Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's first ISS astronaut, has published his debut peer-reviewed research paper in US-based journal PLOS One. The study, conducted at IISc Bengaluru's Mechanical Engineering Department where he pursues his Master's degree, explores using bacteria for Martian construction despite toxic perchlorate soil. The research addresses future Mars colonization challenges, investigating whether microbes can survive perchlorate-rich regolith to enable "living construction" without transporting Earth materials. Shukla's advisor, IISc Professor Aloke Kumar, guided the work. During his 20-day Axiom-4 ISS mission, Shukla performed seven basic experiments. This publication in a prestigious open-access journal marks a significant achievement, potentially informing more sophisticated microgravity experiments for India's Gaganyaan program. (PC: X)

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, from the President on Republic Day for extraordinary courage during a high-risk space mission aboard a space station. The citation emphasized exceptional composure under extreme conditions and unwavering commitment where minor errors prove fatal. This rare recognition marks a significant milestone as the Ashoka Chakra, traditionally associated with counter-terrorism and disaster response, is awarded for spaceflight operations. The accomplished test pilot demonstrated exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills during complex orbital operations with unforeseen challenges. Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, backup crew for the Axiom-4 mission, received the Kirti Chakra. The awards signal space as a new frontier of national service.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is likely to be awarded the Ashok Chakra on Republic Day. The honour follows his 18-day mission to the International Space Station in June 2025. Shukla flew as part of the Axiom-4 crew. He became the second Indian to travel to space and the first to visit the ISS. During the mission, he carried out several microgravity experiments. The work generated data needed for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. Officials say the mission tested crew endurance and systems in low Earth orbit. The award recognises service linked to national space goals. (PC: India Today)

Retired NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, 60, has said she would love to go to the moon but will leave that opportunity to the next generation. Speaking during her visit to India after retiring on December 27, 2025, Williams emphasized the importance of youth pursuing careers in space, highlighting opportunities in exploration and collaboration. She expressed hope for stronger India-U.S. partnerships in space missions, praising ISRO’s progress and international cooperation. Reflecting on her 27-year career, including three ISS missions and nine spacewalks, Williams said her experiences were unique and culturally enriching. She now plans to spend more time with family and visit India often. (PC: X)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after a remarkable 27-year career, with her retirement effective December 27, 2025. The Indian-origin astronaut accumulated 608 days in orbit second-highest among NASA astronauts across three missions since joining in 1998. Williams holds the world record for most spacewalks by a female astronaut with nine totaling 62 hours. Her final mission aboard Boeing Starliner, initially planned for one week, extended to nine-and-a-half months due to technical problems. Williams also achieved historic firsts including running a marathon and completing a triathlon in space. NASA Administrator praised her as a trailblazer whose contributions advanced science and paved the way for Artemis lunar missions and Mars exploration. (PC: X)

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after 27 years of service, effective December 27, 2025. The Indian-origin astronaut logged 608 days in space across three missions, ranking second among NASA astronauts for cumulative time. Her final mission aboard Boeing Starliner, initially planned for 10 days, extended to nine-and-a-half months on the ISS. Williams completed nine spacewalks totaling 62 hours, most by any female astronaut and was the first to run a marathon in space. Selected by NASA in 1998, she flew missions in 2006, 2012, and 2024. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacson praised her as a trailblazer whose work advanced science and paved the way for Artemis lunar missions and Mars exploration. (PC: NDTV)

NASA has moved its Space Launch System rocket to the launch pad in Florida as final preparations begin for the Artemis II mission. The 98-metre-tall rocket took nearly 12 hours to travel from the assembly building to Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. Artemis II will carry four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon, the first crewed lunar flight since 1972. NASA said final checks and a fuel test will take place next. The earliest possible launch date is February 6, with more windows expected in the coming months. (PC: BBC, X)

Four astronauts from NASA, Roscosmos and JAXA returned safely to Earth on January 15, 2026, after the International Space Station’s first-ever medical evacuation. Their SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour undocked and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, completing a roughly 11-hour re-entry. The early return came over a month ahead of schedule after one crew member developed a serious but stable medical issue that could not be fully addressed in orbit. NASA did not disclose the astronaut’s identity or condition. The event marks a major milestone in spaceflight safety procedures.

Four astronauts from the International Space Station have returned to Earth about a month ahead of schedule after a crew member fell ill, Nasa said. The Dragon Endeavour capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast. The crew includes Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Japan’s Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. They had reached the station on 1 August and were due to stay for six and a half months. A planned spacewalk last week was cancelled before Nasa revealed the medical issue. The agency has not shared details but said the affected crew member is stable and receiving care. 

NASA and SpaceX have carried out the first medical evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS), bringing four astronauts home early due to an undisclosed health issue affecting one crew member. The SpaceX Crew-11 team — Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui, and Oleg Platonov — undocked from the ISS on Jan. 14 and is set to splash down off the California coast on Jan. 15. NASA has not disclosed details of the medical condition, citing privacy, but confirmed the astronaut is stable. The mission was cut short from its original schedule to allow full medical evaluation on Earth. (PC: NASA)