Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, is scheduled to engage in a live interaction with students and engineers in Karnataka, India on Friday, July 4th. This event, organized by ISRO, will provide a unique opportunity for students across India to connect with the astronaut and learn about his experiences in space.

Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station and only the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma, is on a 14-day mission. During this time, he is conducting scientific experiments and participating in outreach activities as part of an international crew.

The interaction will be facilitated through a ham radio contact established with the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. This setup, arranged by the Amateur Radio on International Space Station (ARISS), allows students to directly communicate with Shukla, ask questions about life in microgravity, and witness real-time international space communication. The ham radio session is scheduled for July 4th at 3:47 PM IST.

Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a non-commercial communication service operated by licensed enthusiasts. It's known for its reliability during emergencies and for promoting global friendships and scientific curiosity. Astronauts on the ISS frequently use it to connect with schools and amateur radio clubs worldwide, making space exploration more interactive.

This event marks a significant milestone in India's space outreach program. It offers students a rare chance to speak directly with an Indian astronaut in orbit, inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Shukla's journey from a school in Lucknow to the International Space Station serves as a powerful example of ambition, resilience, and purpose for students.

During his 14-day mission, Shukla is conducting experiments in space biology and agriculture in collaboration with NASA. He is also recording STEM experiment videos onboard the ISS, which will be used after the mission. ISRO and NASA are planning a joint public downlink event as well.

Shukla's mission highlights India's growing role in global space research. A team of ISRO engineers and doctors are stationed in Houston to gain hands-on experience with real-time mission operations, medical conferences, and post-flight recovery procedures at NASA's Johnson Space Center and Axiom's Mission Control.

Shukla expressed his privilege to be on the International Space Station, acknowledging the warm welcome he received from the crew. He also conveyed his confidence in advancing science and research during his time in space.