Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Live Interaction from ISS: Inspiring India from Space on July 4, 2025.

Shubhanshu Shukla’s Historic Live Interaction from ISS: Inspiring India from Space on July 4, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/live/YLqEzI9RtIc?si=Qj11tpnmtfE-Eq_c

On July 4, 2025, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), made history by engaging in a live ham radio interaction from 400 kilometers above Earth. As part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, Shukla connected with students and scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, fostering inspiration and showcasing India’s growing role in space exploration. This session, facilitated by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program, highlighted the power of direct communication between astronauts and aspiring young minds.

A Live Link to the Stars

The interaction began at 3:47 PM IST (10:17 UTC) on July 4, 2025, via a ham radio telebridge through the K6DUE station in the United States. Shukla, using his call sign VU2TNI, spoke to an enthusiastic audience of students and ISRO scientists, sharing his experiences aboard the ISS. “It’s an incredible feeling to float in space and see Earth from this vantage point,” Shukla said, describing the challenges of adapting to microgravity. “It’s like learning to move like a baby again, but every moment is thrilling!” His words captivated listeners, particularly students who saw him as a role model for India’s space ambitions.

The ARISS program, designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, enabled this unique exchange. Shukla answered questions about life in space, the view of Earth, and the scientific experiments he’s conducting during the 14-day Ax-4 mission. He shared a lighthearted moment, noting, “I’ve been sleeping a lot, which is a good sign of adjusting to space!” He also highlighted the mission’s zero-gravity indicator, a toy swan named *Joy*, chosen by his son Kiash, which floated during the session, symbolizing wisdom in an “age of distractions.”

 Inspiring the Next Generation

The session was a significant moment for STEM outreach, with students like Isma Tarikh and Mohammad Hamughan expressing awe and inspiration. “It’s a proud moment for Indians,” Mohammad told Reuters, adding that Shukla’s journey motivated him to pursue a career as a space scientist. Isma echoed, “I want to become something great and contribute to the world like Shukla.” The interaction, livestreamed and shared widely on platforms like X, resonated with audiences across India, with posts celebrating Shukla’s engagement with young minds.

Shukla also connected with students in Kerala, who were thrilled to witness life aboard the ISS through his descriptions. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, urging students to “keep asking questions and push the boundaries of science.” The event was part of ISRO’s broader plan to organize student interactions, with two such events scheduled during Shukla’s mission to inspire India’s youth.

A Milestone for India

This live interaction underscored Shukla’s role as a pioneer, following in the footsteps of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut in 1984. As the second Indian in space and the first to visit the ISS, Shukla’s mission is a stepping stone for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program, set for 2027. His engagement from orbit, coupled with a prior videoconference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 28, highlighted the mission’s significance for national pride and international collaboration.

The session, broadcast live through Axiom Space and ISRO channels, was a testament to the power of connecting astronauts with communities on Earth. Shukla’s message of unity and exploration, delivered from the ISS, inspired a new generation to dream big and look to the stars. For more updates on Shukla’s mission, visit [axiom.space/live](https://axiom.space/live) or [isro.gov.in](https://isro.gov.in).