Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who is currently aboard the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission, showed his viewers some amazing water tricks in zero gravity, calling himself a “water bender” in space. Read on to know more.
Shubhanshu Shukla Shows Water Tricks In Zero Gravity
Zero gravity, or more accurately, microgravity, is the weightless condition astronauts experience in orbit. This is exactly what Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla is experiencing as he prepares to leave the ISS after living there for 18 days as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
As per India Today, just before boarding the Dragon capsule with the rest of the crew, he took a moment to show the effects of microgravity. In a video shared on the official YouTube channel of Axiom Space, during a live interaction, Shubhanshu performed some fun water tricks. He called himself a “water bender” while making small spheres or balls of water float around him.
Also Read: PM Modi Calls Shubhanshu Shukla On ISS; Talks Aamras, Moong Dal Halwa And 16 Sunsets A Day
Peggy Whitson Explains The Science Behind The Trick
Veteran American astronaut and biochemistry researcher Peggy Whitson is also aboard the ISS with the crew. She explained the science behind the floating water. She said that water forms into a ball in zero gravity because of surface tension, which becomes more dominant in space. We might never travel to space ourselves, but watching this on video did make the experience look fascinating.
It’s important to note that Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to visit the ISS, and the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma. During the live interaction, he also talked about his time in space. In the video, he said he would miss the experience, now that they would be returning to gravity on Earth. Shukla added that he spent most of his last days in space, mostly taking pictures or simply sitting by the window.
Also Read: “Namaskar From Space”: Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Shares First Message From Axiom Mission 4
The Axiom-4 mission officially ended today. All the crew members are now preparing to return to Earth and adjust to gravity once again.
Cover Image Courtesy: Axiom Space/ YouTube
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