The International Space Station (ISS) is soaring over India this week, captivating the imagination of schoolchildren across the nation. On Saturday night, weather permitting, countless young stargazers will look skyward, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ISS, the temporary home of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s latest space hero. As the first Indian to visit the ISS, Shukla’s mission is igniting dreams and sparking curiosity among students, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Shubhanshu Shukla: A Trailblazer in Space
Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force test pilot, engineer, and ISRO astronaut, is making history as the second Indian to travel to orbit, following Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering journey in 1984. Nicknamed “Shux” by his colleagues, Shukla is serving as a pilot on Axiom Mission 4, conducting experiments that could shape the future of space exploration. His journey resonates deeply with students like Deborshi Halder, a 15-year-old from Kalash High School in West Bengal, who wonders, “What if Shukla’s experiments help humans survive on other planets?” Meanwhile, his classmate Sabnam Sireen, also 15, raises a thoughtful concern: “If we make other planets habitable, will humans exploit them and cause space pollution?”
These questions reflect the curiosity and critical thinking fostered by initiatives like the Life-To and Beyond Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to promoting science literacy among Indian students.
Inspiring the Next Generation Through Space Science
At Kalash High School, a government-sponsored institution in West Bengal, students like Deborshi and Sabnam are buzzing with excitement about Shukla’s mission. Their understanding of space science has been enriched by a recent workshop organized by the Life-To and Beyond Foundation, founded in 2022 by science communicator Sibsankar Palit. The organization has conducted over 30 workshops across India, with a focus on reaching primary and secondary schools in remote areas, including tribal regions like Sukma in Chhattisgarh.
“We can’t rely on textbooks alone,” says Palit. “Kids need interactive tools to spark their curiosity.” However, access to resources like miniature spacecraft models or solar system orreries is limited, with only 53.6% of India’s 276,840 secondary schools equipped with integrated science labs in 2021-22. To bridge this gap, Palit’s workshops use creative, low-cost solutions. At Kalash, students crafted paper orreries and spacecraft models, transforming their classroom into a hub of cosmic discovery.
Fardin Ahmed, a 14-year-old student, shares, “I learned about the solar system from books, but the workshop made me realize how vast the universe is. Sitting here in our small district, I feel connected to an infinite galaxy.”
Tracking the ISS: A Gateway to the Stars
The upcoming ISS flyover offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with Shukla’s mission. Imrana Rahaman and Labiba Naaz, both 15, are among those eagerly awaiting the event. Introduced to a planetarium app by their science teacher, the girls have been using their parents’ phones to explore the night sky. Now, they’re tracking the ISS in real time, hoping to wave to their hero as it passes overhead.
Saikat Ganguly, a teacher at Kalash, notes, “Imrana and Labiba have embraced mobile technology to study astronomy. The app helps them pinpoint Shukla’s location in the sky, making this mission feel personal and accessible.”
Breaking Barriers for First-Generation Learners
Many students at Kalash High School come from low-income families in surrounding villages and are first-generation learners. For them, careers in science can seem out of reach. Palit counters this perception by highlighting the humble origins of India’s space program, which began in 1963 with a rocket launch from Thumba, a small fishing village in Kerala. “If India’s space journey started in a village, these students can dream big too,” he says.
The Life-To and Beyond Foundation’s efforts are sowing seeds of inspiration, encouraging students to see themselves as future scientists, engineers, or even astronauts. By combining hands-on learning with real-world events like the ISS flyover, these initiatives are making science tangible and inclusive.
How to Spot the ISS in India
The ISS will be visible from India on Saturday night, provided skies are clear. To catch a glimpse, look for a bright, steady-moving light crossing the sky, resembling a fast-moving star. Apps like Stellarium or NASA’s “Spot the Station” tool can help you track its exact path and timing based on your location.
As Shubhanshu Shukla orbits Earth, his mission is more than a scientific endeavor—it’s a beacon of hope for young dreamers. For students like Deborshi, Sabnam, Fardin, Imrana, and Labiba, the ISS flyover is a reminder that the stars are closer than they seem, and their dreams of exploring the cosmos are within reach.
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