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India.com
8 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
'Saare Jahan Se Achha': When an Indian Fighter Pilot Became the Nation's Ambassador to the Stars
"Saare Jahan Se Achha": When an Indian Fighter Pilot Became the Nation's Ambassador to the Stars On April 3, 1984, as the Soyuz T-11 rocket pierced through Earth's atmosphere carrying Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma toward the Salyut 7 space station, it wasn't just launching one man into orbit—it was catapulting an entire nation's dreams into the cosmic arena. What followed over the next seven days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes would become one of the most extraordinary chapters in India's quest to establish itself as a space-faring civilization. Born in Patiala, Punjab, on January 13, 1949, Sharma's journey to the stars began not in laboratories or observatories, but in the cockpit of MiG-21 fighter jets during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Flying 21 combat missions before his 23rd birthday, he embodied the fearless spirit that would later make him the perfect candidate for humanity's ultimate frontier. When the opportunity arose in 1982 to participate in a joint Indo-Soviet space mission, Sharma volunteered without hesitation—a decision that would transform him from a decorated Air Force pilot into India's first cosmic ambassador. The selection process was grueling. From 150 highly qualified IAF pilots, only two were chosen as cosmonaut candidates. Sharma's selection led him to the prestigious Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow, where he spent two years mastering Russian, adapting to freezing temperatures, following a rigorous 3,200-calorie diet, and undergoing Olympic-level physical training. Perhaps most tellingly, he endured a 72-hour claustrophobia test—locked alone in a room to simulate the psychological pressures of space confinement. But it was the mission itself that truly showcased India's ingenuity and cultural pride. As the 128th human to travel to space, Sharma didn't just carry scientific instruments aboard Salyut 7—he carried the essence of India. The Defence Food Research Lab in Mysore had prepared a special space menu: aloo chhole, suji halwa, and vegetable pulao, which he generously shared with his Soviet crewmates Yury Malyshev and Gennady Strekalov. In an era before globalization, this simple act of culinary diplomacy introduced authentic Indian flavors to the cosmos. The scientific agenda was ambitious and diverse. Over 43 experimental sessions, Sharma conducted groundbreaking research in biomedicine and remote sensing. One particularly intriguing experiment involved testing yoga's effects on the human body in microgravity—a perfect fusion of ancient Indian wisdom with cutting-edge space science. His photography of India from space saved the nation approximately two years' worth of aerial mapping work, demonstrating how space exploration could yield immediate practical benefits. Yet it was a spontaneous moment of patriotic eloquence that would define Sharma's legacy forever. During a joint television conference linking space with Earth, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi posed a simple question: 'How does India look from space?' Without missing a beat, Sharma replied with three words that would echo through generations: 'Saare Jahan Se Achha'—better than the entire world. This phrase, borrowed from Allama Iqbal's immortal patriotic poem, encapsulated not just national pride but the profound emotional impact of seeing one's homeland from the cosmic perspective. The space station itself represented the cutting edge of 1980s space technology. Salyut 7 was a modest facility by today's standards—measuring 14.4 meters in length with a maximum diameter of 4.15 meters and offering just 100 cubic meters of habitable space. Weighing 18,900 kilograms (about 19 tons), it orbited Earth at altitudes between 279-284 kilometers with an orbital inclination of 51.6 degrees. To put this in perspective, today's International Space Station dwarfs Salyut 7—stretching 109 meters end-to-end (nearly 2.5 times the length of an American football field) with 13,696 cubic feet of habitable volume and weighing 419,725 kilograms (over 20 times heavier than Salyut 7). The ISS orbits at a higher altitude of 370-460 kilometers, making it far more stable and visible from Earth. Yet what Salyut 7 lacked in size, it compensated for in pioneering spirit. The station featured two docking ports, three solar panels, electric stoves, a refrigerator, constant hot water, and even specialized portholes designed to allow ultraviolet light in to help kill infections. During its operational life from 1982 to 1991, it hosted 22 cosmonauts from 10 different crews, conducting everything from metallurgy experiments to astronomical observations. Remarkably, the station survived even being 'dead' for months—in 1985, it completely lost power and tumbled out of control until a daring rescue mission by cosmonauts Vladimir Dzhanibekov and Viktor Savinykh brought it back to life. Salyut 7 is no longer there. After serving far beyond its intended lifespan, the station met a dramatic end on February 7, 1991, when it made an uncontrolled reentry over Argentina. Despite Soviet attempts to guide its descent into the Atlantic Ocean, the 88,000-pound station broke apart