Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a conversation with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. Shukla shared his experiences, including the presentation of the Axiom-4 mission patch and the Indian flag taken to the ISS. He emphasized the widespread excitement for India’s Gaganyaan mission. The Prime Minister inquired about the challenges of space travel.
Shukla described the environmental changes and the body’s adjustment process. He also spoke about the difficulties upon returning to Earth. He discussed the cultivation of fenugreek and moth beans on the ISS, highlighting the challenges of food in space, with limited space and high costs, and the necessity of maximizing nutritional value. Shukla, the first Indian to visit a space station, highlighted international interest in the Gaganyaan mission, with people from other nations eager to learn about its launch. Shukla expressed that the Axiom-4 mission was thoroughly prepared and marked a beginning. PM Modi recognized the mission as a significant first step and acknowledged the value of Shukla’s experience for the Gaganyaan mission. Shukla noted the government’s support for the space program, with PM Modi emphasizing the importance of self-reliance.