Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is set to connect with school students and ISRO scientists this Friday, July 4, through a special ham radio session. The event is part of the global Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) programme, which aims to spark young minds’ interest in science and space by giving them a chance to speak directly with astronauts.
A unique session through ham radio
The conversation is scheduled to begin at 10:17 UTC (3:47 PM IST) and will be facilitated through a telebridge set up at Bengaluru’s U R Rao Satellite Centre. The K6DUE telebridge station in the United States will relay the communication. ARISS confirmed the event on social media, noting that Shukla, who uses the amateur radio callsign VU2TNI, will speak with participants during this rare opportunity.
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is often used during emergencies when conventional communication channels are unavailable. Through ARISS, it becomes a bridge between space and Earth, offering students a memorable learning experience as they interact with astronauts aboard the ISS.
Encouraging the next generation
For more than two decades, ARISS has brought students and astronauts together, creating exciting moments that fuel curiosity about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This upcoming session holds special significance for Indian students, as Shukla’s journey reflects both India’s growing presence in space exploration and the possibilities that lie ahead for young dreamers. The interaction will give students a glimpse into daily life on the ISS and allow them to ask questions about space missions, experiments, and future opportunities.
Scientific research aboard Ax-4
While Shukla’s conversation with students is a highlight of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, his work aboard the ISS is deeply rooted in scientific discovery. He has recently contributed to a study on space microalgae, deploying sample bags and capturing images of different algae strains to examine how they behave in microgravity. This research could play a role in developing sustainable food systems for long-term space missions.
Shukla and the Ax-4 crew have also been involved in the Neuro Motion VR experiment, where astronauts wear virtual reality headsets and complete attention-focused tasks while their brain activity is tracked using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. This study helps scientists understand how space conditions affect cognitive performance.
In addition, the Ax-4 mission includes experiments that study the effects of spaceflight on cardiovascular health and balance. The data collected may improve real-time health monitoring for astronauts on future deep space missions.
Private space missions driving science and outreach
The Axiom-4 mission highlights how private space companies are contributing to science on the ISS while also focusing on educational outreach. By creating opportunities like the upcoming ham radio session, these missions help inspire students on Earth to engage with space science and exploration.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s interaction with students and ISRO scientists promises to be an unforgettable experience, one that could motivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers to pursue their dreams among the stars.
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