From Earth to orbit: What Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS mission means for India

This photo provided by Axiom Space shows Shubhanshu Shukla from India, Peggy Whitson from the US, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. - Axiom Space via AP
NEW DELHI: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, set to pilot the Axiom-4 mission, is poised to make history as he prepares for liftoff to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, delayed by bad weather near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, was rescheduled for Wednesday (June 11) at 5:30 pm India time.
Shukla's flight, alongside a four-member crew aboard the Dragon spacecraft developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX, marks India's quiet return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. He will become the second Indian to travel to space, after IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who soared into orbit aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft in 1984 as part of a mission in collaboration with the Russian space agency, Roscosmos.
Unlike India's first human spaceflight in 1984, this mission stands out for its strategic alignment with India's current space ambitions. As a crew member aboard the Dragon spacecraft, Group Captain Shukla's hands-on experience in space will be invaluable for India's Gaganyaan mission, scheduled for early 2027. His exposure to real-time spaceflight challenges—from launch to re-entry—will offer critical operational insights for ISRO's human spaceflight programme, helping fine-tune mission protocols.
His learnings could also feed into other critical future space missions, including the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), planned for the early 2030s, and Chandrayaan-4, Indian's maiden attempt to send humans to the moon by 2047.
Shukla will also carry out a series of experiments in microgravity, ranging from muscle regeneration to space farming. These studies have been developed by ISRO in collaboration with Indian scientists from leading research institutions.
The mission will be commanded by veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, with mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland, and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, completing the crew. The spacecraft will be launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket, also developed by SpaceX.
During their stay aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 crew is also expected to interact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, school students and space industry leaders, further strengthening global and national engagement with the mission.
And as a reminder of home, Shukla revealed during a press briefing on June 3 that he will be carrying a taste of India with him—'aam ras', 'gajar ka halwa', and 'moong dal halwa'—offering a sweet nod to the life he leaves behind, even if just for a few days. - The Statesman/ANN

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Malaysian Reserve

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Lilly's once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa demonstrated A1C reduction and a safety profile consistent with daily insulin in multiple Phase 3 trials