in the atmosphere, showering metal fragments over the town of Capitán Bermúdez near Buenos Aires. Residents watched in awe as glowing trails streaked across their sky—a spectacular finale for a station that had pushed the boundaries of human space exploration. Sharma's mission was part of this remarkable legacy of international cooperation that would eventually evolve into today's multinational ISS program. The mission's success elevated India to become the 14th nation to send a human into space, but more importantly, it planted the seeds of a space-age national consciousness. When Sharma and his crew landed in Kazakhstan on April 11, 1984, they returned not just as successful astronauts but as harbingers of India's cosmic ambitions. The Soviet Union honored Sharma with the Hero of the Soviet Union award—making him the only Indian to receive this distinction—while India conferred its highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, on all three crew members. The ripple effects of those eight days continue to resonate today. Sharma's mission proved that space exploration wasn't the exclusive domain of superpowers; it demonstrated that developing nations with vision, determination, and international cooperation could reach for the stars. His journey paved the way for India's indigenous space program, which today launches satellites for dozens of countries and prepares for its own Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. After retiring as Wing Commander, Sharma continued serving India's aerospace ambitions as Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited until 2001. Today, at 76, he lives peacefully in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, spending his days gardening, reading, and practicing the same yoga he once tested in zero gravity. Yet he remains connected to India's space future as a member of the National Space Advisory Council for the Gaganyaan mission. As India prepares to send Shubhanshu Shukla as its second citizen to space on 8th June 2025, Rakesh Sharma's pioneering journey serves as both inspiration and roadmap. His mission proved that space exploration is ultimately about human curiosity, international cooperation, and the audacious belief that geographical boundaries—even Earth itself—need not limit human potential. In an age where private companies routinely launch tourists into space and Mars missions capture global imagination, it's worth remembering that India's space story began with one man's eight-day journey, a handful of carefully packed Indian meals, and three words that reminded the world that patriotism, when combined with scientific achievement, can indeed make any nation appear 'Saare Jahan Se Achha'—better than the entire world?
News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
'Just Hope He's Eating Well': Astronaut-Designate Shubhanshu Shukla's Family Prays For Space Mission
Last Updated: Shukla will fly to the International Space Station aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 8 The family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is preparing for lift-off into space, is experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—pride, anxiety, and hope. News18 spoke to Shukla's parents and elder sister in Lucknow and they discussed his childhood, dedication, and the deep emotional current running through their home ahead of his 14-day space mission to the International Space Station (ISS). His mother, Asha Shukla, tears up while speaking about her son's extraordinary journey. 'I am proud, but also deeply anxious. He has always been calm and determined, but as a mother, I can't stop worrying. He's going so far, into space. Every day I pray for his safe return," she said. 'He used to love maa ke haathon ka khana, especially the simple meals I cooked with love. It's been years since he had that. I just hope he's eating well." His father, SD Shukla, a retired government employee, recalls his son's early years. 'He was never like the other kids—always focused, quiet, and deeply thoughtful. We didn't even know when he applied for NDA. One day he came and told us he had cleared everything—written, SSB, medical. That's how he has always been: silently determined." Sibling Bond Shukla's elder sister, Shuchi Mishra, described their bond as a lifelong friendship filled with ups and downs. 'We would fight over small things, but never stayed angry. He always had a larger-than-life dream and pursued it relentlessly. Even as a child, he stood apart—disciplined and driven. His presence always gave us strength. It's strange to see him go so far away now. I feel both proud and emotional." IAF Journey and Sacrifice Shukla joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on June 17, 2006, after clearing the NDA exam. Over nearly two decades, he has logged over 2,000 flying hours on several frontline aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. A Mission Beyond Borders Shukla is currently under quarantine with his three fellow astronauts ahead of the launch. He has expressed complete confidence in the success of the mission. 