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News18
4 hours ago
- Health
- News18
'Takes Skill To Be Still': Shubhanshu Shukla Shares Throwback Video Of Him Floating In Space
Shukla took to Instagram to share a video of his days at the space station, where he was seen trying to stay absolutely still in microgravity. Days after returning from a historic mission on the International Space Station, Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video of his days at the space station, where he was seen trying to stay absolutely still in microgravity. Shukla, who was among the four crew members who flew aboard SpaceX Dragon on June 25, shared a video on Instagram of their first few days of the Axiom-4 mission, where he described the challenge of remaining immobile in space. 'From the time we reached ISS we were quite busy in chasing the timeline and completing our tasks and experiments. It is a bit challenging initially as you are learning to move in microgravity and also getting to know the station," he said in the caption. Shukla said the video was from a few days into the mission, when he had managed better control over his movements in space, while sitting in a cross-legged position. 'What I wanted to do was to be just still but clearly failed. Any small disturbance can move your body in space and it takes skill to be completely still," he said. 'Kind of like our minds in this fast moving world. Take some time to be still today. It is important to sometimes slow down to be fast. Apparently being still is a challenge with or without gravity," he added. Shukla returned safely to Earth as SpaceX's Dragon capsule, Grace, on July 15, after it made the splashdown into the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego in Southern California. ISRO confirmed that the initial health assessments indicated that Shukla was in stable condition and reported no immediate health concerns. He was flown to Houston, where he also met his family members, including his wife and child. He also met fellow Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who trained alongside Shukla for the Axiom Mission-4 and remained on standby, and other ISRO team members. The space agency confirmed that Shukla has begun a week-long rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Axiom Space's flight surgeon and ISRO's flight surgeon to mitigate any adverse effects of microgravity. This includes a series of medical checks, especially cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debriefs. Launched on June 25, the mission marked the first time an Indian entered the International Space Station and performed experiments in microgravity. Shukla also brought along with him the results of the seven experiments, which were developed by Indian research institutions under the Human Space Flight Centre's coordination. First Published: 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.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Is there a SpaceX launch today? Where, when to see Falcon 9 liftoff from Vandenberg
SpaceX launches have come roaring back to life in Southern California after more than a two-week break, giving space enthusiasts plenty of chances to once again catch a rocket soaring high above. The first of three upcoming SpaceX Starlink missions got off the ground on the night of Tuesday, July 15. Now, Elon Musk's commercial spaceflight company could soon get another of its Falcon 9 rockets off the ground from the Vandenberg Space Force Base to deploy more of the internet-beaming satellites. Of course, not all Californians love all the spacecraft routinely thundering overhead. But for those who want to experience the thrill of a launch, plenty of locations around the region may offer a worthwhile view. However, it's important to keep in mind that rocket launches can be – and often are – scrubbed or delayed due to any number of factors, including poor weather conditions or unexpected issues with spacecraft. Check back with the VC Star for any updates on the impending rocket launch. Here's what to know about the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base, as well as when and where to watch it: California rocket launches: SpaceX rocket launches have increased in California, and not all residents are happy What time is the SpaceX rocket launch from California? A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests the SpaceX launch is being targeted for Saturday, July 19, with backup opportunities available the next day. However, multiple websites dedicated to tracking rocket launches indicate liftoff could happen as early as 7:08 p.m. PT Friday, July 18. Neither the Vandenberg Space Force Base, nor SpaceX, have yet officially confirmed the launch. SpaceX Dragon landing: Axiom 4 mission becomes latest spaceflight to make splashdown off California coast Where is the next launch from California? The launch will take place from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. Most launches from Vandenberg fly at a south or southeast trajectory. What is the next mission launching from Vandenberg? The spaceflight will make use of the company's famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world's most active, to deliver Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The altitude is low enough to allow for things like satellites to circle Earth fairly quickly. How to watch SpaceX Starlink launch livestream SpaceX always provides a webcast of the Starlink launch on its website beginning about five minutes before liftoff, along with updates on social media site X. Where to watch the Starlink launch in California Because Vandenberg is an active military base, the launch complex does not host public viewings of launches. But if conditions are clear, rocket launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base can be viewed from several locations as far as Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Space Launch Schedule, a website dedicated to tracking upcoming rocket launches, provided a list of places in California to catch the launch in person: 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard, the public site with the closest views of SpaceX launches Floradale Avenue and West Ocean Avenue, officially designated as the 'viewing site for SLC-6' (space launch complex-6) Renwick Avenue and West Ocean Avenue, another intersection close to the base where spectators can park Santa Lucia Canyon Road and Victory Road, provides a partial view of Complex 4 Surf Beach on Ocean Avenue, the only location where the public can view the ignition and liftoff of rockets from Complex 4. Public access is at the Amtrak Surf Station parking area, but the area is