Shubhanshu Shukla tells college students at NESAC a lot of you’ll be able to turn out to be astronauts, stroll on the moon

“A lot of you’ll be able to turn out to be future astronauts, even stroll on the Moon,” Shubhanshu Shukla instructed a bunch of excited faculty college students throughout an interplay by means of beginner radio from the Worldwide Area Station on Tuesday (July 8, 2025).

Mr. Shukla, who has now spent 12 days on the orbital laboratory, was interacting with college students of seven colleges from Meghalaya and Assam who gathered on the North East Area Functions Centre (NESAC) in Shillong for the uncommon alternative to speak to an astronaut in orbit.

The scholars had submitted 20 inquiries to Mr. Shukla, and he used a 10-minute window to attach with them through Ham radio to share his experiences on the ISS, coaching as an astronaut, and staying wholesome whereas in area.

“I can be again, and I’ll information you. A lot of you’ll turn out to be future astronauts. Keep curious, work laborious, and consider in your self, somebody from you may even stroll on the Moon,” Mr. Shukla stated.

He stated life onboard the area station isn’t guided by daylight, however by the clock set to Greenwich Imply Time (GMT). “We don’t observe the Solar. On the ISS, we see 16 sunrises and sunsets day by day as a result of we circle the Earth each 90 minutes. Our actions aren’t guided by daylight, however by GMT,” Mr. Shukla stated.

He stated the human physique goes by means of a number of modifications in microgravity, and it was vital for astronauts to observe an everyday train routine to remain wholesome in orbit. “We develop up in gravity on Earth, however right here in area, there’s none. The physique goes by means of a number of modifications, and it takes a while to adapt. I skilled some area illness at first, however there are drugs, and we adapt rapidly,” Mr. Shukla stated.

“Microgravity causes muscle and bone loss. So, we train day by day utilizing treadmills, cycles, and power coaching machines. It’s important to remain match for the mission and for our return to Earth,” he stated.

Stressing the significance of bodily and psychological preparation, Mr. Shukla stated astronauts prepare extensively in Russia, India, and different companion nations to deal with each conceivable situation, particularly emergencies. “Most of our coaching is about dealing with off-nominal conditions. Teamwork and a robust assist system are essential,” he stated.

“Robotics and AI are integral to our mission. We use robotic arms for a lot of inside and exterior duties, making our work safer and extra environment friendly on the Area Station,” Mr. Shukla stated.

College students from Military Public College-Shillong, Alpha Larger Secondary College-Nongpoh, ARYA Vidyapith Excessive College-Guwahati, The Christ Senior Secondary College-Umiam, PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya-Barapani, The Military Public College-Umroi, and B Ok Bajoria College-Shillong had signed up for the occasion.