Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Embarks on Two-Week Mission Aboard International Space Station: A Deep Dive

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India commences his groundbreaking voyage to the International Space Station (ISS), it's crucial to understand the purpose of the orbital laboratory. This is where he and his Axiom-4 crewmates will reside and conduct experiments for the next two weeks.

Orbiting approximately 408 km above Earth, the ISS embodies global scientific collaboration, exceptional engineering, and humanity's ambition to prosper beyond our planet.

An Orbital Home

The ISS circles Earth at an astonishing speed of 28,000 kmph, completing a full orbit every 90 minutes, resulting in approximately 16 orbits per day. This implies that Shukla and his team will experience numerous sunrises and sunsets each day, suspended in a precise equilibrium of velocity and gravity that sustains their continuous orbit around the Earth.

A Colossal Structure

The ISS was constructed over a decade through 42 separate missions, evolving into a vast space complex. It extends 73 meters in length and, with its solar arrays fully deployed, spans 109 meters—surpassing the size of a football field.

Weighing approximately 4.2 lakh kg, the ISS comprises over 15 pressurized modules, contributed by five primary partner agencies: NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). The central truss, which supports solar panels and radiators, serves as the station's structural foundation.

Solar Power

Eight extensive solar arrays generate up to 120 kilowatts of power, which is stored in rechargeable batteries to ensure continuous operation. These panels supply power to everything from scientific instruments to the crew's daily needs, including crucial oxygen generation systems and environmental controls.

Life in Orbit

The station typically houses a crew of six, although it can accommodate up to ten astronauts during short-term missions like Ax-4. Life on board is meticulously organized: astronauts adhere to a strict schedule, including two hours of daily exercise to combat muscle and bone loss due to weightlessness.

The station provides private sleeping quarters, a galley, toilets, an observation cupola, and even exercise equipment. Communication delays are minimal, about 1-2 seconds, allowing for near real-time conversations with mission control and family members.

A Hub for Research

The ISS is more than just a residence; it represents the most advanced research facility in low-Earth orbit (LEO). The experiments conducted on board encompass microgravity physics, life sciences, biotechnology, Earth observation, and even space agriculture. A notable feature is the Cupola Module, equipped with seven windows, offering astronauts breathtaking panoramic views of Earth. It is utilized for photography, spacecraft docking oversight, and personal reflection—making it a favorite spot for many ISS residents.

Accessing the ISS

Transport to the International Space Station is now facilitated by multiple spacecraft: Soyuz (Russia), Crew Dragon (SpaceX), and soon, Boeing's Starliner. Cargo missions, essential for resupplying food, water, scientific equipment, and spare parts, are conducted by spacecraft like Dragon, Cygnus, HTV, and soon, Dream Chaser.

Future Prospects

With an operational life expected to continue until at least 2030, the ISS will eventually be succeeded by commercial space stations such as Axiom Station, Starlab, and others. A controlled deorbit, managed by NASA and Roscosmos, is planned to ensure a safe conclusion to this decades-long orbiting laboratory's mission.

As Shukla undertakes his space-based scientific tasks, he joins a facility that not only highlights India's growing contribution to human spaceflight but also stands as one of humanity's greatest international achievements. The ISS is more than a station—it is a shared frontier where science, diplomacy, and exploration converge 400 km above Earth.