Interactive Session with India’s First ISS Astronaut

On July 4, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS)—responded live to student queries via ISRO’s Vidyarthi Samvad. Hosted jointly in orbit and in Lucknow schools like City Montessori School, the event ignited curiosity about day-to-day space life.

1. Sleeping in Zero Gravity

Shukla explained that with no ‘up’ or ‘down’ in microgravity, astronauts secure themselves in sleeping bags attached to walls or ceilings. “You can float anywhere—but we anchor our bags to avoid drifting,” he added with a chuckle. 0

2. Food, Nutrition & Indian Flavors

Meals aboard the ISS are nutritionally balanced, pre-packaged delicacies. Shukla revealed he brought along Indian sweets—gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, and aam ras—to savor a taste of home. For astronauts, food is both sustenance and solace. 1

3. Maintaining Health & Fitness

Given rapid muscle atrophy in space, daily exercise is vital. Shukla described using a seatless exercise bike and other resistance equipment to maintain muscle mass. He also affirmed astronauts carry comprehensive medical kits and undergo emergency training. 2

4. Mental Well‑Being and Earth Views

Communication tools help astronauts stay emotionally connected with loved ones. Shukla said much-needed leisure time includes gazing at Earth—a “peaceful, moving” experience. Such moments, he shared, are deeply reflective and cherished. 3

5. Adapting to Microgravity—and Back Again

Initial space adaptation causes disorientation; over time the body adjusts. Re-entry is another challenge, requiring focused rehabilitation to regain balance, muscle strength, and coordination on Earth. 4

Mission Highlights: Axiom Mission 4

Shukla journeyed to the ISS aboard SpaceX’s Dragon, launching on June 25, 2025, from Kennedy Space Centre. Docking occurred on June 26, making him the 634th astronaut globally and the second Indian in orbit after Rakesh Sharma (1984). Prior to this, Shukla conducted muscle‑loss and tardigrade experiments aboard the ISS, signifying India’s growing presence in orbital research. 5

Trivia & Quiz Tidbits

• Shukla is one of four astronauts shortlisted for India’s first indigenous Gaganyaan mission.
• Indian-hosted foods in space: Gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, aam ras—a cultural culinary milestone.
• The ISS travels at roughly 27,600 km/h (~17,150 mph), orbiting Earth every 90 minutes.
• Tardigrades—tiny microscopic creatures—are part of Shukla’s experiments exploring extreme space survivability.

Source: Dna