Latest news with #Gaganyaan
NDTV
16 minutes ago
- Science
- NDTV
Shubhanshu Shukla Healthy, Space Mission Highly Successful: ISRO Chief To NDTV
In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has returned safely from the International Space Station (ISS), marking the nation's first human presence aboard the orbital laboratory. Facilitated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this mission is being hailed as a major milestone in India's journey toward human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan programme. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Dr V Narayanan, Chairman of ISRO, confirmed that Group Captain Shukla is "totally healthy and totally happy" following his successful splashdown. "His medical parameters are being continuously monitored, and the information available to me from the doctors is very reassuring," said Dr Narayanan, emphasising the mission's safety and success. The mission, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was designed to test India's capabilities in human spaceflight and gather critical data for the upcoming Gaganyaan programme. "This is a very satisfying mission," Dr Narayanan noted. "We sent Shukla ji to space very safely and brought him back safely. The entire country is happy because we are getting good input for our Gaganyaan programme." Group Captain Shukla's journey to the ISS was not just a technological feat but also a symbol of national pride. Prime Minister Modi lauded the mission in both a Cabinet Resolution and a speech before the opening of the budget session of the Indian Parliament, underscoring its significance for India's future in space exploration. Dr Narayanan elaborated on the unique challenges of human spaceflight compared to satellite missions. "The new thing is the human interface with the rocket system. That's why we are extremely happy that we could send him safely, bring him back safely, and gather valuable input," he said. He described the mission as "highly successful" and "fully satisfying," reflecting ISRO's confidence in its growing capabilities. The mission's success is expected to accelerate preparations for Gaganyaan, India's first crewed spaceflight, which aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit by 2027. Group Captain Shukla's experience aboard the ISS will provide ISRO with crucial insights into astronaut health, spacecraft systems, and operational protocols in microgravity. This achievement places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans to space and collaborating on international space missions. It also signals India's readiness to take on more ambitious projects, including lunar and interplanetary exploration. As the nation celebrates this historic milestone, ISRO continues to work diligently on the next phases of the Gaganyaan programme. With Group Captain Shukla's safe return and glowing health report, India's space odyssey has entered a bold new chapter - one that promises innovation, collaboration, and inspiration for generations to come.
News18
5 hours ago
- Science
- News18
Shubhanshu Shukla Learns To Walk Again After Spending 18 Days In Space
Last Updated: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, one of four astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on June 25. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from space on July 15 after nearly three weeks aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is now undergoing recovery and physical readjustment on Earth. Shukla, one of four astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on June 25. After spending nearly 20 days in microgravity, he and the team splashed down safely off the coast of California. In a video shared on Instagram, Shukla is seen relearning how to walk, supported by two individuals as he takes slow, deliberate steps. 'I have received many messages wishing me a speedy recovery. I want to thank everyone and give a quick update," he wrote in the post. He explained that during space travel, the body undergoes several physiological changes due to the absence of gravity, such as fluid shifts, changes in heart rate and balance, and muscle loss. Now, back on Earth, he said, the body has to adapt again. 'Though the rate of recovery varies for each astronaut, I was amazed at how quickly the human body begins to readjust," he noted. 'In the pursuit of the unknown (space), you get to know more about yourself." According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Shukla and the other three astronauts will remain in quarantine until July 23. The period will include medical monitoring and support to aid their re-adaptation. Minister Singh, in an interview with PTI, said Shukla's mission has provided India with valuable practical insights as it prepares for its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan. 'It has added to India's capabilities and positioned us more strongly for future international space collaborations," he said. During their stay aboard the ISS, Shukla and his crewmates conducted over 60 scientific experiments and outreach activities. Shukla is only the second Indian to travel to space, after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew in 1984. view comments First Published: July 23, 2025, 08:46 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.
