India’s Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who’s currently on board the International Space Station in the Axiom‑4 mission, is not only grabbing attention for his science experiments—hell, he’s taking home with him too. And it’s not packet food: he’s taking gajar ka halwa, moong dal halwa, aamras, and rice as part of his space diet .
A Slice of India in Microgravity
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and DRDO collaborated and transformed these classic foods into space-friendly ones—freeze-dried and vacuum-sealed to remain fresh on the ISS. The menu specifically prepared for the Gaganyaan programme became part of his cargo on the Axiom‑4 mission.
Shubhanshu’s sister shared that choosing these sweets wasn’t simple due to the spicing and shelf-stability constraints. In the end, the family opted for these non-spicy, high-calorie foods so he could have home comforts and share something distinctly Indian with his global co-workers.
Comfort Food Meets Research
Apart from sustenance, the presents have emotional and scientific significance. Shubhanshu’s sister told us that astronauts tend to carry personal items to space; Shubhanshu carried a plush swan called “Joy”, representing Indian heritage. At the same time, the halwas and aamras remind one of childhood flavors, providing a feeling of familiarity and normalcy in the midst of experiments and microgravity.
Experiments and Diplomacy
As a part of the Axiom‑4 mission, Shubhanshu will perform 60+ scientific experiments on sprouting moong and fenugreek seeds to enable future space agriculture missions. The historic mission also signifies India’s cultural arrival into civilian spaceflight, from the legacy of Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in orbit.
A Bittersweet Milestone
Shubhanshu’s addition of home country sweets to a cutting-edge space station seems little, but it’s a heavy one. It mixes science with sentimentalism—igniting not only human cells, but also India’s burgeoning spirit for space diplomacy. While he’s cruising 28,000 km/hr around the globe, those home tastes remind us: even in orbit, ties to one’s heritage can be Out of this world.
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