Shubhanshu Shukla is currently aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, a 14-day commercial spaceflight launched by Axiom Space. The mission includes four astronauts, all engaged in pioneering scientific research that could shape the future of long-duration human spaceflight.According to recent reports, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is scheduled to interact with students and scientists at ISRO via ham radio from the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday, July 4. This rare and inspiring event is part of the ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station) program, which connects students worldwide with astronauts in orbit to promote interest in STEM education. The interaction will take place through a telebridge at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. Shukla is currently on a 14-day scientific expedition aboard the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission with three other astronauts.
Shubhanshu Shukla to connect with students and scientists live from ISS via ham radio on Friday
The interaction is facilitated by Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS), an international initiative that allows students to engage in live conversations with astronauts in orbit. In India, the contact will take place at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru via a telebridge station, with communication relayed through the K6DUE ground station. According to PTI reports, the scheduled time for the session is 3:47 PM IST (10:17 UTC) on Friday. The ARISS program has long served as a bridge between space exploration and education, helping students across the globe see science in action beyond textbooks.
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What is ‘Ham Radio’ and why is it used in space
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a licensed communication system that operates on radio frequencies allocated for non-commercial use. It is popular among enthusiasts and is often used during emergencies when standard communication lines fail. In space missions, ham radio acts as a reliable and hands-on communication tool, providing astronauts a direct line to students and amateur operators on Earth. This form of interaction also brings a personal touch to science education. For students, it’s not just a lesson—it’s a chance to talk to a real astronaut in space.
Shubhanshu Shukla experiments aboard the ISS
Shubhanshu Shukla on board the ISS, is conducting a number of experiments such as:
Microalgae
These small creatures are being researched for their ability to be used for sustainable, nutrient-rich sources of food for astronauts. These also perform a critical function in oxygen recycling and recycling of waste. Shukla planted sample bags of microalgae and took high-resolution photos of their growth. Watching how microgravity impacts algae growth may unlock closed-loop life-support systems, which are essential for missions to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations.
Neuro Motion VR project
It utilises virtual reality headsets to examine cognitive performance in microgravity. The astronauts wear the headsets and engage in attention-based tasks as their brain activity is observed through functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This information assists scientists in comprehending how space travel affects mental acuity, motor function, and memory—vital information for the future of deep space exploration, where astronauts have to execute critical operations under stress in confined settings.
The Telemetric Health AI
This research targets combining biometric information with AI-based mission analytics. The aim is to track how space impacts cardiovascular wellness and balance systems, utilising real-time data analysis and predictive models. This work could not just transform in-flight medical monitoring but potentially enable remote diagnostic devices for application on Earth in rural or emergency areas. It’s a striking demonstration of the medical innovation potential of space research.Also Read | NASA+ to launch on Netflix this summer with live rocket launches, spacewalks, and real-time views from the ISS
