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India Gazette
5 hours ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Family of Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla expresses pride on Axiom-4 launch; wishes for safe return
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 25 (ANI): As Axiom-4 mission was successfully launched from the NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the family of Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla expressed immense pride on his achievement while wishing for his safe return. The family of astronaut Subhanshu Shukla, who is piloting the Axiom-4 mission, watched the lift off from Lucknow with immense pride and 'tears of joy'. Speaking with ANI, the sister of Shubhanshu Shukla, Shuchi Mishra, wished for his safe return 'We hope everything will go well. We are relaxed and waiting for him to return home safely after 15 days. Our hopes are rising now, we want him to do more missions and make us proud,' Shuchi Mishra said. Additionally, Nidhi Mishra, the sister of Shubhanshu Shukla, hoped for the successful completion of the mission. 'The experience was good. As of now, all the stages have been completed successfully. I want the mission to be completed successfully,' Nidhi Mishra said. Meanwhile, Asha Shukla, mother of Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, got emotional during the lift off and said, 'Everyone is happy. These are tears of joy.' Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, 'It feels great. This was all God's blessings...' The Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST). In his remarks from onboard the Dragon spacecraft, Shukla said, 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride. You all also show excitement. Together, let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' For Group Captain Shukla, this will be an opportunity to emulate fellow Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station. This is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. (ANI)
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Science
- Time of India
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla reaches ISS: All about his family and love life
Image credits: X/@annamalai_k Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut made history on Wednesday by embarking on a space mission Axiom-4 along with three other astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). The 39-year-old astronaut reached ISS and made the statement, 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' His family was welcomed at his former school in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh where his mother, Asha Shukla watched his lift-off in an emotional moment. While the astronaut will be making history in space, his family awaits his return from the 14-day mission. Here's all who form a part of Shukla's family. Shubhanshu Shukla: Family life Image credits: X/@imohannarayan Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut. A native of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, to Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government officer and Asha Shukla, a homemaker. During the lift-off of the spacecraft carrying him and the other astronauts to space, Shukla's mother shed some happy tears. 'This feels great. I feel very proud and fortunate that I am the father of such a child. This is the most joyous day of my life," said his father. "I have nothing more to say at this moment. I am delighted. Though I am eagerly looking forward for him to return after a successful mission, I also know that even after returning back on earth, it will take a while before he actually gets back amongst us," added his mother. Shukla is the youngest of three siblings, he has two elder sisters- Shuchi and Gunjan. Gunjan Shukla, one of the two sisters was watching the event live from Lucknow and said that it was a very emotional moment for her and the family. She said they are now "relieved that he has completed the first two stages of his journey safely." She also added that they would perform "rituals, puja, bhandara--whatever is a good deed, we will do our best to do that." Shubhanshu Shukla: Love life Image credits: X/@Neetivaan Shukla is married to Kamna Shukla, who is a dentist by profession. The couple's tale of love goes back to their school days in Lucknow. 'We've been studying together since Class 3. We started out as best friends... I've known him as Gunjan, as Shubhanshu— the quiet, shy boy in class—who's now become such an inspiration to so many,' said his wife to TOI. Before embarking on his journey, Shukla took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards everyone who had a part in his journey, including his wife. "Special thanks to @kamnashubha for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you, none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter.." The couple are parents to a six-year-old son Sid, who Kamna said is too young to grasp what is unfolding. 'It's all just exciting for him. He thinks everyone's father is an astronaut. When we visited Nasa, he was thrilled to see rockets and suits. But when asked what he liked most, he said, 'deers in Nasa's park are very nice'. That's his comprehension for now. I'm sure when he grows up, he'll be super proud.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- Science
- India Gazette
Tears of joy: Group Captain Shukla's parents get emotional after he lifts off into space
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 25 (ANI): As Axiom Mission 4 launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it marked not just a historic milestone, but also an emotionally significant moment for one family, watching from Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. Asha Shukla, mother of Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, gets emotional as she cheers for her son and says, 'Everyone is happy. These are tears of joy...' Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, said, 'It feels great. This was all God's blessings...' Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green, Frances Adamson, Governor of South Australia and others share sweets to celebrate the launch of Axiom 4 Mission piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is piloting the Axiom-4 mission that launched from Florida on Wednesday, said that India is returning to space after 41 years and called it an 'amazing ride.' Stating that the journey is the beginning of India's human space programme, he said the chest of Indians 'should swell with pride.' The Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST). In his remarks from onboard the Dragon spacecraft, Shukla said, 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride. You all also show excitement. Together, let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' For Group Captain Shukla, this will be an opportunity to emulate fellow Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station. This is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26. Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission, while Indian Space Research Organisation Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serves as pilot. The two mission specialists are European Space Agency project astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The astronauts are using the new Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit, which provides them with advanced capabilities for space exploration while providing NASA with commercially developed human systems needed to access, live, and work on and around the Moon. The advanced spacesuits ensure astronauts are equipped with high-performing, robust equipment and are designed to accommodate a wide range of crew members. The Ax-4 mission will conduct major research. The research complement includes around 60 scientific studies and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE, and nations across Europe. This will be the most research and science-related activities conducted on an Axiom Space mission aboard the International Space Station. NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) are collaborating to launch several scientific investigations. These studies include examining muscle regeneration, sprout and edible microalgae growth, tiny aquatic organism survival, and human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity. The first private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 1, lifted off in April 2022 for a 17-day mission aboard the orbiting laboratory. The second private astronaut mission to the station, Axiom Mission 2, was also commanded by Whitson and launched in May 2023 with four private astronauts who spent eight days in orbit. The most recent private astronaut mission, Axiom Mission 3, launched in January 2024; the crew spent 18 days docked to the space station. (ANI)
Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
‘Tiranga' on shoulder, Shubhanshu Shukla's message to Indians enroute space
Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian Air Force officer piloting Axiom-4 Mission, has sent a powerful message to India from aboard the Dragon spacecraft as it orbits the Earth. His words, brimming with emotion and patriotism, marked a historic return for the nation to space after a 41-year gap. 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride. You all also show excitement. Together, let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' Shukla said. Shukla's spaceflight comes years after the journey of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, who flew into space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission and spent seven days on the Salyut 7 space station. Launched aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The mission is scheduled to dock at 4 pm IST on June 26. Over the next 14 days, the crew will undertake an intensive agenda of scientific research, commercial initiatives, and outreach activities. Commanded by former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space's Director of Human Spaceflight, Peggy Whitson, the Ax-4 crew also includes Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary as mission specialists, with Shukla serving as pilot. Ax-4 is set to become Axiom's most research-heavy mission yet, featuring approximately 60 experiments from 31 countries—including India, the United States, Hungary, Poland, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Brazil, and several European nations. A collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, the mission's science program includes investigations into muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, survival of aquatic organisms in space, and human interaction with electronic interfaces in microgravity conditions. The astronauts are also testing Axiom's advanced AxEMU spacesuits, tailored to enable high-performance mobility in space while supporting NASA's lunar exploration goals. Designed to accommodate a diverse astronaut corps, the suits represent a leap forward in commercial spacewear innovation. With Shukla's presence in orbit and his message of national pride, India's journey in space has taken a new turn—one that blends global cooperation with renewed ambition in human space exploration.
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Science
- Indian Express
‘Tears of joy': Shubhanshu Shukla's parents get emotional during Axiom-4 launch
As the Axiom-4 Mission soared into orbit from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, it marked a proud and emotional milestone—not just in global space exploration, but for one family watching thousands of kilometres away in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer and the mission's pilot, is leading India's return to space after more than four decades. Watching the launch, his mother Asha Shukla was moved to tears. 'Everyone is happy. These are tears of joy,' she said. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, added, 'It feels great. This was all God's blessings.' #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Mother of IAF Group Captain & astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Asha Shukla, gets emotional as she cheers for her son, who is part of the #AxiomMission4 — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2025 #WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Asha Shukla, the mother of IAF Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, says, 'Those were tears of joy. We are happy.'#Axiom4 — ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2025 'What a ride': Shubhanshu Shukla's message enroute space Speaking from aboard the Dragon spacecraft, Shukla shared a heartfelt message to his countrymen. 'Namaskar, my dear countrymen, what a ride. We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It's an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India's Human Space Programme. I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride. You all also show excitement. Together, let's initiate India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!,' he said. Hours before the spacecraft took off, Shukla took to Instagram to thank those who supported him through his journey. However, what caught internet's attention most was a small note dedicated to his wife. 'Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you, none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter,' he wrote. Shukla now follows in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew into space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 mission. Sharma spent seven days aboard the Salyut 7 space station—until now, the only Indian to have ventured into space. What is the Axiom-4 Mission? Launched aboard a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, Axiom-4 Mission is a collaboration between National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX to the International Space Station (ISS). Docking is targeted for 4 pm IST on June 26. The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days conducting scientific research, commercial activities, and outreach. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and Axiom's director of human spaceflight, commands the mission. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla serves as pilot, with Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary as mission specialists. The astronauts are equipped with Axiom's new AxEMU spacesuits, designed to enhance space exploration capability while supporting NASA's lunar goals. The suits are built for high performance and adaptability across a broad range of crew members. Ax-4 is set to be Axiom Space's most research-intensive mission yet. The crew will conduct approximately 60 scientific studies representing 31 countries, including India, the US, Poland, Hungary, UAE, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, and multiple European nations. NASA and ISRO are jointly involved in experiments exploring muscle regeneration, microalgae growth, the resilience of aquatic organisms, and how humans interact with electronic displays in microgravity. Axiom Space has been steadily expanding its private astronaut missions. Ax-1 launched in April 2022, followed by Ax-2 in May 2023, and Ax-3 in January 2024. Each mission has progressively advanced the scope of private human spaceflight.
