Bengaluru students engage with Indian astronaut aboard ISS in historic HAM Radio session

Bengaluru students were thrilled to connect live with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he spoke from aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during a 12-minute HAM radio interaction on Friday. This marked the first such session involving Indian students and an Indian astronaut aboard the ISS, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the UR Rao Satellite Centre.

Also read: Shubhanshu Shukla to address ISRO scientists and students from space at Bengaluru’s U R Rao Centre

The event, facilitated by Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) and AMSET, linked ten students from Karnataka Public School Domlur and Jeevan Bheema Nagar through a Telebridge with a satellite station in Maryland, USA. Organized by ISRO, the interaction allowed the students to pose 13 pre-approved questions covering technical and personal aspects of space life.

Students were captivated as Shukla described his challenges aboard the ISS, especially adjusting to microgravity and maintaining a sleep routine. He emphasized how even simple tasks like resting become complex in space due to the constant excitement and floating environment.

The astronaut also detailed his exhilarating launch and docking experience, noting the rapid acceleration and the delicate coordination required for docking with the ISS. Students listened in awe as he described floating freely during the first 36 hours in orbit.

Adding a personal touch, Shukla shared how he treated his international crewmates to Indian sweets like Gajar ka Halwa and Aam Ras. He also briefed students on ongoing stem cell and muscle research in microgravity.

This unique interaction left Bengaluru’s young minds inspired and eager to explore careers in space.