Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the International Space Station (ISS) marks a pivotal moment for India's space program, blending scientific research with human spaceflight. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla became the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the ISS, embarking on a 14-day expedition filled with experiments and interactions. His mission not only signifies India's growing role in international space exploration but also paves the way for future endeavors like the Gaganyaan mission.
Upon arriving at the ISS, Shukla conveyed his initial experiences, describing the feeling of floating in space as "amazing" while also acknowledging the initial disorientation caused by microgravity. Despite the challenges, he expressed feeling welcomed by the Expedition-73 crew already aboard the ISS. A key focus of Shukla's mission is conducting experiments in microgravity, with a significant emphasis on muscle health research. He is studying the growth of microalgae as a sustainable food source and examining how specific supplements can mitigate muscle loss in space, potentially leading to treatments for muscle degeneration on Earth. Axiom Space highlighted Shukla's work on the Myogenesis experiment within the Life Sciences Glovebox, aiming to understand the biological mechanisms behind skeletal muscle degradation in space.
Shukla's research extends beyond muscle health, encompassing the development of brain-computer interfaces. Partnering with astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, Shukla is exploring the use of near-infrared technology to record brain activity, potentially enabling astronauts to control computers with their minds in low-gravity conditions. This "Thoughts over Gravity" experiment could revolutionize communication and control systems in space. He also investigated how tiny aquatic animals survive in harsh climates, including microgravity, and studied muscle cell stem cultures to understand muscle repair processes in weightlessness.
Beyond the scientific research, Shukla engaged in several outreach activities. On July 4, 2025, he interacted with students and scientists at ISRO via ham radio, as part of the ARISS program, inspiring the next generation of STEM enthusiasts. During this session, organized under ISRO's Vidyarthi Samvad Programme, students had the unique opportunity to ask Shukla questions about life on the ISS, ranging from eating in space to how the human body adapts to microgravity. He explained that while the body initially feels disoriented, it eventually adjusts to the absence of gravity, though readjusting upon return to Earth poses its own challenges.
While "gajar halwa in space" wasn't specifically mentioned in the search results, the broader context of Shukla's mission highlights the importance of food and nutrition for astronauts. The microalgae experiment, for instance, aims to create sustainable, nutrient-rich food sources for long-duration spaceflights. More generally, providing culturally relevant and comforting foods can significantly impact the psychological well-being of astronauts during extended missions.
Shukla's journey not only contributes valuable scientific data but also strengthens international collaboration in space exploration. His mission serves as a stepping stone for India's future space endeavors, providing invaluable experience and knowledge for the Gaganyaan mission and beyond. As Shukla himself stated, "The sky has never been the limit, not for me, not for you, and not for India". His pioneering work on the ISS inspires a new era of Indian astronauts on the global stage and underscores India's commitment to advancing space exploration for the benefit of all.
