Body starts rebelling, you grow taller: IAF astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla shares space experience with OTV

Indian Air Force (IAF) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently flew to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom-4 mission, said the historic achievement belonged to every Indian.

During a special interaction with OTV at SAI International School in Bhubaneswar, Shukla shared his emotional experience of representing India in space and spoke in detail about the physical and psychological challenges astronauts face in microgravity.

‘The Mission United The Nation’

Reflecting on India’s excitement over the mission, Shukla said, “That was a very big achievement for our country, as after 41 years someone again landed in space. During training, it was not clear how many people were excited or committed about it. When I returned to India, I learnt that people were very much excited about it.”

He said the overwhelming public support played a crucial role in the success of the mission.

“Everyone’s love and prayers were with me, for which the mission was executed successfully. I believe this mission united the entire nation. Everyone made the mission their own, which was also my aim. I got the chance to visit the space, but it was the journey of all,” he added.

Adapting To Life In Space

Sharing insights into microgravity, Shukla said the human body initially struggles to adapt.

“Your body has never seen the environment of space. We evolve in an environment where there is gravity. When you reach an environment where there is no gravity, you see a lot of changes. Your body starts rebelling. Blood starts flowing into the brain, heartbeat slows down. You become taller in space, but when you land back on Earth, it becomes normal again.”

The first few days, he said, are the most challenging both on arrival and upon returning.

‘Food Is the Same, But the Texture Changes’

Explaining how astronauts manage food in space, he said, “The food we eat on Earth is the same as we eat in space, but it is prepared especially with a different texture. You cannot eat anything dry that can spill. Everything is moist, preventing it from spilling.”

Daily activities also require adjustment. “Waking up, brushing teeth, hygiene and sleeping patterns change due to the absence of gravity. But as I said, you learn them in 4–5 days,” he added.

‘Sare Jahan Se Acha—India Looks Stunning From Space’

Describing the breathtaking view of India from orbit, Shukla said, “India looks very beautiful from space, and it is truly said ‘Sare Jahan Se Acha’. India’s three sides are surrounded by sea, which looks dark and the land is illuminated, making it very beautiful.”

He said many astronauts before him have shared the same sentiment.

“India looks confident, audacious and on the track of progress from space. This is the golden period of the country,” he concluded.