Shubhanshu Shukla answers college students’ questions about life on the ISS: From eating to floating in space |

Shubhanshu Shukla‘s interplay with college students: In a landmark second for Indian space training, college students from City Montessori School and different establishments participated in a reside interplay with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to attain the International Space Station (ISS). Organised underneath ISRO’s Vidyarthi Samvad Programme, the session provided a uncommon alternative for younger minds to have interaction immediately with a spacefarer orbiting a whole lot of kilometres above Earth.This initiative not solely allowed college students to achieve a deeper understanding of life in space but in addition aimed to ignite their curiosity about science, know-how, and India’s rising function in space exploration. For the college students who participated, the interplay was nothing wanting transformational. Hearing immediately from an Indian astronaut in space made science tangible, actual, and deeply thrilling. It was greater than a Q&A—it was a second that related generations by tradition, science, and nationwide pleasure. Through his tales and insights, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla introduced the mysteries of space nearer to Earth and reminded younger Indians that even the stars are inside attain.

Shubhanshu Shukla interacts from ISS: Students ask about each day life in space

From the very starting of the interplay, college students have been keen to perceive what life is like past Earth. Their questions have been various, starting from on a regular basis routines to extra complicated organic and scientific phenomena. They needed to know the way astronauts adapt to zero gravity, how each day hygiene works in space, and what occurs throughout emergencies. The curiosity prolonged to space meals, bodily coaching earlier than launch, and even psychological well being help whereas in orbit. This real inquisitiveness mirrored the pleasure of younger minds witnessing historical past, talking immediately to an astronaut who had skilled the marvels and challenges of life in space firsthand.

A. How do astronauts sleep in space

Shukla responded with enthusiasm, explaining that with out gravity, there’s no idea of “up” or “down.” Astronauts don’t sleep on beds like on Earth—as a substitute, they use sleeping baggage secured to the partitions or ceiling inside the ISS. “It’s fun, actually. You can float and tie yourself anywhere—on the walls, even the ceiling. But to avoid drifting away, we anchor our sleeping bags in place. Otherwise, we might not be in the same spot in the morning,” Shukla stated with a smile.

B. Eating in space: Food, vitamin, and a style of residence

Food was one other scorching subject amongst college students. Shukla defined that astronauts rely on pre-packaged meals specifically designed to meet dietary wants in microgravity. However, meals additionally performs an necessary psychological function in space. “Food is one of the few pleasures in space. So we get to choose from a variety of options,” he stated.Adding a private contact, Shukla shared that he carried a couple of favourite Indian sweets like Gajar ka Halwa, Moong Dal Halwa, and Aam Ras to space. This not solely provided consolation but in addition related him to his cultural roots whereas removed from residence.

C. Health and emergencies in orbit

One of the extra severe pupil questions was about medical emergencies. What occurs if somebody falls sick on the ISS?Shukla defined that astronauts bear rigorous well being coaching earlier than their mission and the station is stocked with satisfactory medical provides. Although there isn’t any physician on board, astronauts are skilled to deal with commonest points. “We carry sufficient medicines and are prepared for various scenarios. Safety and health protocols are strictly followed,” he reassured.

D. Emotional pleasure of gazing at Earth

Beyond the technical and bodily challenges, college students have been additionally curious about the emotional facet of space journey. One requested what astronauts do throughout their free time.Shukla admitted that astronauts have very restricted leisure time, however once they do, they get pleasure from watching Earth from space—one thing he described as profoundly transferring. “The view of Earth from the ISS is incredible. It’s so peaceful and beautiful. We all look forward to that quiet time of reflection,” he stated. Astronauts additionally have interaction in mild leisure actions like watching reveals or enjoying easy video games when time permits.

E. Adapting the human physique to microgravity and again once more

Another fascinating side lined throughout the interplay was how the human physique copes with microgravity. Shukla defined that originally, the physique feels disoriented in the absence of gravity, however over time, it adjusts.“Right now, I feel much better than I did on my first day here. The body learns to adapt,” he stated.However, he added that returning to Earth brings its personal challenges, as the physique has to re-learn how to perform underneath gravity. “Readjusting after returning to Earth is a process. We need specific training and support because re-entry impacts muscles, balance, and overall functioning,” he defined.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla turns into first to enter ISS throughout Axiom Mission 4

Shukla additionally shared his expertise of the launch throughout the interplay. As a part of Axiom Mission 4, he lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 25, 2025, together with three different astronauts. After orbiting the Earth for 28 hours, their spacecraft docked with the ISS.On June 26, Shukla made historical past as the first Indian to step into the ISS, receiving heat welcomes and handshakes from fellow astronauts. He marked the event by declaring: “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”With this, Shukla grew to become the 634th astronaut in the world and the second Indian to journey to space, following Rakesh Sharma, who ventured into orbit in 1984. Shukla isn’t solely the first Indian to attain the ISS but in addition one in all the 4 astronaut-designates for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s maiden manned spaceflight programme. During the interplay, Group Captain Angad Pratap, one other key determine in Gaganyaan, was current in Lucknow to promote consciousness about India’s space initiatives. His presence added weight to the academic occasion and additional impressed college students to dream huge.Also Read | Earth’s quicker spin might trigger shorter days, scientists warn — do you have to be involved