Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has captured global attention with a fascinating video from the International Space Station (ISS), highlighting the unusual realities of dining in zero gravity. The first Indian visitor to the ISS and the second Indian in space revealed that he had to “learn to eat again” during his mission, given the unique challenges of weightlessness.

The viral video shows Shukla demonstrating how food and liquids float freely in microgravity, making Velcro straps essential to keep items in place. “In space, you can eat water,” he quipped, while stressing the mantra “Slow is Fast” to avoid mess during meals.

Providing a scientific perspective, Shukla explained that digestion in space still relies on peristalsis—the rhythmic contraction of muscles in the digestive tract—which functions independently of gravity. This ensures astronauts can process food normally even in orbit.

Shukla’s observations have fascinated millions on social media, drawing praise for his ability to blend science with engaging storytelling. His return to India after an 18-day mission to the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, a privately organized spaceflight, marks a milestone for India’s space ambitions. This mission is seen as a key step toward the country’s future human space exploration programs.