I’ve Tied My Feet to Talk to You Otherwise I’ll Start Floating: Shubhanshu to PM Modi
In a remarkable conversation, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot, spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the International Space Station (ISS). The conversation was marked by a humorous remark by Shubhanshu, who joked that he had tied his feet to the spacecraft to prevent himself from floating away while speaking to the Prime Minister.
The conversation was part of a special address by Shubhanshu to Modi, during which he shared his experiences living and working in space. Shubhanshu is currently on a 12-day mission at the ISS as part of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Gaganyaan program.
During the conversation, Shubhanshu shared the challenges he faced while adapting to life in space. “Even doing small tasks gets difficult here due to absence of gravity…Sleeping here is a big challenge…It takes some time to get used to this environment,” he said.
Shubhanshu’s humorous remark about tying his feet to the spacecraft was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise serious conversation. However, it highlights the unique challenges faced by astronauts living and working in space.
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit, where astronauts live and work for extended periods. The environment on the ISS is very different from what we experience on Earth. Without gravity, every movement, every action, and every task requires a different approach.
For example, sleeping in space is a challenge because there is no concept of up or down. Astronauts use specialized sleeping bags and attach themselves to the wall to prevent floating away while they sleep. Eating and drinking in space also requires special techniques, as liquids can float away and food needs to be secured to prevent it from floating off.
Shubhanshu’s comment about tying his feet to the spacecraft also highlights the importance of anchoring oneself in space. Without gravity, there is no concept of up or down, and objects can float away easily. Astronauts use specialized equipment and techniques to secure themselves and their equipment to prevent floating away.
The conversation between Shubhanshu and Modi was a significant moment in India’s space program. The Gaganyaan program is a major step forward for India’s space exploration and scientific research. The program aims to send Indian astronauts to space and establish a permanent human presence on the ISS.
Shubhanshu’s conversation with Modi was also a testament to the importance of space exploration and the contributions it can make to humanity. Space exploration has the potential to advance our understanding of the universe, improve our daily lives, and inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Shubhanshu’s humorous remark about tying his feet to the spacecraft was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise serious conversation. It highlighted the unique challenges faced by astronauts living and working in space and the importance of anchoring oneself in space. The conversation between Shubhanshu and Modi was a significant moment in India’s space program and a testament to the importance of space exploration.
