Shubhanshu Shukla’s Space Journey: Key Points to Remember

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Return: Key Highlights
After orbiting Earth 288 times in 18 days, Shukla and his three crewmates splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on 15th July 2025. The Axiom-4 mission not only marks India’s growing role in human spaceflight but also highlights groundbreaking research that could benefit future interplanetary missions.

Key Experiments Conducted by Shukla on the ISS
Space Microalgae Study – Examined how microalgae produce oxygen, food, and biofuels in microgravity, crucial for long-duration space missions.
Myogenesis Research – Studied muscle cell behavior in space, which could help treat muscle-wasting diseases on Earth.
Seed Germination Experiments – Tested methi and moong sprouts in space to identify resilient crops for sustainable space farming.

Tardigrades (Water Bears) Study – Analyzed genes that make these creatures survive extreme conditions, offering insights for human space endurance.
Cyanobacteria Analysis – Compared strains to assess their potential as a superfood for astronauts.
Voyager Display Experiment – Explored how screen usage affects astronauts’ stress and fatigue levels in space.
Seed Resilience Trials – Tested rice, cowpea, sesame, and other seeds exposed to microgravity to develop climate-resistant crops.

About the Axiom-4 Mission
Launched on: 25th June 2025
Crew: Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Peggy Whitson (USA, Commander), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), Tibor Kapu (Hungary)
Spacecraft: SpaceX Dragon (Falcon 9 rocket)
Managed by: Axiom Space, a private US company


Why Was Splashdown Chosen for Return?
Water’s low viscosity and high density cushion the landing better than solid ground.
Oceans provide vast open spaces, reducing collision risks.
Slows the spacecraft to a safe 25-30 km/h before impact.


Why Do Astronauts Need Reconditioning After Space?
Helps them readjust to Earth’s gravity after prolonged weightlessness.
Restores balance, muscle strength, and coordination.
Addresses issues like motion sickness and bone density loss.


What is Microgravity?
Microgravity is a near-weightless environment where objects float, but gravity still exists in minimal amounts (unlike zero-gravity). It allows unique scientific experiments impossible on Earth.


India’s SpaDeX Mission: A Step Towards Space Docking
Launched on: 30th December 2024 via PSLV-C60.
Objective: Successfully docked two satellites (SDX01 Chaser & SDX02 Target) in orbit.
Significance:
Crucial for assembling Bharatiya Antariksh Station (planned 2028).
Essential for Chandrayaan-4’s Moon sample return mission.


Sample Questions & Answers for Competitive Exams
1. What was the primary objective of Shubhanshu Shukla’s Tardigrades experiment?
Answer: To identify genes that make Tardigrades resilient in extreme conditions.
2. Why is splashdown preferred for spacecraft landings?
Answer: Water provides a safer cushion and reduces collision risks compared to land.
3. How does microgravity affect muscle cells, as studied in the Myogenesis experiment?
Answer: It helps understand muscle atrophy, aiding treatments for muscle-wasting diseases.
4. What role does the SpaDeX mission play in India’s space ambitions?
Answer: It demonstrates docking technology needed for future space stations and lunar missions.
5. Why is cyanobacteria important for long-duration space missions?
Answer: It can serve as a sustainable superfood and aid in oxygen production.

Why is This Important for Exams?
UPSC/SSC/PSC: Frequently asks about space missions, scientific experiments, and India’s space achievements.
Science & Tech Sections: Covers microgravity research, space agriculture, and astronaut health.
Current Affairs: Shukla’s mission is a milestone in India’s space exploration history.