New Delhi: Subhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut, shared the difficulties he encountered during his time in orbit, contrasting the reality of space travel with its glamorous portrayal. During an event hosted by FICCI CLO, he described life on the International Space Station (ISS) as a demanding test of human limits, emphasizing the importance of resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. “While space missions may seem exciting at first, the microgravity environment challenges the body, which is unaccustomed to such conditions,” Shukla explained. “Blood shifts upward, causing puffiness in the head, heart rates decrease, spines elongate, and backaches occur. In microgravity, even the stomach floats, leading to a loss of appetite.
These changes occur immediately upon reaching space.” Shukla recounted a particularly challenging moment before an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he was experiencing nausea and a headache. “Medication for nausea can induce drowsiness, so you endure the discomfort while fulfilling your duties,” he noted, recalling how a crew member discreetly prepared his camera and microphone. “That exemplifies teamwork in action, not just words.” He emphasized the necessity of supporting each other in numerous small ways, from adjusting a fan during lengthy experiments to providing water during prolonged confinement. “These gestures highlight the vital nature of teamwork. Collaboration is not optional; it is essential.
You do not travel to space alone; you benefit from the support of many.” Beyond physical struggles, Shukla reflected on the emotional impact of space travel, describing a profound moment when he spotted India from orbit. “India is the most beautiful place on Earth when viewed from above. The coastlines and plains are striking… It truly feels like saare jahan se acha. In those moments, the bond to home is overwhelming,” he stated. He emphasized that the true legacy of space missions extends beyond scientific achievements to include representation and inspiration. He shared how children in Lucknow expressed their newfound interest in the ISS because of his journey.
“They told me, ‘We cared because you were there.’ That revelation struck me profoundly. Your presence in various fields is not merely symbolic; it is transformative,” he noted. Shukla also highlighted perseverance in the face of rejection, recounting the story of American astronaut Peggy Whitson, who was rejected 10 times by NASA before ultimately being selected and setting records. “A ‘no’ from the world nine times can lead to a historic ‘yes’ on the tenth try,” he remarked. Looking forward, Shukla mentioned India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission and plans for lunar presence by 2040 as significant steps for the nation. “Achieving this requires more than just rockets and spacecraft; it demands the collective energy of the entire nation,” he stated.
Shukla reminded the audience that space exploration is about uplifting spirits as much as launching rockets. “Sending a few to orbit inspires millions back on Earth. The sky has never been the limit—for me, for you, and for Bharat.”