'This is a milestone for commercial spaceflight and international collaboration," he said during a pre-launch event hosted by Axiom Space. He will fly to the ISS aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The scheduled launch date is June 8. About the Axiom-4 Mission Axiom-4 (Ax-4) is a landmark mission in the evolution of commercial spaceflight. Organised jointly by NASA and private space company Axiom Space, this mission aims to deepen international cooperation in low-Earth orbit and push forward the agenda of building the world's first commercial space station—Axiom Station. The crew includes astronauts from four countries: India, the United States, Poland, and Hungary. Representing India is Group Captain Shukla; from the US is veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson; Poland is represented by Slawosz Uznanski, who will become the second Polish astronaut in space after 1978; and Hungary's Tibor Kapu will be its second astronaut after 1980. The Axiom-4 mission will dock with the ISS for 14 days, during which the crew will carry out a diverse range of tasks. The mission's primary objective is to advance scientific research in microgravity across multiple disciplines, including biology, physics, and materials science. The astronauts will also evaluate new technologies designed for deep-space travel and long-duration space habitation. In addition, the team will focus on fostering international scientific collaboration by working with institutions from around the world. Educational outreach programmes are also planned, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists, and space enthusiasts. First Published:
India.com
3 days ago
- Science
- India.com
Rs 85,33,82,00,000 for one suit... this much money will end poverty in Pakistan, the suit is for....
Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to join Axiom Space's fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, set to launch on June 8. 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 IAF pilot who is among the astronauts chosen for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, India's first human space flight, was promoted to group captain in March 2024. He has 2,000 flight hours on various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and the An-32. Special suits are made for astronauts, which are quite expensive. Going by the media reports, NASA's spacesuits can cost anywhere between 10 million to 22 million dollars, depending on the model and features included. One of the key features of the suits is to protect astronauts from the harsh environment of space. At present, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is developing the new xEMU suit, which is reportedly slated to cost about 1 billion dollars (around 8,355 crore rupees). Surprisingly, this price is due to the advanced technology used in the suit, designed to keep astronauts safe during long missions. Highlighting an example, the spacesuits used by NASA during the Apollo missions in 1974 were reported to cost between $15 million and $22 million each. If adjusted for inflation, this equates to approximately $83 million to $122 million in today's dollars. One of the key functionalities of the spacesuit is to protect astronauts in extreme conditions: both very hot and very cold. It can function in temperatures ranging from -150°C to +120°C. In addition, the suit protects astronauts from harmful radiation and tiny space debris. Not only for protection, but space suits include systems for oxygen supply, temperature regulation, and carbon dioxide removal. All these features require advanced materials and specialized technology. Therefore, these suits are so expensive. It also protects astronauts from the vacuum of space, as well as harmful radiation from the Sun and other celestial bodies.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Why Dr AQ Khan still matters
Listen to article This nation dearly misses you, Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan. You are remembered with deep respect and gratitude for gifting Pakistan the nuclear capability that has enabled the country to stand firm in its strategic defence. Your true worth was once again realised when India reacted like a raging elephant after the Pahalgam terrorist attack on 22 April, hastily accusing Pakistan without presenting any credible evidence. India launched an irresponsible and disproportionate response under a self-declared operation misleadingly named — Sindoor — after a false-flag activity. Civilian areas were targeted through air strikes conducted with drones and fighter jets. Pakistan's government and armed forces exercised the right to self-defence with remarkable professionalism and restraint. In response, the Pakistan Air Force not only defended our airspace but also humbled Indian military arrogance. The so-called superior Rafael jets failed to make an impact, while Pakistan's air defence successfully brought down three aircraft, including a MiG-21, and challenged the capabilities of the Su-30s. This defeat led to a sarcastic reinterpretation of Rafale in India — RAW Fail. India was taken aback by Pakistan's measured yet precise retaliation, which directly hit Indian military installations and air defence targets. The professionalism and precision of the PAF silenced the aggressive posturing of the Indian military, often dubbed the "mad elephant". The United States had to intervene to de-escalate the skirmishes, which were dangerously close to triggering a nuclear confrontation in South Asia. It is because of Dr AQ Khan's contributions that Pakistan today possesses a credible deterrent. His work has empowered the nation to stand tall in the face of external threats and deter