'Only A Mother Knows': Kin In Lucknow Await Shubhanshu Shukla's Return With Prayers & Delicacies

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A few days ago, the family was on a satellite video call with Shukla from ISS where they saw him floating in zero gravity, surrounded by lab equipment and experimental modules
As India's Gaganyatri and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla inches closer to his return from the International Space Station (ISS), the sense of anticipation is palpable back home in Lucknow.
The Shukla family, that was grappling with anxiety during his historic lift-off a fortnight ago, now finds itself on a more stable emotional footing—thanks largely to Shubhanshu's calm composure and reassuring presence, even from space.
'He calls almost every day. And every time he sounds so calm, so confident—it gives us strength too," said Suchi Shukla, his sister, while speaking to News18. She said that going away was tougher. 'The launch day was something we had never experienced before. But now, we are more confident. He has made us comfortable, and for that, all the credit goes to him," she said.
India's first astronaut aboard the ISS, Shukla is part of the international Axiom Mission 4, also referred to as 'Mission Akash Ganga'. The mission entered its 14th day on Wednesday, which means Shukla can now return any day next week, depending on weather conditions and other factors. Shukla and his crewmates are expected to spend close to three weeks in space—making it the longest Indian presence aboard the ISS to date.
'His Confidence Gave Us Confidence'
For the family, the journey has been deeply emotional. 'We want a safe return. But this time we are more confident. Earlier, watching him go away was very tough," said Asha Shukla, his mother. 'Now we feel comfortable. I try to pretend that everything is normal, but only a mother knows," she said.
Asha Shukla reveals that since the launch, the family has been in constant prayer. 'We haven't made any special plans for his return yet. But his favourite dishes are already being prepared," she says with a smile. 'It's our way of telling ourselves he's coming back soon."
A Call from Space that Brought Earthly Comfort
Just a couple of days ago, the family experienced a moment that brought space closer than ever—a satellite video call with Shubhanshu from the ISS. The brief but emotional interaction showed scenes from inside the space station and allowed the family to see their son floating in zero gravity, surrounded by lab equipment and experimental modules.
'It felt surreal," said Suchi. 'For a moment, it didn't feel like he was thousands of kilometres away in space. He was smiling, speaking normally, and showing us around. That one call made everything feel okay."
The video call, made possible through Axiom's private communication channel, also gave his mother the reassurance she needed. 'He looked healthy, his eyes were sparkling. That moment calmed all my fears," Asha added.
A Mission Beyond Borders and Expectations
Shukla's work aboard the ISS has drawn admiration from the global scientific community. In a recent conversation with Dr Lucie Low, Chief Scientist at Axiom Space, Shukla detailed the wide-ranging Indian research portfolio he is executing in microgravity. These studies, developed in collaboration with ISRO and Indian academic institutions, span vital domains, including space biology, agriculture, psychology, and sustainable food systems.
'This mission is actually opening the doors for microgravity or space research for Indian scientists," Shukla said. 'It's a privilege to be the medium through which India's experiments are being executed in space."
Among the marquee experiments is a stem cell study exploring whether muscle regeneration can be accelerated with nutritional supplements. Conducted inside the ISS glove box, this could revolutionise both space medicine and treatments on Earth.
Sprouting Moong and Methi in Space
In another experiment close to Indian homes, Shukla is observing how Moong beans and Fenugreek (Methi) seeds germinate in zero gravity. These are part of a larger goal: to understand how space conditions affect genetic expression, nutritional value, and multi-generational plant growth. Though he will not eat the sprouts, their journey through space could inform future farming techniques for long-duration missions and improve food security.
Understanding the Human Mind in Space
Shukla is also taking part in 'Voyager Displays'—a cognitive psychology experiment that examines how microgravity impacts the way astronauts interact with digital screens. The study tracks gaze fixation, pointing accuracy, and cognitive load, and could help design smarter interfaces for spacecraft and remote mission control systems on Earth.
Microalgae and Tardigrades: Testing the Limits of Life
Another crucial experiment involves growing microalgae in space to assess its role as a sustainable food source and oxygen supplier. He is also working on an investigation into tardigrades—tiny resilient aquatic organisms—to understand how they survive cosmic radiation and ultra-low temperatures. These studies are not just academic exercises; they are vital to sustaining life in deep space.
'Thank you, Shux," said Low during their conversation, adding: 'That's fantastic, and thank you for all your hard work doing all the science in the glove box and for the entire ISRO portfolio."
Strategic Collaboration Between ISRO and NASA
The Axiom-4 mission is the culmination of a strategic partnership between NASA and ISRO—fulfilling a commitment made during the tenures of Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to send an Indian astronaut to the ISS.
The mission also includes five confidential human biology studies and STEM education modules conducted jointly by the two agencies. Earlier, Union science minister Dr Jitendra Singh had said Shukla's mission covers space tech, bio-manufacturing, and astronautics—making it a landmark moment for Indian space science.
As the family awaits his return, a sense of peace has replaced the earlier restlessness. 'We're all into prayers," says Asha quietly, gazing at a framed photo of her son in uniform. 'This time, they are not prayers of fear, but of gratitude and hope."
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tags :
International Space Station ISRO ISS nasa Shubhanshu Shukla
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Location :
Lucknow, India, India
First Published:
July 10, 2025, 08:52 IST
News india 'Only A Mother Knows': Kin In Lucknow Await Shubhanshu Shukla's Return With Prayers & Delicacies
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