
Shubhanshu Shukla Saw Over 230 Sunrises from Space, Travelled Nearly 1 Crore Kilometres
In a remarkable feat, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has witnessed over 230 sunrises onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and travelled nearly 10 million kilometres (1 crore kilometres) in space during his two-week stay on the orbital laboratory. Shukla and his Axiom-4 crew, which conducted several experiments during their stay at ISS, would undock from the space station on July 14.
The journey of Shubhanshu Shukla, a 32-year-old Indian astronaut, is a testament to human ingenuity and the pursuit of scientific discovery. Shukla and his crewmates, Ethan Cai, Larry Connor, and John Shoffner, arrived at the ISS on June 26 and spent 15 days conducting experiments and research on board the space station.
One of the most significant aspects of Shukla’s journey was the number of sunrises he witnessed during his stay. With the ISS orbiting the Earth at an altitude of approximately 250 miles (400 km), Shukla and his crewmates experienced a sunrise every 90 minutes, which is roughly the time it takes for the space station to complete one orbit around the planet. This means that Shukla witnessed over 230 sunrises during his two-week stay, a truly awe-inspiring experience that few people can claim to have had.
But Shukla’s journey was not just about witnessing sunrises. He and his crewmates conducted a range of experiments on board the ISS, including research on plant growth, fluid dynamics, and space medicine. These experiments are crucial for advancing our understanding of space travel and the effects of microgravity on the human body.
One of the most significant experiments conducted by Shukla and his crewmates was a study on plant growth. The experiment, which involved growing plants in microgravity, aimed to understand how plants adapt to the unique conditions of space. The results of the experiment could have significant implications for future long-duration space missions, where food production and sustainability are critical.
Shukla’s journey was also marked by a range of educational and outreach activities. He and his crewmates participated in live sessions with students from around the world, sharing their experiences and insights on space travel and the challenges of living in space. These sessions not only raised awareness about space travel but also inspired a new generation of students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is a testament to the power of human exploration and the importance of scientific discovery. As he and his crewmates undock from the ISS and return to Earth, they will have accomplished something truly remarkable – a journey that will inspire generations to come.