Results from the fixed-dose QWINT-1 study, along with the QWINT-3 and QWINT-4 studies, reinforce efsitora's potential to simplify insulin management with weekly dosing Lilly plans to submit efsitora for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to global regulatory agencies by the end of this year INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced detailed results from QWINT-1, QWINT-3, and QWINT-4 Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of investigational once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) in adults with type 2 diabetes who used insulin for the first time, previously used daily basal insulin, and previously used daily basal insulin and mealtime insulin, respectively. In each trial, once-weekly efsitora met the primary endpoint of non-inferior A1C reduction compared to daily basal insulin. The complete results from these studies were presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions 2025. Simultaneously, results from QWINT-1, a first-of-its-kind fixed-dose study, were published in The New England Journal of Medicine, while results from QWINT-3 and QWINT-4 were published in The Lancet. In QWINT-1, efsitora reduced A1C by 1.31% compared to 1.27% for insulin glargine at week 52 for the efficacy estimand.1,2 In the trial, efsitora was titrated to four fixed doses at four-week intervals, as needed for blood glucose control.3 In QWINT-3, efsitora reduced A1C by 0.86% compared to 0.75% for insulin degludec at week 26 for the efficacy estimand.4 In QWINT-4, efsitora reduced A1C by 1.07% compared to 1.07% for insulin glargine at week 26 for the efficacy estimand.5 In these two trials, efsitora was administered using traditional insulin dosing with adjustments based on each patient's glucose level. 'The novel fixed-dose regimen used in QWINT-1 for once-weekly efsitora, which consisted of only four single-dose titration options, has the potential to facilitate and simplify insulin therapy, reducing the hesitation often associated with starting insulin to treat type 2 diabetes,' said Dr. Julio Rosenstock, senior scientific advisor for Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City Dallas, clinical professor of medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and lead trial investigator for QWINT-1. 'A simpler, once-weekly regimen with efsitora may help people with type 2 diabetes initiate and manage insulin therapy with the goal of improving blood sugar levels. Across all QWINT trials, the results showed that once-weekly efsitora controlled glucose as effectively as the most popular once-daily basal insulins.' QWINT-1 Primary Endpoint Efficacy Estimand Treatment-RegimenEstimand6 Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 52 Efsitora -1.31 % (6.92 %) -1.19 % (7.05 %) Glargine -1.27 % (6.96 %) -1.16 % (7.08 %) QWINT-3 Primary and Key Secondary Endpoints Efficacy Estimand Treatment-RegimenEstimand Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 26 Efsitora -0.86 % (6.93 %) -0.81 % (6.99 %) Degludec -0.75 % (7.03 %) -0.72 % (7.08 %) Key Secondary Endpoint – Rates of Clinically Significant or Severe Nocturnal Hypoglycemic Events Per Patient-Year of Exposure up to Week 787,8 Efsitora 0.11 Degludec 0.10 Key Secondary Endpoint – Percent Time in Range (70-180 mg/dL) During the FourWeeks Prior to Week 26 Efsitora 62.8 % 61.4 % Degludec 61.3 % 61.0 % QWINT-4 Primary and Key Secondary Endpoints Efficacy Estimand Treatment-Regimen Estimand Primary Endpoint – A1C Reduction (Resulting A1C) at Week 26 Efsitora -1.07 % (7.12 %) -1.01 % (7.17 %) Glargine -1.07 % (7.11 %) -1.00 % (7.18 %) Key Secondary Endpoint – Participants Achieving A1C <7% at Week 26 Without Nocturnal Hypoglycemia Efsitora 39.5 % 38.6 % Glargine 36.6 % 35.9 % Key Secondary Endpoint – Rates of Clinically Significant or Severe NocturnalHypoglycemic Events Per Patient-Year of Exposure up to Week 26 Efsitora 0.67 Glargine 1.00 'Building on Lilly's legacy of innovation in insulin therapy, once-weekly efsitora may offer a significant advancement for people with type 2 diabetes who need insulin by eliminating over 300 injections per year,' said Jeff Emmick, M.D., Ph.D., senior vice president of product development at Lilly. 'These results reinforce the potential for once-weekly efsitora to help reduce the overall burden of insulin therapy through a simplified treatment approach. We look forward to working with regulatory agencies to bring this innovation to patients around the world.' Across the three trials, efsitora demonstrated an overall safety profile similar to two of the most commonly used daily basal insulin therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In QWINT-1, efsitora resulted in approximately 40% fewer hypoglycemic events compared to insulin glargine, with estimated combined rates of severe or clinically significant hypoglycemic events per patient-year of exposure of 0.50 with efsitora vs. 0.88 with insulin glargine at 52 weeks. In QWINT-3, these rates were 0.84 with efsitora vs. 0.74 with insulin degludec at 78 weeks. In QWINT-4, estimated combined rates of severe or clinically significant hypoglycemic events per patient-year of exposure were 6.6 with efsitora vs. 5.9 with insulin glargine at 26 weeks. Lilly plans to submit efsitora for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes to global regulatory agencies by the end of this year. About the QWINT clinical trial programThe QWINT Phase 3 global clinical development program for insulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) in diabetes began in 2022 and has enrolled more than 3,000 people living with type 2 diabetes across four global registration studies. QWINT-1 (NCT05662332) was a parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a once-weekly basal insulin using a fixed dose escalation to daily insulin glargine for 52 weeks in insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes. The trial randomized 795 participants across the U.S., Argentina and Mexico to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin glargine once daily, administered subcutaneously. Participants treated with efsitora received a starting dose of 100 units of insulin, followed by escalation to fixed dosages of 150 units, 250 units and 400 units every four weeks, as needed, until achieving a target fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL. Participants with fasting blood glucose greater than 130 mg/dL on or after 16 weeks were transferred to flexible dosing. The primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 52 with efsitora compared to daily use of insulin glargine. QWINT-3 (NCT05275400) was a multicenter, randomized, parallel-design, open-label trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a once-weekly basal insulin to insulin degludec for 78 weeks after a three-week lead-in followed by a five-week safety follow up period, in adults with type 2 diabetes who are currently treated with basal insulin. The trial randomized 986 participants across the U.S., Argentina, Hungary, Japan, Korea, Poland, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain and Taiwan to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin degludec once daily, administered subcutaneously. The primary objective of the study was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 26 with efsitora compared to insulin degludec. QWINT-4 (NCT05462756) was a parallel-design, open-label, treat-to-target, randomized controlled clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of efsitora as a weekly basal insulin to insulin glargine for 26 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes who have previously been treated with basal insulin and at least two injections per day of mealtime insulin. The trial randomized 730 participants across the U.S., Argentina, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain to receive efsitora once weekly or insulin glargine once daily, both of which were administered subcutaneously along with insulin lispro. The primary objective of the trial was to demonstrate non-inferiority in reducing A1C at week 26 with efsitora compared to insulin glargine. About insulin efsitora alfaInsulin efsitora alfa (efsitora) is a once-weekly basal insulin, a fusion protein that combines a novel single-chain variant of insulin with a human IgG2 Fc domain. It is specifically designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration, and with its low peak-to-trough ratio, it has the potential to provide more stable glucose levels (less glucose variability) throughout the week. About Lilly Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. We've been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today our medicines help tens of millions of people across the globe. Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, our scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases. With each step toward a healthier world, we're motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure our medicines are accessible and affordable. To learn more, visit and or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. P-LLY The efficacy estimand represents the treatment effect on all participants who adhered to the study drug without initiating rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia. From a baseline of 8.20% for efsitora and 8.28% for insulin glargine. Participants treated with efsitora received a starting dose of 100 units of insulin, followed by escalation to fixed dosages of 150 units, 250 units and 400 units every four weeks, as needed, until achieving a target fasting blood glucose of 80-130 mg/dL. Participants with fasting blood glucose greater than 130 mg/dL on or after 16 weeks were transferred to flexible dosing. From a baseline of 7.80% for both efsitora and insulin degludec. From a baseline of 8.18% for both efsitora and insulin glargine. The treatment-regimen estimand represents the estimated average treatment effect regardless of treatment discontinuation or introduction of rescue therapy for persistent severe hyperglycemia. Blood glucose <54 mg/dL. Nocturnal hypoglycemia was defined as any event that occurred at night between midnight and 6 a.m. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) about insulin efsitora alfa as a potential treatment for people with type 2 diabetes and the timeline for future readouts, presentations, and other milestones relating to insulin efsitora alfa and its clinical trials and reflects Lilly's current beliefs and expectations. However, as with any pharmaceutical product, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of drug research, development, and commercialization. Among other things, there is no guarantee that future study results will be consistent with study results to date, that insulin efsitora alfa will prove to be a safe and effective treatment for type 2 diabetes, that insulin efsitora alfa will receive regulatory approval, or that Lilly will execute its strategy as expected. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from Lilly's expectations, see Lilly's Form 10-K and Form 10-Q filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as required by law, Lilly undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements to reflect events after the date of this release. Trademarks and Trade NamesAll trademarks or trade names referred to in this press release are the property of the company, or, to the extent trademarks or trade names belonging to other companies are referenced in this press release, the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, the trademarks and trade names in this press release are referred to without the ® and ™ symbols, but such references should not be construed as any indicator that the company or, to the extent applicable, their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, the company's or their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies' trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Refer to: Niki Biro; niki_biro@ 317-358-9074 (Media) Michael Czapar; czapar_michael_c@ 317-617-0983 (Investors)

