Latest news with #SproutsProject
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First Post
16-07-2025
- Science
- First Post
'Holding family in arms felt like home': Shubhanshu Shukla's emotional reunion with family in Houston
Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the first Indian to orbit aboard the International Space Station and only the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission read more Emotional images of Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla reuniting with his family following Tuesday's (July 15) splashdown have emerged on social media. Shukla, who just completed 1an 8-day journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and became the first Indian to do so, was greeted by his family at a designated facility in Houston. Kamna, Shubhanshu Shukla's mother, wrapped her arms around him in a tearful embrace, overcome with emotion as she reunited with her son. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shukla then scooped up his four-year-old son, who had been with him in the US, in a heartfelt hug. It was the first time the astronaut had seen his family in nearly two months, having been in quarantine for over a month before the launch. Shukla, in his Instagram post, mentioned how it was challenging for him to stay away from family, and that reuniting 'felt like home'. 'It was challenging. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home. Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them. We often get busy in life and forget how important the people in our lives are. Human spaceflight missions are magical but they are made magical by the humans,' wrote Shukla. The quarantine, initially set for 15 days, kept extending, making the reunion even more emotional. Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in history as the first Indian to orbit aboard the International Space Station and only the second Indian to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma's 1984 mission. Affectionately nicknamed 'Shux' by his crewmates, Shukla undocked from the ISS on Monday afternoon (India time) and returned to Earth after a 22-hour journey aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During his time in orbit, Shukla contributed to a range of international scientific experiments in biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence. His work on the Sprouts Project, which explores plant growth in microgravity, could pave the way for sustainable farming in space, marking a significant step for future space missions.
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
"Most Stunning View In Universe": Shubhanshu Shukla's Colleague Inside ISS Cupola
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, aboard the International Space Station with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, was photographed inside the Cupola, a seven-windowed module famed for its stunning panoramic views of Earth. Floating in the softly lit dome with Earth sprawling behind her, the Ax-4 mission commander shared a post from orbit on X, writing, "Every moment in the Cupola feels like a gift, it's hands down the most stunning view in the universe!" Every moment in the cupola feels like a gift, it's hands down the most stunning view in the universe! — Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) July 7, 2025 The Cupola has become one of the ISS' most beloved features since its installation in 2010, offering astronauts an unmatched 360-degree panorama of our planet. Ms Whitson is currently leading the all-international Ax-4 mission aboard the ISS, joined by Indian Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu "Shux" Shukla, Polish astronaut Slawosz "Suave" Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungarian spaceflight participant Tibor Kapu. The team arrived at the station on June 26 and has since completed days of research, exploration, and international collaboration. Peggy Whitson, a veteran NASA astronaut and the first woman to command the ISS, has offered followers a front-row seat to the crew's experience. In an earlier post featuring Earth's blue curve and swirling clouds, she wrote, "There are no bad views from the [Space Station]." There are no bad views from the @Space_Station! #Ax4 — Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) July 6, 2025 Posting another image, she wrote, "Today's view from the @Space_Station. Earth is absolutely stunning!" Today's view from the @Space_Station. Earth is absolutely stunning! — Peggy Whitson (@AstroPeggy) July 3, 2025 Group Captain Shukla, on his 14-day mission, has taken part in several significant experiments aboard the space station. His research includes: Myogenesis Investigation - Studying how microgravity accelerates muscle degeneration. Micro Algae Experiments - Exploring algae as a potential resource for food, oxygen, and biofuel in deep space missions. Sprouts Project - Investigating seed germination and genetic changes in crops grown in space. STEM Demonstrations - Recording experiments to show the differences between physical and chemical changes in microgravity.
