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Srinagar, March 22: Malik Aasooda, 25, has abstained from caffeine and sugar for over two weeks. Given its impact on mood, consuming them would have posed significant risks before taking on the role of astronaut.
It was in February of this year, when what seemed like a distant dream became a reality after she obtained a sponsorship to be part of a five-member Analog Mission team, a research method focused on investigating one or several aspects of manned space missions using ground-based systems. real-life situations as an analogy for an out-of-the-world scenario.
With her passion for physics discovered at an early age and nurtured by the environment at home and at her school, Aasooda knew her calling.
From representing her primary educational institution, ‘Minto Circle School’, in scientific debates, to winning the title of ‘Junior Scientist’ at the Indian National Science Congress during her school days, she realized that science would take her to many places.
And his understanding was correct.
After earning his master’s degree from the University of Science and Technology in Wroclaw, Poland, he opted for a PhD in Physics from the same institution. This marked the prelude of what was to come.
Aasooda’s research secured him sponsorship from his university to explore the world of Astrophysics. “It was an important milestone in my journey,” he says.
And soon, he boarded a plane to reach his destination, located on the outskirts of Poland. Located between swaths of vegetation and forests is the LUNARES Mobile Research Station, where Aasooda and his team members ate, slept, experimented and repeated tasks as astronauts.
Its mission included several experiments aimed at advancing space exploration while investigating the feasibility of 3D printing in space.
3D printing could be a real turning point for manufacturing in space and future missions to the Moon or Mars.
“I also prototyped a tablet holder for a spacesuit and conducted Virtual Reality (VR) experiments in space with my team,” he says. In addition to this, he began working on a project for anti-radiation masks, replacing heavy elements such as lead with polyethylene, water and other easy-to-find elements.
Their work could potentially mitigate radiation exposure for astronauts, he explains.
Delving into microgravity studies and the psychological aspects of space travel, he sought empirical data from astronauts in orbit to optimize scheduling and task allocation. “The data collected will be used by the International Space Station (ISS) this year, and the results of the experiments will contribute to the refinement of procedures and equipment,” she says proudly.
Due to her work, she has been invited to the ‘Science Meets Social Science’ conference in Tokyo, Japan. There she will present psychological and scientific results, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in space exploration, she says.
A demon of work
With a strict schedule to start each day: medical checkups and eating dehydrated space food for sustenance, she says the mission was no crystal staircase, “but the collective commitment to science among the team made it an exhilarating experience.” .
Routine workouts included using space exercise equipment to combat muscle tension and fatigue, even while closely monitoring their calorie intake, sleep and water consumption, he says.
She didn’t see sunlight or breathe fresh air for more than two weeks, but when she sealed her helmet for the first time, relying solely on the suit’s oxygen, she was captivated. “I will always hold that moment close to my heart,” she says.
With artificial lighting marking the passage of time, the habitat seemed to really be in space, he recalls. The team recycled water using the greywater system and grew food using aquaponics and hydroponics in their biological laboratory.
“Planned extravehicular activities (EVA) required us to wear heavy spacesuits and internal exoskeletal layers, which restricted our movements but ensured ventilation,” he says. They were trained to communicate externally during EVAs while a rover helped them navigate paths and collect samples while monitoring radiation levels.
“Despite the challenges, our mission was filled with moments of discovery and camaraderie as we pushed the boundaries of our understanding of space exploration,” he notes.
They used Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality to make sure their power generation was enough to get them through the day, he says. And they were continuously monitored via cameras by mission control teams, who observed and guided them in their activities.
The members of his team, made up of researchers from different nationalities, including Poland, Mexico, Italy and the Czech Republic, expanded the discoveries. “This brought diverse perspectives to the table, enriching our discussions ranging from space architecture to engineering technology and physics,” he explains.
Despite coming from different countries and cultures, their shared passion for space technologies and collective goal served as a unifying force, he says. With each passing day, the initial feeling of unknowing faded and was replaced by a common sense of purpose, Aasooda recalls.
The hardest part during the Analog Astronaut Mission was being totally disconnected from the outside world, including her family and friends, which poses a huge emotional challenge, she says. But psychological support from teams located in the US, Zurich, Poland and Italy played a critical role in maintaining her well-being, she notes.
And when the day came to rejoin the outside world, he experienced a ringing sensation in his ears and a slight disturbance in balance, “but despite these challenges, the feeling of the wind on my skin once again was incredibly invigorating,” he says. Aasooda.
father’s encouragement
It was her father who motivated her to study mathematics, which later, coupled with her fascination with how physics was intertwined with mathematical concepts and the philosophy of nature, solidified her commitment to the field, she explains.
Being selected as one of the astronauts was the culmination of years of hard work, determination and the unwavering support of her family, who have been her greatest source of inspiration throughout her journey, she says.
“My goal is to bridge the gap between quantum mechanics and philosophy in a way that makes the mysteries of the universe more accessible and meaningful to everyone,” says the physics enthusiast.
“I want to show how the intricate workings of Physics can be seen as the poetic expression of a higher order, something akin to the divine.”
By exploring the philosophical implications of quantum phenomena, he hopes to make the complex mathematical aspects of physics “more understandable and relatable to people from all walks of life.”
“I believe that by combining science with spirituality, we can discover a deeper appreciation for the beauty and interconnectedness of the cosmos, helping us find our place within it,” says Aasooda, who plans to participate in the Quantum Connections summer school in Sweden to delve deeper into quantum phenomena.
“It is also on my agenda to join the Austrian Space Forum, known for its simulated missions to Mars.”
But Aasooda doesn’t stop there: he aims to join the European Space Agency (ESA) to contribute to space exploration efforts. “With almost three more years of research ahead of me, I am eager to explore more opportunities,” she says.
Message for home
“As someone who holds Kashmir in my heart and aspires to break new ground, I believe it is essential for aspiring researchers in our region to broaden their horizons and not limit themselves to conventional fields,” he observes.
“While it is true that there have been some Kashmiris recognized by NASA, I see myself venturing into uncharted territory, not particularly for my own dreams but also for the students who are looking for a sign to follow them,” she says.
Advising his youngsters who have similar dreams, Aasooda says they should develop a versatile skill set and not depend solely on the education system to dictate their path.
“Breaking down barriers and taking a step forward is essential.” It is by pushing boundaries and determinedly pursuing passions that significant advances in research and innovation can be made, “not only for ourselves but for the betterment of our community and beyond,” she says.
“Stay connected to mentors and peers who share your aspirations and never hesitate to seek guidance and support. Together we can uplift Kashmir and make our mark on the world stage,” she states.
Aasooda says his feat is not only a personal achievement but also a “reflection of the potential within each of us to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars.”
