Shubhanshu Shukla, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, is scheduled to interact with students and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday, July 4th.
This unique opportunity is made possible through the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, designed to foster interest in STEM education by connecting students with astronauts in orbit. The interaction will be facilitated via a telebridge at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. Shukla is part of a 14-day scientific expedition with three other astronauts as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
The ARISS program facilitates this live conversation between Shukla and participants in India. The U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru will host the telebridge station, with communication relayed through the K6DUE ground station. According to reports, the session is scheduled for 3:47 PM IST (10:17 UTC) on Friday. This initiative serves as a vital link between space exploration and education.
Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a licensed communication system using radio frequencies allocated for non-commercial purposes. It's favored by enthusiasts and often used during emergencies. In space missions, it offers a reliable communication method, providing a direct line between astronauts and students or amateur operators on Earth, adding a personal element to science education.
While aboard the ISS, Shukla is involved in several key experiments:
Researchers are studying microalgae for their potential as a sustainable and nutrient-rich food source for astronauts. They also play a crucial role in oxygen recycling and waste management. Shukla is monitoring microalgae growth through high-resolution photography. Understanding how microgravity affects algae growth is crucial for developing closed-loop life-support systems, essential for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
This project utilizes virtual reality headsets to assess cognitive performance in microgravity. Astronauts engage in attention-based tasks while their brain activity is monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The data helps scientists understand the effects of space travel on mental acuity, motor function, and memory. This is vital for deep space exploration, where astronauts must perform critical tasks under pressure in confined environments.
This research aims to integrate biometric data with AI-driven mission analytics to track the impact of space on cardiovascular health and balance. By utilizing real-time data analysis and predictive models, this project could transform in-flight medical monitoring and potentially enable remote diagnostic devices for use in rural or emergency areas on Earth. This highlights the potential for medical innovation through space research.
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