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
Watch: Shubhanshu Shukla Learns To Walk Again After Spending 18 Days In Space
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who returned from a successful space mission last week, is relearning to walk on Earth again. Mr Shukla was among the four crew members who flew aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on June 25 as part of the Axiom-4 mission. He returned safely to Earth on July 15 after spending approximately 18 days aboard the ISS. On Tuesday, Mr Shukla shared a video on Instagram of himself trying to walk again and getting used to gravity. In the clip, he is seen being helped by two other people as he puts each step in front of the last one. "I have received a lot of messages regarding my health and wishing me speedy recovery. I want to thank you all and also give an update. Experiencing microgravity, our body goes through several changes like fluid shift, heart rate, balance readjustment, muscle loss. These are adaptations to the new environment. Once the body gets used to this and we return to gravity, these adjustments happen once again. Though it varies for all astronauts, the body soon starts adapting to its new environment. I was surprised to observe the pace with which our body can adjust to new settings," Mr Shukla wrote in the caption of the post. "In the pursuit of the unknown(space), you get to know more about yourself," he added. Take a look at the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@ Mr Shukla and the three other mission astronauts will remain in quarantine until July 23 to complete medical and re-adaptation procedures, according to an official statement quoting Union Minister Jitendra Singh. In an interview with PTI, Mr Singh said Mr Shukla's three-week stay at the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission has given India valuable insights and experience in handling space missions as it prepares for its own Gaganyaan project. It gave a tremendous amount of experience, expertise for India's future voyages and also put the country in a better position for large international collaborations, the Union Minister continued. "But most of all, it also sends out a huge, huge message across the globe. Now, India has come of age as far as the space sector is concerned," he said. Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crewmates splashed down off the coast of California on July 15. During their time aboard the ISS, Mr Shukla and the Ax-4 crew were involved in over 60 scientific experiments and outreach initiatives. Mr Shukla is only the second Indian to visit space. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first to do so in 1984.
The Hindu
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Impact of Operation Sindoor, Shubhanshu Shukla: Emerging opportunities in space, defence
The recent Operation Sindoor and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey into space have thrown the spotlight on India's space and defence sectors. Both the sectors are strategic to India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The recent policy initiatives of Central and State governments for promotion of investments from private corporates and setting up a vibrant start-up ecosystem are expected to drive growth in the sectors in the next five years and will offer exciting opportunities for engineering graduates in employment, entrepreneurship, and research. This article presents the current status, synergy between the two sectors, future outlook for them and the opportunities they present to the students. Five-fold growth for space sector The recent success of Shubhanshu Shukla's trip to the International Space Station, launched by the Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, is expected to pave the way to Gaganyaan, India's first human flight mission, expected in 2027. Besides, the Chandrayaan Missions have significantly bolstered India's standing, as a global space power and fueled its ambitious space exploration plans. The sector, currently valued at about $9.5 billion is projected to grow fivefold to reach $44 billion by 2033. Currently, there are over 400 private companies and 350 startups, employing over a lakh employees. Start-ups successful in this space include Skyroot Aerospace, which was the first private Indian company to design, build, and test a solid rocket propulsion stage, and AgniKul Cosmos, which developed the world's first 3D-printed rocket engine. Other significant private entities include Ananth Technologies, Data Patterns , Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Pixxel, Satellize, and Manastu Space and Corporate groups like Godrej and Larsen & Toubro. Govt policy initiatives in aerospace Indian space sector, historically, dominated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has undergone a dramatic transformation , with the introduction of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which enabled entry of private players into the entire spectrum of space activities, including satellite operations, launch vehicle management, and data dissemination. The ISRO will transition to focus primarily on advanced Research and Development (R&D) and will gradually transfer the technologies developed by it to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) for manufacturing. In order to promote foreign investment, Indian Government has allowed upto 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for manufacturing and operation of the satellites. A number of States have launched policies for promotion of Space-Tech related industry activities in the respective states. Defence sector to double India's defence sector, valued at $27.1 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to $54.4 billion by 2033. AI-enabled combat and autonomous swarm technologies are seeing accelerated investment, with the domestic drone market, expected to grow to $11 billion by 2030. In the recent years, private sector's participation in defence sector has expanded in a big way, with over 500 companies and 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) employing over two lakh employees and contributing about 21% of total defence production. They include startups such as Raphe