New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Axiom-4 mission pilot, at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence to discuss Shukla’s recent journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS, shared insights into the unique challenges of life in space, including the absence of gravity and the complexities of space station dining.
During their conversation, Shukla described the distinct environment of space, telling PM Modi, “The atmosphere there is different. There is no gravity.” He elaborated on the difficulties of food management aboard the ISS, noting that limited space and high cargo costs necessitate packing maximum calories and nutrients into minimal volume. Shukla also highlighted ongoing experiments to optimize space food solutions.
The meeting underscored India’s ambitions in space exploration, with Modi emphasizing the need for a robust pool of 40-50 astronauts to support future missions like Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight program. Shukla reflected on the growing interest in space among Indian youth, a shift from his own childhood when such aspirations were less common due to the lack of a national space program. “When I was young, Rakesh Sharma went to space in 1984, but becoming an astronaut wasn’t a dream I had,” Shukla told Modi. He noted that children now frequently ask him how to pursue such a career, signaling a new era of inspiration.
Shukla, a seasoned Indian Air Force pilot, shared that his rigorous training as a test pilot prepared him for the mission’s demands. “The mission has been successful, but it’s not the end it’s the beginning,” he said, highlighting its significance for India’s space journey. Modi praised Shukla’s achievement, noting its role in advancing India’s Gaganyaan mission and fostering national pride. The interaction was first reported by LiveMint, capturing a pivotal moment in India’s growing space legacy.
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