At the India Today Conclave, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla asserted that among the most astonishing accomplishments during his 20-day stint at the space station was hoisting the tricolor in space. India's foray into space exploration is no longer just a dream; it's a remarkable reality. The world recognized India's space prowess.
Shukla, a seasoned pilot from the Indian Air Force, has flown aircraft like the Mig-21, Mig-29, Jaguar, and Su-30, and has even flown the American F-16. Later, he piloted the Space Dragon. Reflecting on these experiences, Shukla emphasized the importance of taking one step at a time while recognizing himself fortunate to have these opportunities. 'Seize the moment,' he advises, 'without worrying about the unknown.'
Source: aajtak
Shukla highlighted the need to embrace failure. It’s a vital part of life, offering lessons that success cannot. Seated by the Dragon’s window, the view of Earth was mesmerizing, he claimed, reinforcing that Earth’s beauty is unmatched. Such profound visions defy many preconceived notions, he added, signifying the importance of dreaming big and realizing those dreams.
When asked about piloting speeds, such as the 1.8 Mach (2222 km/hr) of a fighter jet, Shukla fondly reminisced about the thrill of every second. At 20,000 kilometers per hour, riding a rocket is exhilarating and physically demanding. Extensive training prepares for the absence of gravity, with blood rushing to the head, causing a momentary height increase of 3-4 inches. Over several days, the body acclimates to this extraordinary environment.
Source: aajtak
On the benefit of the 11 experiments conducted in space, Shukla remarked that microgravity offered unparalleled opportunities for researchers. Unlike terrestrial experiments, those conducted in space provided groundbreaking results, valuable for human space flights.
Notably, stem cell research benefits seniors and those with weakened muscles due to zero gravity. Hence, astronauts engage in two-hour workouts to maintain muscle mass, a breakthrough offering potential solutions for those prone to muscle weaknesses.
Exploring microalgae to enhance food calorie density was another key takeaway. Given space constraints, this innovation promises significant benefits for food security, allowing sustenance with less intake and effectively addressing food scarcity issues.
Source: aajtak
India’s future in space looks promising, with Shukla revealing plans for the Gaganyaan mission. Part of the Axiom mission, these human space endeavors, though complex, reflect India's commitment to excelling in space exploration. By 2027, with meticulous prototype development, Indian technology aims to send Indian astronauts aboard indigenous rockets and capsules.
Responding to a question about Russian and American training, Shukla highlighted differences. Russian training emphasizes theoretical and operator-level knowledge, focusing 70-80% on survival tactics. In contrast, the American approach provides comprehensive mission briefings. However, Indians, known for their resilience, adapt quickly to diverse learning environments.
The Indian space station project is underway, with plans to orbit a lab around Earth, performing numerous experiments. Unlike the ISS, established in 1998, India's efforts prioritize modular assembly and cutting-edge technology, ushering a modern era in space exploration.
When asked about India’s appearance from space, Shukla described the view as unprecedented and surreal, akin to witnessing the world's enormity without boundaries. This cosmic perspective offers a 'big picture' vision often overlooked on Earth.
When will Indians set foot on the moon? Shukla confidently stated that by 2040, we shall redefine possibilities, with inquisitive children fueling future ambitions for space exploration. The international community values India and ISRO, recognizing their significant contributions to space science.
