Shubhanshu Shukla to Students from ISS: You Can Be Astronauts, Walk on Moon

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, speaking from the International Space Station (ISS), inspired students from seven schools in Meghalaya and Assam during a ham radio interaction at ISRO’s North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Shillong on Tuesday. “Many of you can become future astronauts, even walk on the Moon,” said Shukla, now on day 12 of his 14-day Axiom-4 mission.

Addressing students from schools including Army Public School-Shillong and B K Bajoria School-Shillong, Shukla answered 20 pre-submitted questions in a 10-minute window, sharing insights on life aboard the ISS. “We see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day, orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, guided by Greenwich Mean Time, not sunlight,” he explained.

Shukla described adapting to microgravity, noting initial space sickness but quick recovery with medications. “Microgravity causes muscle and bone loss, so we exercise daily with treadmills, cycles, and strength machines to stay fit for the mission and Earth’s gravity,” he said. He emphasized rigorous training in Russia and India for emergencies, highlighting teamwork and the role of robotics and AI in enhancing ISS operations.

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“Keep working hard, stay curious, and believe in yourself. I’ll be back to guide you,” Shukla told the students, sparking excitement about careers in space. The event, part of the Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) program, underscores ISRO’s push to inspire STEM education, with Shukla’s mission marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 41 years.

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