aggression through strength. Though Pakistan may not match India in economic size, conventional military strength or war equipment on paper, it remains resolute and capable of defending its sovereignty under any circumstance. All honour and tribute go to Dr AQ Khan — the man who gave Pakistan the power to respond to threats on an equal footing. Let us now compare Pakistan and India in terms of military capability across the three branches — Army, Navy and Air Force — and evaluate their strengths in terms of war equipment and strategic positioning. India stands as the fourth-strongest military power in the world, while Pakistan is ranked 12th. India's total military strength is said to be nearly three times more than Pakistan's. It also possesses much more military arsenal than Pakistan does. Silencing the guns of a hegemonic India became possible when Pakistan declared itself a nuclear power capable of retaliation. This strategic milestone was achieved on 28 May 1998, when Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in the hills of Chagai — a moment now commemorated as Youm-e-Takbeer. At the heart of this historic moment was the unparalleled contribution of Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan — the father of Pakistan's nuclear programme. A metallurgist with rare expertise, Dr AQ Khan had a singular mission: to make his homeland invincible. His relentless efforts transformed Pakistan from a security-dependent nation into a nuclear power with credible deterrence. The genesis of this nuclear journey lies in the painful memory of the 1971 war and the dismemberment of the country. It is no coincidence that then Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto — who famously stated, "we will eat grass, even go hungry, but we will get one of our own [nuclear bomb]" — laid the foundation of Pakistan's nuclear ambition. The humiliation of 1971 was a turning point. Pakistan realised that conventional military parity with India would never be enough. Nuclear deterrence was no longer a choice — it had become a strategic necessity. Today, we must ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to honour the sacrifices and genius that made this feat possible? Are we investing in science and technology beyond military applications? Are we preserving our national dignity not only through strength but also through progress? And in the end, we must not forget Dr AQ Khan's heartfelt words: "My biggest regret is working for this nation."
Tatler Asia
23-05-2025
- Tatler Asia
Legacy 50: 6 museums to visit this April 30
Vietnam Military History Museum Km 6+500 Thang Long Avenue, Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi Open since the late autumn of 2024, the new Vietnam Military History Museum is a striking, contemporary project that manages to retain its profound historical resonance. It is a place where the nation's wartime past is preserved through objects, light and architectural space. Situated on Thang Long Avenue, the museum becomes an especially moving destination during the April 30 holiday. More than 150,000 artifacts are housed within—from the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet to the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Determination map—each one offering a vivid glimpse into the nation's defining moments, while also capturing the quiet resilience of life during conflict. A key feature of the museum is its chronological exhibition design, blending directional sound with state-of-the-art interactive installations. The experience draws visitors in, encouraging a quiet, deeply personal engagement with history. In a Hanoi that evolves by the day, this museum stands as a firm spiritual anchor, inviting visitors to reconnect with their heritage and reflect on the enduring cost of independence. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or returning after many April seasons, a morning spent here, bathed in natural light and surrounded by artefacts once carried through war, will leave you contemplative and quietly moved. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, HCMC A journey that doesn't require leaving the city, yet manages to open the heart. Tucked away within an old French villa in the centre of District 1, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty. The creaking wooden staircase, sun-dappled tiled floors and coloured glass windows evoke memories of a bygone Saigon—elegant, expressive and full of artistic grace. Above The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is an essential stop for those with an eye for beauty (Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts) The galleries here guide visitors across the many eras of Vietnamese art—from the days of Indochinese influences to contemporary expressions, from traditional lacquer work to modern installations and video pieces. The paintings hold traces of history, infused with a quiet national pride. They're never overbearing—simple in form, yet stirring in spirit, with a gentle ability to move the viewer. Above Welcome to Vietnam's total victory (Composed: 1975. Author: Tong Ngoc Phong. Material: Lacquer) The museum welcomes visitors this April 30. To walk its halls on a holiday such as this is to find beauty not only in colours and brushwork, but in the cultural weight and memory that art so often carries. