Shubhanshu Shukla undergoing rehabilitation to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity: ISRO

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla who returned to earth on July 15 after spending 18 days in the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) mission is undergoing a week-long rehabilitation programme to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity.

According to ISRO after Group Captain Shukla was extracted by SpaceX’s recovery teams on July 15 and preliminary health checks were carried out at the recovery ship.

“Initial health assessments indicated that Gaganyatri Shukla was in stable condition with no immediate concerns reported. He was airlifted by helicopter from the recovery ship to the mainland for further medical evaluations and debriefing sessions,” ISRO said on Thursday.

It further added that the Indian astronaut was flown to Houston for a week-long rehabilitation programme to mitigate any adverse effect of microgravity.

“This is being administered by Axiom’s flight surgeon and ISRO’s flight surgeon is also participating in this program. This includes a series of medical checks especially cardiovascular assessments, musculoskeletal tests psychological debrief. The rehabilitation activities of Gaganyatri focus on monitoring physical and mental health, addressing any effects of microgravity, and preparing him for a return to normal activities,” ISRO said.

Shubhanshu Shukla meets his family

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla with his son. @gagan.shux via Instagram
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Group Captain Shukla also met his family members at Houston.

Group Captain Shukla, who is the pilot for the Ax-4 mission is the first Indian to go to the ISS.

He along with his Commander Peggy Whitson of the U.S., Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu of Hungary spend 18 days in the ISS before heading back home onboard a SpaceX Dragon which splashed down off the coast of San Diego in the United States on July 15. During the stay at the ISS the crew completed over 60 research activities and 23 outreach events.