‘Many of you will be future astronauts’: Shubhanshu Shukla speaks to students from ISS; shares insights on life in space

NEW DELHI: On his twelfth day on the ISS on Tuesday, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla spoke immediately with students from seven faculties in Meghalaya and Assam through Ham radio. The session was held on the North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Shillong.“Many of you can become future astronauts, even walk on the Moon,” Shubhanshu Shukla advised a bunch of excited faculty students. The students had submitted 20 questions, and Shukla answered as many as he might in the 10-minute communication window. He talked about life in space, astronaut coaching, and staying wholesome in a weightless setting.

“You don’t follow the Sun on the ISS. We see 16 sunrises and sunsets every day as we circle the Earth every 90 minutes. But our schedule runs on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT),” he defined. He stated the physique faces many adjustments in microgravity. “We grow up with gravity on Earth, but in space, our muscles and bones weaken without it. So, we exercise daily using treadmills, cycling machines, and strength equipment. It’s vital for staying fit here and for returning safely to Earth.” Shukla additionally stated he skilled space illness at first however tailored shortly with the assistance of treatment. On the significance of astronaut coaching, he stated, “We train for all kinds of emergency situations. It involves long preparation in India, Russia, and other partner countries. Teamwork and support are key.” He additionally spoke about how robotics and synthetic intelligence assist astronauts perform duties safely. “Robotic arms are used for both internal and external work—they help us a lot.” Students from the Army Public School (Shillong and Umroi), Alpha Higher Secondary School (Nongpoh), ARYA Vidyapith High School (Guwahati), The Christ Senior Secondary School (Umiam), PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya (Barapani), and B Ok Bajoria School (Shillong) took half in the interplay.