New Delhi: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, held a special communication with ISRO chief V Narayanan on Sunday (July 6). During their conversation, Narayanan inquired about the astronaut’s well-being and the scientific progress of the mission.
Shukla expressed gratitude for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s efforts in preparing him for this journey, acknowledging the role of the space agency in ensuring his safe and successful participation in the mission.
Narayanan asked about the ongoing scientific experiments conducted aboard the ISS, and Shukla provided updates on their status, the objectives of each experiment, and the challenges they aim to address.
The ISRO chairman underscored the importance of the experiments, emphasizing the need for detailed documentation once Shukla returns to Earth.
“Doing so would provide insights and inputs to further India’s human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan,” Narayanan said.
The conversation was attended by top ISRO officials, including Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Chairman of the Program Management Council for Human Space Programme.
Shukla on Life Aboard the ISS
In an earlier interaction with school students on July 4, Shukla shared personal insights about life in space.
“The most difficult task onboard the ISS is to go to sleep,” he said, speaking over a 10-minute Ham Radio session.
“You know you are here for a short time and you want to do more and more.”
Despite the excitement, he stressed the importance of rest and recovery, especially considering the intense schedule of scientific experiments the crew is conducting.
Shukla, who will be stationed on the ISS for two weeks, is set to carry out seven home-grown experiments and five additional scientific studies.
Recalling his journey to space, he described the rocket launch as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“…As you go higher you go faster. The accelerations were quite high. It was exhilarating,” he said.