Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will interact with scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and school students on Friday evening from his orbital post aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This unique conversation will take place via Ham Radio, also known as Amateur Radio. The interaction is facilitated under the global outreach initiative "Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS)."

 According to ARISS, the communication link will be established through a telebridge set up at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru — a premier ISRO facility named after the pioneering Indian space scientist. This telebridge acts as a ground-based relay station, enabling radio signals from the ISS to be received and transmitted on Earth. The setup allows school students to communicate directly with an astronaut in orbit, providing them with an inspirational and immersive opportunity to ask questions, learn about life in space, and understand real-time space science from someone currently living aboard the ISS.

🌍 Significance of the Interaction

• Educational Impact: It fosters curiosity among students, allowing them to engage with space science beyond textbooks.
• Cultural and Scientific Pride: An Indian astronaut interacting from the ISS underscores the nation's growing presence in human spaceflight.
• Democratising Space Communication: Using Ham Radio reflects how simple radio technology continues to play a vital role in bridging space and Earth.

ARISS: Connecting Classrooms to the Cosmos

The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) program is a global educational outreach initiative that brings students into direct communication with astronauts aboard the ISS via amateur (ham) radio. Established through a collaboration among international space agencies including NASA, ESA, JAXA, CSA, Roscosmos, and ISRO, the program aims to ignite interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) by providing real-time access to human spaceflight. Over the years, ARISS has enabled more than 1,500 school contacts across 50+ countries, reaching hundreds of thousands of students. By allowing learners to ask astronauts questions during live radio contacts, it humanizes space exploration and turns abstract science into a personal, thrilling experience.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — a broad academic and professional discipline that emphasizes skills and knowledge in these four interconnected fields.

🔬 S — Science

• Focuses on understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and reasoning.
• Includes subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy.

💻 T — Technology

• Involves the practical application of scientific knowledge to create tools, software, and systems.
• Examples: computers, robotics, AI, mobile apps, and communication systems.

🏗️ E — Engineering

• The process of designing, building, and improving structures, machines, and systems.
• Branches include mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, and computer engineering.

📐 M — Mathematics

• The foundation of logical thinking, problem-solving, and quantitative analysis.
• Covers topics like algebra, calculus, statistics, and geometry.

🎯 Why STEM Matters

• STEM fields drive innovation, economic growth, and technological advancement.
• Promotes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.
• Encourages careers in high-demand sectors like space science, medicine, climate tech, and AI.

📡 Upcoming Historic Contact with India – July 4, 2025

In a major milestone for India, the ARISS program has scheduled a live radio contact between Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (callsign VU2TNI) — currently aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) — and students and scientists at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

🗓️ Scheduled Contact Details:

Date: Friday, July 4, 2025

Time: 10:17 UTC | 6:17 AM ET (India: 3:47 PM IST)

Mode: Ham Radio (via K6DUE Telebridge Ground Station, USA)

Location on Earth: UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru

Location in Space: Low Earth Orbit (~400 km above Earth)

“Contact upcoming with India! 🇮🇳

@Axiom_Space #Ax4 crew member Shubhanshu Shukla, VU2TNI, will talk to the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Karnataka, via ham radio from the Space Station.

Scheduled Fri. July 4 at 10:17 UTC, 6:17 AM ET, 3:47 PM IST via K6DUE telebridge,”

— @ARISS_Intl posted on X.

🚀 Why This Contact Is Special

• First ARISS contact by an Indian astronaut on the ISS — a proud moment for the nation.
• Held at URSC, the heart of India’s satellite development programs, symbolizing continuity between India's past, present, and future space missions.
• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot and now an astronaut, represents India's expanding footprint in international crewed space missions.
• The telebridge ground station K6DUE (located in Maryland, USA) will link the ISS and URSC seamlessly via amateur radio frequencies — showing how global cooperation enables this educational miracle.

🎓 Educational Impact

During the session:

Students will ask Shukla real-time questions about his life in space, working in microgravity, conducting experiments, and his journey from the Indian Air Force to becoming an astronaut.

The dialogue will break barriers between Earth and space, making spaceflight feel real and accessible to young minds in India. It will be broadcast to a broader academic audience — inspiring thousands of students across India to consider careers in aerospace, robotics, electronics, and science communication.

🔭 STEM Inspiration at Its Best

ARISS isn’t just about a radio call — it's a symbol of how low-cost, community-driven technology like ham radio can become a gateway to space exploration. It empowers:

• Youth in remote regions to dream beyond borders.
• Schools without expensive lab infrastructure to participate in frontier science.
• A new generation of space enthusiasts to pursue STEM with purpose and pride.

🌌 Conclusion

The upcoming July 4 ARISS contact between Shubhanshu Shukla and students in Bengaluru is a watershed moment — not just for Indian spaceflight, but for global STEM education. It is proof that space is not a distant realm for a few — but a shared frontier for the curious, the passionate, and the bold.

Wing Commander BS Sudarshan is a former Indian Air Force pilot with over 12,000 flying hours. He participated in Operation Pawan and Operation Cactus before he transitioned to civil aviation. A passionate writer, he has authored six books, including "Hasiru Hampe", appreciated by S L Bhyrappa, and the latest "Evergreen Hampi". He is a regular contributor to the Verandah Club.