closed in the case of back-to-back launches. The city of Lompoc in Santa Barbara County is filled with places to catch a rocket launch. The city's tourism bureau, Explore Lompoc, even maintains this list with additional viewing locations: , 6851 Ocean Park Road, which, while it doesn't have a view of the launch pad itself, is located only four miles from the launch site and provides a good vantage to see rockets get off the ground. Parking is limited, and law enforcement will close the road to the beach once parking is full. , 1 Hancock Drive, a community college located nine miles from the launch site where both the launch pad and rocket's tip can be seen before liftoff. , N A Street and McLaughlin Road, located within 10 miles of the launch site, is filled with large fields for activities or for spectators to set up chairs. Will there be sonic booms? Residents of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County, California, could hear sonic booms, according to Vandenberg Space Force Base. Sonic booms are brief, thunder-like noises that are often heard from the ground when a spacecraft or aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound. What to know about reentry Following the launch, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to land on a SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean. This allows for SpaceX personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights. What is SpaceX? Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded SpaceX in 2002. The commercial spaceflight company is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. SpaceX conducts many of its own rocket launches, most using the Falcon 9 rocket, from both California and Florida. That includes a regular cadence of deliveries of Starlink internet satellites into orbit, and occasional privately-funded commercial crewed missions on the Dragon. The most recent of SpaceX's private human spaceflights, a mission known as Fram2, took place in April. SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024. SpaceX additionally benefits from billions of dollars in contracts from NASA and the Department of Defense by providing launch services for classified satellites and other payloads. What is Starlink? Owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, Starlink is a constellation of more than 7,000 satellites that provide internet service to customers around the world. SpaceX has spent more than six years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from both Florida and California. While most satellite internet services operate from single geostationary satellites orbiting Earth at about 22,236 miles, Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that operate from a low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up. That allows Starlink's satellites to have lower latency and data time between user and the satellite, improving performance of things like streaming, online gaming and video calls. What is the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California? The Vandenberg Space Force Base is a rocket launch site in Santa Barbara County in Southern California. Established in 1941, the site was previously known as the Vandenberg Air Force Base. Though it's a military base, the site also hosts both civil and commercial space launches for entities like NASA and SpaceX. Space Launch Delta 30, a unit of Space Force, is responsible for managing the launch operations at Vandenberg, as well as the missile tests that take place at the base. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Rocket launch today in California: Where to see SpaceX liftoff Solve the daily Crossword
UPI
2 days ago
- Science
- UPI
Boeing looks for Starliner fixes despite costs, ISS age
1 of 4 | The Boeing Company has confirmed it continues to look for solutions to problems with its Starliner spacecraft that have left the over-budget project unable to carry passengers. File Photo courtesy of NASA | License Photo July 18 (UPI) -- The Boeing Company has confirmed it continues to look for solutions to problems with its Starliner spacecraft that have left the over-budget project unable to carry passengers. Boeing confirmed this week it is pushing ahead and trying to address helium plug seal leaks on the spacecraft, as well as problems with its thermal shunts and issues with overheating thrusters. The company's officials have already said the spacecraft's next flight won't happen until at least early next year and likely will carry only cargo, with no crew. Boeing is working with its propulsion supplier, California-based defense contractor Aerojet Rocketdyne, to find solutions to the ongoing issues. The Boeing Starliner has been plagued by problems, is already more than $2 billion over budget and currently grounded at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The first test flight took pace in June of 2024. It last flew in September 2024 when it returned unmanned from the International Space Station, landing at NASA's White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. The crewless return was out of precaution because of helium leaks and thruster issues and left the two-person NASA crew stranded aboard the ISS. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Suni Williams only returned to earth this past March aboard a SpaceX Dragon rocket with that company's crew. Wilmore and Williams spent nine months in space because of the issues with Boeing's Starliner. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeing's Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said at the time. "I'm grateful to both the NASA and Boeing teams for all their incredible and detailed work." Boeing announced the Starliner program in 2010 and originally forecast the ship would be in regular service by 2015 to help carry NASA personnel to and from the ISS. Over a decade later, issues persist and the company has yet to begin a multi-billion dollar contract with NASA. "We really are working toward a flight as soon as early next year with Starliner, and then ultimately, our goal is to get into crew rotation flights with Starliner," NASA Commercial Crew Program Manager Steve Stich told reporters this week. "And those would start no earlier than the second crew rotation slot at the end of next year." The work continues despite NASA predictions the ISS will deorbit and crash in the South Pacific Ocean near Point Nemo in January of 2031. Former President Joe Biden's administration said the space station would remain in service until 2030, after it was launched in 1998. Boeing stock was down $2.42 or 1.05% to $228.58 as of noon Friday. Shares were also in the red for the week as a whole.
