A day of 16 sunrises and sunsets: Indian astronaut describes life on ISS
New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) A little while ago, when I looked out of the window, we were passing over Hawaii. From here, we see sunrise and sunset 16 times a day, said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS), during a video interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Shukla, who became only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s historic journey in 1984, reached the ISS on Thursday as part of the international Axiom-4 mission.
He travelled aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft ‘Grace’, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, completing a 28-hour journey through low Earth orbit.
Shubhanshu Shukla was warmly welcomed by the ISS crew after docking was completed at 4:15 pm IST.
In his interaction with the Prime Minister, Shukla reflected on his experience so far, calling it transformative.
“This is not just my journey, but also our country’s journey. I am absorbing these new experiences like a sponge,” he said, speaking from the orbiting laboratory where he will spend the next 14 days conducting scientific experiments and public outreach.
Describing the view of Earth from space, Shukla said: “When I saw the Earth from space, the first thing that struck me was that the planet is truly one — no borders are visible. When I saw India, it looked incredibly grand, much larger and more majestic than it appears on a map.”
The astronaut added that seeing the Earth from above gave him a sense of unity beyond man-made divisions, calling it a humbling and inspiring perspective.
Shukla is joined on the mission by Axiom-4 commander Peggy Whitson, Polish engineer Slawosz Wisniewski, and Hungarian mechanical engineer Tibor Kapu.
Shortly after entering the station, the crew was greeted with hugs, handshakes, and astronaut pins.
“I am astronaut 634. It is a privilege to be here,” said Shukla.
In his brief address during the welcome ceremony, he said: “With your love and blessings, I have reached the International Space Station. It looks easy to stand here, but my head is a little heavy, facing some difficulty, but these are minor issues.”
Expressing his pride, he added, “I have brought the Tricolour with me, and I have brought all of you along with me. In the days to come, this journey will become even more exciting.”
PM Modi talks to India’s ‘first astronaut’ Shubhanshu Shukla, calls him ‘pride of 140 crore Indians’
New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently on a landmark Indian space mission, orbiting 400 kilometres above the Earth.
The conversation, streamed live, reflected India’s growing ambitions in space and the emotional connect between the nation and its first astronaut aboard an international space station.
“You may be far from us, but the hearts of 140 crore Indians beat with you,” said PM Modi, congratulating Shubhanshu for raising the nation’s pride globally.
“Your name itself carries the word ‘Shubh’ (auspicious). And your journey symbolises the direction in which ‘New India’ is heading,” he said.
Responding with humility, Shubhanshu said, “This journey is not mine alone. It belongs to every Indian. When I was young, I never imagined becoming an astronaut, but under your leadership, this dream came true.”
The young astronaut also lauded the rising development which the country is witnessing and said, “Today, what we are aiming at is now not far from reality. We need collective unity, and we need all the strength from our youth.”
He also shared the food which he had taken with him on this historic mission.
In a lighter moment, PM Modi asked if he shared Indian food with fellow astronauts.
“Yes, I brought some memories of India with me, gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aamras. I wanted my colleagues here to taste our rich culinary heritage,” Shubhanshu said with a smile.
As PM Modi praised the astronaut’s “down-to-earth” nature despite being in zero gravity, Shubhanshu described the awe of seeing Earth from space.
“From up here, there are no borders—just one planet, one humanity. India looks vast and unified. Borders vanish, and you realise Earth is our one shared home.”
Discussing scientific experiments that he will be conducting in this mission, Shubhanshu highlighted India’s breakthrough research in zero gravity.
“I’ve brought here seven new experiments conducted by Indian scientists. We’re testing how stem cell supplements may help delay muscle loss, something that could benefit the elderly back home. We’re also studying micro-algae for agricultural and health uses.”
PM Modi emphasised India’s twin strengths of science and spirituality. “Does meditation help in space, too?” PM asked. To this, Shubhanshu confirmed, “Absolutely. Mindfulness keeps us centred amid extreme conditions.”
When PM Modi asked Sudhanshu what message he would like to give to the youth, Shubhanshu replied: “Never stop trying. This journey proves that space is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
PM Modi emphasised by stating, “India is not just dreaming of a space station or moon landings, it is preparing to lead the next era of space exploration. Your journey will inspire generations.”
When PM Modi asked him how his learnings could benefit India’s space mission, Shubhanshu replied, “I’ve been making records. All my experience in this mission is being absorbed, and I would feel proud to use and channelise this experience in India’s future space missions.”
