Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Speak with Indian Students, ISRO Scientists from Orbit on July 4th

Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is set to interact with students and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 4. This unique event will utilize ham radio and is organized under the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program.

The Ax-4 mission, a 14-day commercial spaceflight by Axiom Space, involves four astronauts conducting scientific research crucial for future long-duration spaceflights.

Live Interaction Details

The ARISS program facilitates this live conversation, bridging space exploration and education. The interaction will occur via a telebridge at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. Communication will be relayed through the K6DUE ground station. According to reports, the session is scheduled for 3:47 PM IST (10:17 UTC) on Friday.

Ham Radio in Space Communication

Ham radio, or amateur radio, is a licensed communication system operating on non-commercial radio frequencies. It's widely used by enthusiasts and as a reliable backup during emergencies when standard communication fails. In space missions, it offers a direct, hands-on communication method, connecting astronauts with students and amateur operators.

Shubhanshu Shukla's Experiments on the ISS

While on the ISS, Shubhanshu Shukla is involved in several experiments:

Microalgae Research

Microalgae are being studied as a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source for astronauts. They also play a vital role in oxygen recycling and waste management. Shukla has planted microalgae samples and is documenting their growth through high-resolution photos. Understanding the impact of microgravity on algae growth is crucial for developing closed-loop life-support systems, essential for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Neuro Motion VR Project

This project uses virtual reality headsets to assess cognitive performance in microgravity. Astronauts wear the headsets and perform attention-based tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This data helps scientists understand how space travel affects mental acuity, motor function, and memory.

The Telemetric Health AI

This research focuses on integrating biometric data with AI-based mission analytics. The goal is to monitor the effects of space on cardiovascular health and balance systems using real-time data analysis and predictive models. This could revolutionize in-flight medical monitoring and enable remote diagnostic devices for use in rural or emergency situations on Earth.