A meeting took place between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the pilot of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla shared his experiences from the space mission. During the meeting, Shukla presented the Prime Minister with the Axiom-4 mission patch and the Indian flag that he took to the ISS. He highlighted the global enthusiasm for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
PM Modi asked about the challenges in space. Shukla explained the environmental changes and the body’s adaptation process. He also mentioned the difficulties experienced upon returning to Earth. Shukla, who had cultivated fenugreek and moth beans on the ISS, discussed the challenges of food in space due to limited space and high costs, emphasizing the need to maximize nutritional value. The first Indian to visit a space station, Shukla noted the eagerness surrounding the Gaganyaan mission. He mentioned that many people from other countries were keen on knowing about the launch date.
Shukla described the Axiom-4 mission preparations as thorough and viewed the mission as a beginning, a first step. PM Modi acknowledged that the experience will be valuable for the Gaganyaan mission. Shukla stated the government’s strong support for the space program. PM Modi stressed the importance of self-reliance in space endeavors.