Latest news with #Gaganyatri
NDTV
4 hours ago
- Science
- NDTV
'Ghar Ka Khana' In Orbit: Indian Flavours To Be Part Of Space Mission
As India prepares to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, the spotlight is not only on the science and symbolism of the flight but also on the food that will accompany the country's first Gaganyatri in space. While most meals aboard the ISS are prepared by NASA, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has ensured that Group Captain Shukla will carry a taste of home with him. Among the specially selected items is mango nectar, a sweet and refreshing drink that will be consumed through a sipper in microgravity. Also included is Indian rice, which poses a unique challenge in space due to its non-sticky nature. Unlike sticky rice commonly used in other parts of the world, Indian rice grains may float freely in the low-gravity environment, making them harder to manage. For dessert, Group Captain Shukla will enjoy moong dal halwa, a rich, energy-dense sweet dish that has been carefully packaged for consumption in space. These food items are not just about comfort - they represent India's cultural identity and culinary heritage, now extending into orbit. The packaging and preparation of these dishes have been specially adapted for space conditions, ensuring safety, nutrition, and ease of use. This culinary inclusion is a small but meaningful part of a much larger mission that symbolizes India's growing presence in global space exploration. As Group Captain Shukla embarks on this historic journey, he carries not just scientific experiments and national pride, but also the familiar flavours of home-reminding the world that India's space story is as much about its people and culture as it is about technology and ambition. With the Axiom-4 mission, India is not only participating in a private commercial spaceflight but also laying the groundwork for future human spaceflight missions under the Gaganyaan program. The inclusion of Indian cuisine aboard the ISS is a symbolic and sensory milestone, reflecting the country's readiness to contribute to the international space community on its own terms-scientifically, culturally, and gastronomically.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
ISRO's Gaganyatri to conduct microgravity experiments in upcoming Axiom-4 mission
Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyatri to carry out shortlisted microgravity research experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, as per an official statement from ISRO. The Axiom-4 mission (Axe-4), which Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8. Also Read: Shubhanshu Shukla: IAF officer becomes 1st Indian astronaut for private Axiom Mission 4 to ISS The ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from various national Research and Development laboratories, academic institutions for implementation on the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission with its Gaganyatri. The field of microgravity research with potential applications in diverse areas such as human health, physical/life sciences, material research, novel pharmaceutical development and biotechnology offers significant opportunities to the national scientific community, the statement added. Also Read: ISRO job 'scam': Karnataka HC flags 'unusual' ₹1.03 crore payment, orders probe against complainant The research includes the impact of microgravity radiation in the ISS on edible microalgae. Sprouting salad seeds in space: relevance to crew nutrition; survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptome of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR strain in space; effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration under microgravity; analysing human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity; impact of microgravity on growth and yield parameters in food crop seeds These experiments aim at utilising available research facilities onboard the ISS. Also Read: ISRO SpaDex successfully completes undocking, sets stage for Chandrayaan-4 Considering the safety-driven operational philosophy as well as other mission constraints of human spaceflight missions, these shortlisted microgravity experiments are undergoing stringent evaluations and reviews on the ground before launch. The experience gained through this effort in the implementation of these experiments will nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in the country, resulting in the induction of advanced microgravity experiments in various disciplines in the Indian Space Programme, it added. The upcoming Axiom-4 mission with ISRO's Gaganyatri marks the visit of the first Indian ever to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is set to become the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. He will also be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984. Rakesh Sharma earned the distinction of being the first Indian to go to space on board Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. IAF Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been designated an astronaut, as part of the backup pilot of the Ax-4 if Group Captain Shukla is unable fly. Apart from Shukla, the Ax-4 mission also carries two mission specialists - European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary - to stay aboard the space station. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
"Space Future Begins Now": ISRO Chief On Indian Astronaut's Spaceflight
New Delhi: India's Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to space aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon as part of a crew that will include Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary for the June 8 Axiom Mission 4. Dr V Narayanan, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), shared insights on the Axiom 4 mission and its significance for India's human spaceflight ambitions. "Right now, the training of the Gaganyatri is in its final phase. I would say everything is complete, and we are waiting for the mission to happen," said Dr Narayanan. When asked about the safety of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule, Dr. Narayanan expressed confidence in the system. "The answer is yes. Based on my knowledge of the launcher and these modules, they have undergone sufficient experimentation and flight testing. Enough Falcon 9 launches have happened. I am fully confident. I think it's the right thing. But, as with any rocket or space program, even after everything is done, we have to wait for D-Day for the final result." The Axiom 4 mission is a significant milestone for India, marking its participation in a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS). Dr Narayanan highlighted the benefits of this mission for India's space program. "August 15, 2018, was a historic day for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the human spaceflight programme - the Gaganyaan programme. Until then, India had experience in launching rockets and satellites. But when it comes to human spaceflight, the human interface is critical, and we had very limited experience. Why do I say limited? Because we had never done it before. Of course, in 1984, Rakesh Sharma went to space and returned. Today, he is actively involved with us in the review process and has shared his experiences and the challenges he faced. We are learning a lot from him. With that in mind, I truly salute our Honourable Prime Minister Modi for his vision - why not send one of our Gaganyatris to the International Space Station? It was his vision." Dr Narayanan emphasised the importance of the Axiom 4 mission for building experience and confidence. "I will tell you what the benefits are. First, the Gaganyatri is undergoing a rigorous set of training sessions, so he is becoming more confident. Second, he will fly with other experienced astronauts - Americans and others. Third, he will be part of a team conducting nine experiments, some with his fellow astronauts. He will also handle mission-related management systems. This will give him valuable experience. And when he returns, he will be more confident," he said. When asked about the cost of the mission, Dr Narayanan defended the expenditure. "Let's not reduce it to something like a bus ticket. Think about a bus ticket - I want to tell you, I travel often to Delhi these days. When I first flew in an aeroplane, it was an exciting moment. In 1947, when India gained independence, we used bullock carts and walked on foot in my village. We used to walk 10 kilometres to the temple. Then, when a bus finally came to our village, you can't imagine the excitement - not just mine, the entire village's. So this moment is like that. