In a truly momentous and inspiring event, students from Uttar Pradesh and Kerala were granted a unique opportunity to interact live with Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This captivating video conference, part of ISRO’s “Vidyarthi Samvad Programme,” provided a rare glimpse into the daily life and scientific endeavors of an astronaut in microgravity, leaving hundreds of young minds enthralled and filled with renewed curiosity for space exploration.
Held at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and in Shukla’s hometown of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the interaction saw enthusiastic students pose a barrage of questions to the pioneering astronaut. From the intricacies of eating and sleeping in a weightless environment to the challenges of adapting to space and readjusting to Earth’s gravity, Shukla provided detailed and engaging answers, often demonstrating aspects of life on the ISS, including his ability to float freely.
One of the most exciting moments for the students was witnessing Shukla playing with a ball in zero gravity, a visual testament to the unique physics of space. Sanghavi, a Class 10 student from Kozhikode, expressed her elation, stating, “I was so excited and happy. We had so many questions for him, and he answered many of them in detail and showed us how they float inside the ISS.”
Shukla, who is on a 14-day scientific expedition as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), the first Indian to reach the ISS, patiently addressed queries about the pre-packaged food astronauts consume, ensuring adequate nutrition. He even revealed that he had brought traditional Indian desserts like gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras with him, adding a touch of home to his orbital abode.
When asked about sleeping arrangements, Shukla playfully explained, “It is fun actually, because in space there is no floor and no ceiling. So if you were to come and visit the station (ISS), you would find someone sleeping on the walls, someone on the ceiling.” He elaborated on the necessity of tying sleeping bags to prevent floating away. Concerns about falling ill in space were met with reassurance, with Shukla explaining that adequate medicines are always carried onboard. He also touched upon the importance of modern technology in maintaining mental well-being, allowing astronauts to connect with family and friends.
The interaction also shed light on the physical aspects of space travel. Shukla described the “amazing” and “dynamic” launch experience of the Axiom Mission 4. He candidly discussed how the body adapts to microgravity and the subsequent challenge of re-adapting to Earth’s gravity upon return, emphasizing the crucial role of exercise in maintaining muscle mass in space.
The selection of students for this rare opportunity was meticulously done, with criteria including performance in the Upper Secondary Scholarship (USS) examinations and active participation in science clubs. The event was held with a strict emphasis on confidentiality, with media access limited to ensure the students’ focused experience.
This interaction was a part of ISRO’s broader initiative, the Vidyarthi Samvad Programme, aimed at fostering scientific temper and inspiring the next generation. Group Captain Angad Pratap, also an astronaut-designate for India’s maiden manned space mission, Gaganyaan, was present in Lucknow to further engage with students and spread awareness about space programs.
As Shubhanshu Shukla continues his crucial research on the ISS, including work on a brain-computer interface and studies on microalgae and muscle repair in weightlessness, his direct engagement with students serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of space exploration. It not only demystifies life beyond Earth but also ignites a passion for STEM fields, encouraging young Indians to dream big and reach for the stars. The excited faces of the students, having shared a conversation with an astronaut floating hundreds of kilometers above them, truly underscored the profound impact of this unforgettable experience.