mPhibr and Alpha Design Technologies ,which manufactured the drones used in Operation Sindoor, and large corporate groups such as Adani, Ashok Leyland , Bharat Forge, Godrej, Jindal, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra and Tata Advanced Systems. After its reported use in Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos missile system has generated good interest in exports, wherein over 14 countries are reported to be in talks with India to acquire the supersonic missile. This marks a strategic leap in India's defence exports, growing at over 19% per year, with a vision of reaching $6 billion in the next five years. Policy initiatives to promote defence The Government of India has launched several initiatives and schemes such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Advanced Defence Technology Innovation (ADITI) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) to promote indigenous development of defence technologies by startups, MSMEs, and academia. The defence sector's growth is further accelerated by the establishment of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, designed to promote indigenous production and create a nurturing ground for startups. A number of State governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have unveiled policies to promote investments and create employments in the sector. Synergy between defence and space Operation Sindoor showcased the significance of the synergy and convergence between these two technologies, wherein satellite-aided drone interception played a significant role in the success of the mission. With this backdrop, the government is accelerating its space-based surveillance capabilities by launching 52 dedicated defence satellites by 2029, reflecting formal integration of space into national defence strategy. Both sectors are critical pillars of national security. Space assets provide crucial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, enabling real-time situational awareness over adversary territories and critical regions like the Indian Ocean. The strategic synergy is characterized by shared dual-use technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, drones, and advanced satellite systems, fostering interdependencies and collaborative environments crucial for national security and broader economic development. The development of advanced materials, such as titanium alloys and super alloys by companies like Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) serves both missile and spacecraft components. Propulsion engineers design and test engine components for both aircraft and space launch vehicles. This convergence fosters a symbiotic relationship, leading to a more robust and self-reliant technological base for the nation. Collaboration between academia, industry and research agencies Industry-premier research centres-academia collaboration is a cornerstone of India's strategy for promotion of innovation and manufacturing excellence. The collaboration between ISRO and DRDO, and their engagement with private industry and academia, allows for shared knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise. Government policies explicitly emphasise fostering these linkages to enhance the overall ecosystem. The iDEX and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) initiative actively engages R&D institutes and academia to develop innovative defence technologies. Establishment of Incubation Centres is critical for nurturing talent and fostering advanced research. IN-SPACe aims to establish technical incubation centers for startups, providing technical assistance and handholding. DIAT, Pune, has successfully incubated companies, demonstrating the practical outcomes of such initiatives. Opportunities for HEIs India's higher education system has been swiftly responding to the growing industry demand in both the sectors introducing new branches and courses of engineering in space and defence technologies. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Trivandrum offers in Aerospace Engineering and in Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics to meet national R&D requirements. Specialised government institutions such as the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, offer defence-focused courses such as Missile Technology and Drone Technology, UAV systems and electronic warfare. Other prominent institutions such as the IITs and NITs also offer aerospace engineering courses, and minors in Space Technology and Defence Electronics, combining satellite design, control systems, and sensor integration to prepare the engineering graduates for diverse roles, like satellite systems engineers, propulsion engineers, space scientists, and data analysts. Recently, major private higher institutional groups such as Symbiosis, Amity and Manipal have launched Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate and integrated programs in defence and aerospace technologies, whereas some institutions are offering them, as minor branches, along with major branches in core engineering disciplines and Computer Science. Some of them offer programs in collaboration with the nodal agencies such as the ISRO, DRDO and HAL. Opportunities for collaborative research Collaborative Research Programs are integral to the major national missions. The Gaganyaan program, for instance, is a national effort designed to involve significant participation from academia and national agencies, establishing a broad framework for collaboration between ISRO, academia, industry, and other scientific organizations. The ISRO has set up nine Space Technology Cells at premiere institutions, such as the IISc and the seven IITs, and started a Joint Research Programme with Savitribai Phule Pune University. The DRDO has set up research labs at IISc Bangalore in avionics, space systems, and drone tech and established a Centre of Excellence at IIT, Hyderabad, with a focus on advanced additive manufacturing. The Department of Science and Technology, ISRO and DRDO have been offering a number of schemes for academic research in cutting edge areas of technologies. Employment pathways The burgeoning defence and space sectors offer a wide array of employment opportunities for fresh