The Star

18 hours ago

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Japanese astronaut finds ISS commander role highly rewarding; due to return to Earth in July

Astronaut Takuya Onishi speaks at a press conference on the International Space Station on Friday. - Photo: Courtesy of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency TOKYO: Takuya Onishi, an astronaut who has been on a long-term mission at the International Space Station since March, said that his role as ISS commander is highly rewarding. Onishi, 49, reached the ISS via a SpaceX spacecraft in March and has become the third Japanese national to serve as an ISS commander since April. 'I find [the role as commander] highly rewarding,' he said at a press conference on Friday (June 20) night. During his first half of the long-term mission, he was engaged in scientific experiments and other activities. 'I would like to lead my crew as best as I can for the rest of the period,' Onishi said. Onishi is scheduled to return to the Earth in or after July, once replacement astronauts, including Kimiya Yui, 55, arrive on the ISS. - The Yomiuri Shimbun

The Sun

3 days ago

• The Sun

SpaceX Starship explodes on Texas launch pad

HOUSTON: A SpaceX Starship rocket exploded during a routine ground test in Texas late Wednesday, the company said, in the latest setback to billionaire Elon Musk's dream of sending humans to Mars. The explosion -- which sent a towering fireball into the air -- happened at the Starbase launch facility at about 11:00 pm (0400 GMT Thursday), SpaceX and law enforcement officials said. As the company prepared for a static fire test, 'a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand,' it said Thursday, updating its initial statement. 'The explosion ignited several fires at the test site which remains clear of personnel,' it said. 'As is the case before any test, a safety zone was established around the test site and was maintained throughout the operation. There are no reported injuries, and all personnel are safe and accounted for.' During a static fire test, part of the procedures preceding a launch, the Starship's first-stage Super Heavy booster would be anchored to the ground to prevent it from lifting off during the test-firing. Starbase, on the south Texas coast near the border with Mexico, is the headquarters for Musk's space project. The company was preparing for the 10th test flight of Starship. 'Initial analysis indicates the potential failure of a pressurized tank known as a COPV, or composite overwrapped pressure vessel, containing gaseous nitrogen in Starship's nosecone area, but the full data review is ongoing,' SpaceX said. Musk appeared to downplay the incident on Thursday. 'Just a scratch,' he posted on his social media platform X. - Mega-rocket - Standing 403 feet (123 meters) tall, Starship is the world's largest and most powerful rocket and is central to Musk's long-term vision of building a long-term colony on Mars. The Starship is billed as a fully reusable rocket with a payload capacity of up to 150 metric tons. The latest setback follows the explosion of a prototype Starship over the Indian Ocean in late May. That day, the biggest and most powerful launch vehicle ever built had lifted off from the Starbase facility, but the Super Heavy booster blew up instead of executing its planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The previous two outings also ended poorly, with the upper stage disintegrating over the Caribbean. However, the failures will likely do little to dent Musk's spacefaring ambitions. SpaceX has been betting that its 'fail fast, learn fast' ethos, which has helped it dominate commercial spaceflight, will eventually pay off. The company has caught the Super Heavy booster in the launch tower's giant robotic arms three times -- a daring engineering feat it sees as key to rapid reusability and slashing costs. NASA is also increasingly reliant on SpaceX, whose Dragon spacecraft is vital for ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station. SpaceX said Thursday that there are 'no commonalities' between the COPVs used on Starship -- the current focus on the investigation -- and those used on Falcon. The Federal Aviation Administration approved an increase in annual Starship rocket launches from five to 25 in early May, stating that the increased frequency would not adversely affect the environment. The decision overruled objections from conservation groups that had warned the expansion could endanger sea turtles and shorebirds.