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1, HCMC Tucked beside the city's Zoo in a calm, tree-lined enclave, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History offers a quiet retreat—a stillness in the midst of a bustling metropolis. The building itself is a graceful fusion of East and West: curved tiled roofs, wooden pillars, and traditional motifs lend it the charm of a storybook world gently waiting to be explored. Above From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory (Photo: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) Inside, Vietnam's history unfolds through understated and poignant artefacts—from the ancient Van Lang and Au Lac periods to the later feudal dynasties. From stone statues and regal crowns to time-worn woodblocks and delicate ceramics, the museum becomes a gentle stream of memory, carrying its visitors through layers of time with quiet reverence. To pause here on April 30 is to reflect on the nation's long road—not through loud declarations, but through what has been preserved: fragments of once-great cultures and the imprints of their evolution. A morning meandering through cicada song and soft sunlight, among these artefacts, has a way of stilling the heart; a stillness born of remembrance, of heritage, and of a country that has weathered many storms to reach this moment. Vietnam Fine Arts Museum 66 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi In Hanoi, few places carry the same artistic gravitas as the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Home to some of the nation's most treasured works, its stately French colonial façade blends seamlessly with the deep red tiles and bricks, giving it a presence that is both timeworn and unmistakably Vietnamese. On April 30, the museum's resistance art galleries—portraying the strength of soldiers, the majesty of mountains, and the familiar tones of a not-so-distant past—take on a heightened resonance. Through these works, the national spirit reveals itself not through grandeur, but in quiet resilience, and in the human warmth that so often defines our shared stories. Above As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more. Photo: Vietnam Museum of Fine Arts As one lingers before each canvas, the act of viewing becomes something more—a quiet dialogue with history, conveyed in the hushed, expressive language of painting. Above The underground struggle (Author: Huynh Phuong Dong. Medium: Watercolor, charcoal, pen and ink.) Spend a little longer here, and you'll notice the museum is not only speaking of the past. Woven between historical epochs is the subtle unfolding of Vietnam's modern artistic voice. Emerging talents continue this narrative, seeking their own place in a shifting world. Some works are rooted in folk traditions, others in bold abstraction—together, they speak of an evolving identity, where personal vision meets collective soul in a delicate yet resonant harmony. Ton Duc Thang Museum 5 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC In central District 1, the Ton Duc Thang Museum offers a quiet, poignant retreat—a space that traces the life of a steadfast, humble figure whose loyalty and depth left a lasting mark. The building itself, with its modern and understated design, allows the artefacts within to tell their story without distraction. Above Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate (Photo: Ton Duc Thang Museum) During the April 30 holiday, the museum's rooms dedicated to the resistance war take on a solemn tone, reflecting the spirit of solidarity and complete commitment that defined President Ton Duc Thang. Black-and-white photographs, an indigo worker's shirt, a simple wooden chair—these modest objects bring history to life not through grandeur, but through quiet conviction, mirroring the man himself. As visitors follow this path of memory, it feels as if time folds back. Here, ideals and integrity speak softly—needing no embellishment, only their sincerity to resonate. Read more: Legacy 50: April 30 legacy through the memoirs of diplomat Nguyen Thi Binh Ho Chi Minh City Museum 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, HCMC Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Its lofty ceilings, grand wooden doors, arched corridors and light-drenched windows create an atmosphere of both elegance and quiet reflection. It feels less like a museum and more like a pause in the city's own timeline—capturing Saigon's transition from its colonial past to the dynamic city it is today. Above Set within an historic French colonial building, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a space that exudes time. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Museum Around April 30, the museum's thematic exhibitions come into sharper focus. Displays on resistance movements, urban life in decades past, and the city during its liberation feel more intimate, more immediate. Alongside iconic visuals like vintage Lam cars or old street signs, one finds handwritten letters, worn maps, and objects soaked in memory. To wander through these galleries is to feel Saigon's layered soul. More than just observing its evolution, visitors begin to sense the undercurrent of remembrance—woven into every floorboard, every pane of glass, every fragment of history held within. READ MORE Legacy 50: Saigon - City of 'firsts' Legacy 50: Architects who have 'shaped' Saigon's memories Legacy 50: People's Artist Kim Cuong - A life, a life on stage
