Shubhanshu Shukla Speaks to Students from Assam and Meghalaya from Space, Tells Them He Will Guide Them To Become Astronauts, Walk on the Moon

The Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.

“Many of you can become future astronauts — even walk on the Moon,” said Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during a thrilling interaction with school students from Meghalaya and Assam.

Speaking live from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 8, the Indian astronaut connected with the students using amateur (Ham) radio, making it a rare and inspiring moment.

Group Captain Shukla, who has now spent 12 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, addressed students gathered at the North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) in Shillong. Representing seven different schools, the students had submitted 20 thoughtful questions, eager to learn about life in space, astronaut training, and the challenges of living in microgravity.

In a brief but powerful 10-minute communication window, Shukla encouraged the students to dream big. “Stay curious, work hard, and believe in yourself. I will return and guide you. One day, someone from you could be on the Moon,” he told the enthusiastic young audience.

Describing life on the ISS, he explained how the absence of gravity changes everyday routines. “We don’t follow the Sun here. Since the ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, we witness 16 sunrises and sunsets each day. Instead, we follow Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to schedule our activities.”

As per media reports, Group Captain Shukla also shed light on the physiological effects of space travel. “We’re born and raised in gravity, but up here, there’s none. Our bodies undergo a lot of changes. Initially, I experienced some space sickness, but we adapt quickly with the help of medication.”

He emphasized the importance of daily physical activity in space.

“Microgravity leads to muscle and bone loss, so we exercise every day using treadmills, bicycles, and strength machines. Staying fit is vital — both for the mission and for our return to Earth.”

Highlighting the rigorous preparation required, Shukla said astronauts train extensively in India, Russia, and partner countries. “Most of our training is about handling off-nominal situations — emergencies that could happen anytime. Teamwork and a strong support system are essential.”

He also noted the role of advanced technology aboard the ISS. “Robotics and AI are crucial to our mission. Robotic arms help us carry out both internal and external tasks, making operations safer and more efficient.”

The schools participating in the session included Army Public School (Shillong), Alpha Higher Secondary School (Nongpoh), ARYA Vidyapith High School (Guwahati), The Christ Senior Secondary School (Umiam), PM SHRI Kendriya Vidyalaya (Barapani), Army Public School (Umroi), and B K Bajoria School (Shillong). For many students, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — and perhaps the beginning of their space dreams.

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