“Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Pioneer Innovative Space Experiments, Reveals Minister” – INDIA New England News

New Delhi– Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to play a vital role in upcoming space missions. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, shared this news, highlighting Shukla’s research as a proud moment for India in global space exploration.

Shukla’s work will focus on several areas, such as how the body reacts to microgravity. For example, he will explore how staring at screens for long periods affects astronauts. This study is essential for future missions that last a long time.

Another important part of his research involves looking at how zero gravity affects muscles and testing possible treatments for muscle loss. He will also work with extremophiles—tiny creatures that survive in harsh conditions. Understanding how they adapt can provide insights into life beyond our planet.

Shukla is one of four astronauts chosen for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, which is expected to launch in early 2027. In the meantime, he’ll join the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with Group Captain Prasanth Nair as his backup.

During Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the United States, discussions about sending an Indian astronaut to the ISS took place. Dr. Singh noted that since 2014, reforms like opening Sriharikota to the public and encouraging private sector involvement have significantly advanced India’s role in the global space sector.

Trial phases for the Gaganyaan mission are making steady progress. Once completed, this will move India further toward becoming self-reliant in space endeavors.

“These experiments could change the game, enhancing India’s space capabilities,” Dr. Singh said.

The Indian space economy, valued at $8 billion, is anticipated to grow to $44 billion in the coming years. This growth aligns with the government’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

In addition to space initiatives, the government is focused on unlocking the potential of India’s deep ocean resources through its Deep Ocean Mission. There’s also a commitment to clean energy via increased funding for nuclear research and developing Bharat Small Modular Reactors. This is crucial for India’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.

Experts suggest that these steps will not only enhance India’s capabilities in space but also contribute to global advancements in science and sustainability. The interplay of space exploration and environmental responsibility might set a new precedent for future missions.

For further reading, you can find insights on space exploration efforts in various studies and reports from Space.com and the NASA website.

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