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Back On Earth, Shubhanshu Shukla Begins Week-Long Recovery In Houston, To Return To India Soon
Last Updated: ISRO confirmed that Shukla is doing well post his 18-day stay at the ISS, and no immediate health concerns were reported in the initial examination Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has begun his week-long rehabilitation programme in Houston after his successful 18-day stay at the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on Thursday. The latest report indicates the Gaganyaan astronaut-designate may be back in India sooner than initially anticipated. Shukla was among the four crew members who flew aboard SpaceX Dragon on June 25, leading Axiom Space's fourth private spaceflight in collaboration with ISRO, NASA, as well as European Space Agency (ESA). Soon after the splashdown into the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego in Southern California on Tuesday afternoon, the crew was extracted by SpaceX's recovery teams and underwent preliminary health checks at the recovery ship. ISRO confirmed that the initial health assessments indicated that Shukla was in stable condition and reported no immediate health concerns. Met family in Houston The IAF pilot was then airlifted by helicopter from the recovery ship to the mainland for further medical evaluations and debriefing sessions. He was flown to Houston, where he also met his family members, including his wife and child. He also met fellow Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who trained alongside Shukla for the Axiom Mission-4 and remained on standby, and other ISRO team members. The space agency confirmed that Shukla has begun a week-long rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Axiom Space's flight surgeon and ISRO's flight surgeon to mitigate any adverse effects of microgravity. This includes a series of medical checks, especially cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests, and psychological debriefs. Astronauts typically experience some dizziness and muscle loss after staying in microgravity, but the impacts tend to minimise with time. 'The rehabilitation will focus on monitoring physical and mental health, and addressing any effects of microgravity, and preparing him for a return to normal life," said ISRO in a statement on Thursday. Meanwhile, his crew member, mission specialist Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland, has already flown to Germany, where he was welcomed by officials from the European Space Agency (ESA). All experiments successfully completed: ISRO Launched on June 25, the mission marked the first time an Indian entered the International Space Station and performed experiments in microgravity. Shukla also brought along with him the results of the seven experiments, which were developed by Indian research institutions under the Human Space Flight Centre's coordination. The experiments explored muscle regeneration, algal growth, crop viability, microbial survivability, cognitive performance in space, and the behaviour of cyanobacteria—all aimed at understanding human spaceflight and microgravity science. 'All experiments were completed successfully, and samples have been returned for detailed post-flight analysis," confirmed ISRO. view comments 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.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Shubhanshu Shukla undergoing rehabilitation to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity: ISRO
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who returned to earth on July 15 after spending 18 days in the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) mission is undergoing a week-long rehabilitation programme to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity. According to ISRO after Group Captain Shukla was extracted by SpaceX's recovery teams on July 15 and preliminary health checks were carried out at the recovery ship. 'Initial health assessments indicated that Gaganyatri Shukla was in stable condition with no immediate concerns reported. He was airlifted by helicopter from the recovery ship to the mainland for further medical evaluations and debriefing sessions,' ISRO said on Thursday. It further added that the Indian astronaut was flown to Houston for a week-long rehabilitation programme to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity. 'This is being administered by Axiom's flight surgeon and ISRO's flight surgeon is also participating in this program. This includes a series of medical checks especially cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests psychological debrief. The rehabilitation activities of Gaganyatri focus on monitoring physical and mental health, addressing any effects of microgravity, and preparing him for a return to normal activities,' ISRO said. Shubhanshu Shukla meets his family Group Captain Shukla also met his family members at Houston. Group Captain Shukla, who is the pilot for the Ax-4 mission is the first Indian to go to the ISS. He along with his Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S., Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary spend 18 days in the ISS before heading back home onboard a SpaceX Dragon which splashed down off the coast of San Diego in the United States on July 15. During the stay at the ISS the crew completed over 60 research activities and 23 outreach events.