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It is fully justified. We will gain confidence, and we will gain valuable experience. The Gaganyaatri will feel comfortable, and the outcome will be truly useful for the Gaganyaan programme," he said. Dr. Narayanan elaborated on how the Axiom 4 mission will contribute to the success of Gaganyaan. "First, the Gaganyatri is undergoing full training. Second, he will work with different colleagues. He'll conduct experiments with others, not alone. In the space station, he'll be active alongside them. So, number one: psychological preparedness. Number two: technical understanding. Number three: managerial awareness. So technical, managerial, psychological, and physical readiness - everything will be developed. And once he returns, all of this knowledge will be disseminated," the ISRO chief said. On the selection of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Dr Narayanan expressed full confidence. "I have 100% confidence in the 20,000 employees of the Department of Space. I have full confidence in him as well. Whether it's Shuklaji or another Gaganyatri, I'm happy. But we have chosen someone younger, and I interact with him regularly. He is highly knowledgeable, competent, and dynamic. I am fully satisfied with the selection," he said. Dr Narayanan also spoke about the standby astronaut, Group Captain Prashant Nair. "Both were equally outstanding. Both were excellent. But when it comes to travelling, only one can go. Probably, after considering many factors, the team selected one of them," the ISRO chairman added. He concluded with optimism about the upcoming mission. "In fact, all Indians are going to be with us. We will all enjoy that flight, and we expect very good outcomes to feed into our Gaganyaan programme."
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Science
- India Gazette
ISRO's Gaganyatri to carry out microgravity research experiments during upcoming Axiom-4 mission
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyatri to carry out shortlisted microgravity research experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, as per an official statement from ISRO. The Axiom-4 mission (Axe-4), which Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8. The ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from various national Research and Development laboratories, academic institutions for implementation on the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission with its Gaganyatri. The field of microgravity research with potential applications in diverse areas such as human health, physical/life sciences, material research, novel pharmaceutical development and biotechnology offers significant opportunities to the national scientific community, the statement added. The research includes the impact of microgravity radiation in the ISS on edible microalgae. Sprouting salad seeds in space: relevance to crew nutrition; survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptome of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR strain in space; effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration under microgravity; analysing human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity; impact of microgravity on growth and yield parameters in food crop seeds These experiments aim at utilising available research facilities onboard the ISS. Considering the safety-driven operational philosophy as well as other mission constraints of human spaceflight missions, these shortlisted microgravity experiments are undergoing stringent evaluations and reviews on the ground before launch. The experience gained through this effort in the implementation of these experiments will nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in the country, resulting in the induction of advanced microgravity experiments in various disciplines in the Indian Space Programme, it added. The upcoming Axiom-4 mission with ISRO's Gaganyatri marks the visit of the first Indian ever to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is set to become the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. He will also be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984. Rakesh Sharma earned the distinction of being the first Indian to go to space on board Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. IAF Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been designated an astronaut, as part of the backup pilot of the Ax-4 if Group Captain Shukla is unable fly. Apart from Shukla, the Ax-4 mission also carries two mission specialists - European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary - to stay aboard the space station. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission. (ANI)
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
ISRO's Gaganyatri to carry out microgravity research experiments during upcoming Axiom-4 mission
Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Gaganyatri to carry out shortlisted microgravity research experiments onboard the International Space Station ( ISS ) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission , as per an official statement from ISRO . The Axiom-4 mission (Axe-4), which Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 8. The ISRO has shortlisted seven microgravity research experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from various national Research and Development laboratories, academic institutions for implementation on the International Space Station (ISS) during the upcoming Axiom-4 mission with its Gaganyatri. The field of microgravity research with potential applications in diverse areas such as human health, physical/life sciences, material research, novel pharmaceutical development and biotechnology offers significant opportunities to the national scientific community, the statement added. The research includes the impact of microgravity radiation in the ISS on edible microalgae. Sprouting salad seeds in space: relevance to crew nutrition; survival, revival, reproduction, and transcriptome of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR strain in space; effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration under microgravity; analysing human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity; impact of microgravity on growth and yield parameters in food crop seeds Live Events These experiments aim at utilising available research facilities onboard the ISS. Considering the safety-driven operational philosophy as well as other mission constraints of human spaceflight missions, these shortlisted microgravity experiments are undergoing stringent evaluations and reviews on the ground before launch. The experience gained through this effort in the implementation of these experiments will nurture a microgravity research ecosystem in the country, resulting in the induction of advanced microgravity experiments in various disciplines in the Indian Space Programme, it added. The upcoming Axiom-4 mission with ISRO's Gaganyatri marks the visit of the first Indian ever to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is set to become the first astronaut from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to visit the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. He will also be India's second national astronaut to go to space since 1984. Rakesh Sharma earned the distinction of being the first Indian to go to space on board Russia's Soyuz spacecraft in 1984. IAF Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been designated an astronaut, as part of the backup pilot of the Ax-4 if Group Captain Shukla is unable fly. Apart from Shukla, the Ax-4 mission also carries two mission specialists - European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary - to stay aboard the space station. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the commercial mission. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