engineering graduates across various organizations and specialized roles. Besides Armed Forces, government and public sector organisations, large corporates and start ups have been recruiting the fresh engineering graduates. India's space and defence sectors are going through an unprecedented transformation, driven by ambitious growth trajectories, robust policy support, and a strategic shift towards indigenous innovation and increased private sector participation. This dynamic evolution is creating an expanding landscape of opportunities for fresh engineering graduates, in terms of employment as well as entrepreneurship. More than just career paths, they offer a unique chance to be at the forefront of technological advancement, contributing directly to India's journey towards technological sovereignty and global leadership. Now, it is up to the Higher Educational Institutions to groom the students by introducing appropriate inter-disciplinary courses and take up research in collaboration with the industry and the premier research agencies such as the ISRO and DRDO. (Prof O. R. S. Rao is the Chancellor of the ICFAI University, Sikkim. Views are personal)
NDTV
a day ago
- Science
- NDTV
Making Of India's Space Hero Shubhanshu Shukla, "Incredibly Intelligent, Wicked Smart"
In the golden hour of a historic monsoon morning, Air Vice Marshal Anupam Agarwal stood proud at Kartavya Path, reflecting on a journey that began six years ago and culminated in Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's triumphant return from space. "Nothing could be better," he said, his voice tinged with emotion and pride. "We as a team are the luckiest people on Earth." The selection of Shukla, a 39-year-old fighter pilot from Lucknow, was no ordinary feat. As the youngest of the four astronaut designates trained under India's Gaganyaan program, Shukla's journey from the National Defence Academy to the stars is a testament to brilliance, resilience, and adaptability. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006, he has logged over 2,000 hours flying aircraft ranging from the Sukhoi-30 MKI to the An-32. Shukla spent three weeks in space and returned to Earth on July 15, becoming the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station on a SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket and crew Dragon named Grace. According to ISRO, Gaganyatri Shubhanshu Shukla was flown to Houston for a week-long rehabilitation program to mitigate any 'adverse effects of microgravity.' When experiencing microgravity, the human body undergoes several changes, like fluid shift, heart rate, balance readjustment, and muscle loss. These are mere adaptations to the new environment. Upon returning to gravity, the body adjusts again, said Shukla. Though it varies for all astronauts, the body soon starts adapting to its new environment. "I was surprised to observe the pace with which our body can adjust to new settings," he added. But what truly sets Shukla apart, according to Air Vice Marshal Agarwal, who is currently the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Medical) in the Air Headquarters, is not just his technical prowess. "He is incredibly intelligent," Mr Agarwal said. "I can't disclose his intelligence scores, but he is right on top there. He's so bright, yet so funny. So serious, and yet someone who can find the best in a bad situation." This rare blend of intellect and emotional balance is what made Shukla the ideal candidate. "In an astronaut, that's the best thing you can have," Mr Agarwal explained. "Even in a difficult situation, he keeps his cool, finds something humorous, and remains positive throughout." Shukla's American commander on the Axiom-4 flight or what is often called Mission Akash Ganga, Astronaut Peggy Whitson, speaking to NDTV, described him as "wicked smart." Incidentally, in America, "wicked smart" is a colloquial expression that means "extremely clever." Adaptability, Mr Agarwal emphasised, is the cornerstone of astronaut selection. "Space is the toughest endeavour humankind undertakes. Anything can go wrong at any point in time. You want someone who can play it on the go." The challenge of Gaganyaan is immense. "Only three countries have launched humans from their soil using indigenous technology, Russia, the USA, and China," Mr Agarwal noted. "Some of the best nations have tried and given up. That tells you how tough it is." He likened the complexity of human spaceflight to the challenges of exponential growth. "Put a satellite inside a rocket, and you know how it behaves. Put a human, and you're dealing with moods, heartbeats, lungs that breathe differently. Add more humans, and the complexity multiplies." Selecting astronauts in 2019 meant looking 20 years ahead. "You don't want to train someone only to find out his heart isn't behaving well a decade later," Mr Agarwal said. "Mental fitness is even more critical. A mentally fit person is more important than a physically fit one." He elaborated, "You might send a diabetic into space, but never a neurotic. In a crisis, you need someone who will go ahead and deal with it, take it in stride." The Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru, an Indian Air Force special unit, which Mr Agarwal once headed, played a pivotal role in this selection. "It's a hidden jewel of the Indian Air Force". "We got to interact with the best test pilots and fighter pilots in the country. Selecting four out of a population of 1.4 billion-statistically, they're among the 24 best in the world." Shukla's mission, launched from the iconic Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, the same pad from which Astronaut Neil Armstrong lifted off in 1969 for his moon landing, adds a poetic symmetry to India's space journey. "It's a golden moment in history," Mr Agarwal said. As Shukla now undertakes his post-launch rehabilitation, the nation watches with pride and anticipation. His story is not just one of personal achievement but a symbol of India's cosmic aspirations. Shukla is expected back in India around Independence Day. "Everything is special about him," Mr Agarwal concluded. "He's the kind of person who makes you believe that India's place among the stars is not just a dream-it's destiny."
