On June 26, astronaut Captain Shubhanshu Shukla made history by becoming the first Indian aboard the International Space Station (ISS). But his milestone journey began with a challenge—space motion sickness, which left him with a heavy head and nausea during the initial phase of the mission.
What Is Space Motion Sickness
Soon after the flight began, Captain Shukla experienced symptoms of Space Adaptation Syndrome, a condition similar to motion sickness on Earth. It typically causes nausea, vomiting, a feverish feeling, and a sense of mental fog or “heavy head” due to the body adapting to microgravity. These symptoms are common in the first few days of spaceflight.[1]
In an interview with NDTV, European Space Agency’s seasoned flight surgeon Dr. Brigitte Godard confirmed that Shukla is now doing well. “He is medically fit for this journey,” she assured, adding that the temporary discomfort has been addressed and closely monitored.
What Do Space Flight Surgeons Actually Do
Interestingly, flight surgeons aren’t traditional surgeons. Dr. Godard explained that they function more like primary care doctors for astronauts, responsible for monitoring physical and mental health through weekly telemedicine check-ins throughout the mission.
“Hopefully, we are not doing any surgery in space,” she said with a smile, before clarifying their role: “We interact every week to go through all medical points and ensure their well-being.”
In Shukla’s case, Dr. Punyashlok Biswal from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) has been appointed as his personal flight surgeon by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Bond Between Astronaut and Flight Surgeon
Dr. Godard highlighted that the relationship between astronauts and their flight surgeons goes beyond routine checkups.
They are trusted companions,” she said, adding that “flight surgeon doesn’t sound right—they’re more like family physicians or doctors for the astronaut.Dr. Brigitte Godard, Flight Surgeon
She also emphasized the importance of continuity of care. Since Dr. Biswal has been monitoring Captain Shukla for years, even minor changes in his health can be detected and addressed early. She added that long-term oversight helps them track patterns and provide preventive care.
Does Spaceflight Affect the Human Body
Space travel, even for a short duration, can impact the body in multiple ways, from fluid shifts and bone density loss to motion sickness and fatigue. These effects are widely documented among astronauts.
However, Dr. Godard expressed full confidence in Captain Shukla’s resilience. With his background as a seasoned fighter pilot, she believes he’s well-equipped to handle the challenges.
“It’s a short mission, and some sickness is expected—but no major issues are likely,” she said.
Final Word: India Watches With Pride
While news of space sickness may raise concern, doctors have confirmed that Captain Shukla is recovering well and remains fit for his mission. As India watches closely, 1.4 billion people are rooting for his success—a proud moment in the country’s space journey.
Reference:
1. Ostermayer, Daniel. “Space Adaptation Syndrome.” WikEM, August 30, 2024. Accessed July 2, 2025. https://wikem.org/wiki/Space_adaptation_syndrome.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)