauts thank colleagues, reflect on the mission, and hand over responsibilities to the incoming team. So What's Actually Served? Forget space steaks or a glass of wine. NASA bans alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and any intoxicants aboard the ISS. Meals are limited to pre-approved dehydrated or thermostabilised food, prepared weeks in advance and vacuum-sealed for zero-gravity handling. At most, astronauts might 'celebrate" with a snack pack of rehydrated mac and cheese or a bar of chocolate. Any item not previously cleared, down to utensils, can't be used. Even the smell of strong food is considered disruptive in a closed-loop system like the ISS, where air is recycled and shared. Music? Maybe Astronauts are allowed to play music, but only if it doesn't interrupt station communications or disturb experiments. There are no impromptu karaoke sessions or loud goodbyes. Every action, every sound, is logged and monitored from Earth. Family Time, Through A Screen One emotional part of the farewell is the video call with family, conducted with support from mission control. Astronauts float in microgravity, waving goodbye and sharing final thoughts before undocking. These messages are often moving and symbolic, emphasising unity, cooperation, and the high-stakes nature of human spaceflight. In Shubhanshu Shukla's case, it was also a moment of national pride. An Indian astronaut taking part in such ceremonies marks a quiet but significant milestone for India's presence in space exploration. view comments First Published: July 14, 2025, 13:01 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Axiom-4 mission: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla set to return from space; what's next for him; how he'll cope with Earth's gravity
NEW DELHI: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is set to return to Earth on Tuesday, July 15, marking the end of an 18-day scientific mission aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) crewed flight. The Dragon spacecraft, carrying Shukla and fellow crew members Commander Peggy Whitson, ESA astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, is scheduled to undock from the ISS on Monday at 4:30 pm IST, with splashdown expected in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California around 3:00 pm IST on Tuesday. The journey back is expected to last approximately 22 hours. The Ax-4 farewell ceremony was held aboard the ISS on Sunday evening, also attended by members of Nasa 's Expedition 73. Speaking at the event, Shukla reflected on his experience: 'It almost seems magical to me... It has been a fantastic journey for me.' Channeling the iconic words of Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut in space, he added, 'Even today, Bharat looks 'saare jahan se accha' from above.' Family prepares for grand homecoming In Lucknow, anticipation is high. Shukla's mother, Asha Shukla, told ANI, 'We pray to God that he completes his mission successfully and comes back to Earth as soon as possible and meets us… We will give him a grand welcome.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 진짜! 전국에서 인터넷 요금 제일 저렴하게 만들어드립니다! 세모통 가격 받기 Undo His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, confirmed the flight timeline, saying, 'We were waiting for this, so we are happy that he is coming back. We pray to God that he comes back safely.' Asha added that she is preparing all his favourite dishes: 'He told us that this time, after coming back, he wants to eat everything he hasn't had in the past five-six years due to being abroad.' Before launch, Shukla had packed mango nectar, carrot halwa, and moong dal halwa for his time in space, saying, 'There will be plenty of food to eat in space, but I will be carrying mango nectar, carrot halwa, and moong dal halwa with me.' Axiom-4's science and outreach success Launched on June 25 from Nasa 's Kennedy Space Center aboard a Falcon-9 rocket, Axiom-4 docked with the ISS on June 26. Over 18 days, the team carried out more than 60 experiments, including studies on human health, space agriculture, mental well-being, and space suit materials. The mission will return with over 580 pounds of cargo, including scientific equipment and research samples. Shukla focused on testing glucose monitors in microgravity, contributing to efforts aimed at enabling diabetic individuals to participate in future space missions. In his final remarks from space, Shukla said, 'I carry with me a lot of memories and learnings. But what stays with me most is what humanity can achieve when we all come together for a common goal.' He also thanked ISRO, Nasa , SpaceX, and Axiom Space, and acknowledged the contributions of Indian students and researchers to the mission's outreach goals. What's next for him After splashdown, Shukla and his crewmates will be transported to Nasa 's Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will undergo post-landing protocols under medical supervision before being cleared for return to their home countries. He will undergo a series of medical and psychological evaluations, covering physical fitness, balance, reflexes, cardiovascular function, and immune response. Nasa 's Human Health and Performance team will lead the assessments. Shukla will also be debriefed on his mission experience and the experiments he conducted. This data will aid both Axiom and ISRO as they plan future collaborative space missions. He is expected to be formally recognised by Indian scientific institutions, including ISRO and the Indian Air Force, and may receive honours from government bodies for his achievements in space exploration. How he'll cope with Earth's gravity After spending over two weeks in microgravity, Shukla's body will need time to readjust to Earth's gravity. Space travel leads to temporary loss of bone density and muscle mass, along with fluid redistribution that affects blood circulation and organ function. Nasa specialists note that astronauts often experience symptoms such as "puffy face," "chicken legs," vision changes, and even increased height during the early days in space. Upon return, rehabilitation protocols kick in. These include compression garments to stabilise blood pressure, hydration with salt tablets and water, and physical therapy to rebuild strength, coordination, and balance. According to Dr. Dervay from Nasa, 'Almost every organ system in the body is impacted to some degree – whether it's the skin, the neurovestibular, the bone, muscle, the immunological system, the cardiovascular system.' However, Nasa says no extraordinary measures are needed in Shukla's case. 'We don't see any need for any special precaution,' said Dina Contella, deputy manager of Nasa's ISS Program. 'Like any astronauts coming back, there is an acclimation period, and so that will vary by crew member.' Shukla's recovery will also help space agencies better understand the impact of short-duration missions, crucial for long-term exploration goals such as missions to the Moon and Mars. A landmark mission for India Shukla's mission is being seen as a symbolic and scientific milestone in India's space journey. Coming ahead of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, it represents India's growing presence in international space collaboration. At the farewell, Shukla noted, 'If we decide, then even stars are attainable (taara api prapyante).' As he prepares to step back on Earth, Shukla brings not just research findings and experience, but a message of aspiration, unity, and national pride.
