Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission, Ax-4. The mission will launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 8:22 am IST on 10 June.
India Returns to Human Spaceflight After 40 Years
The Ax-4 mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after more than four decades. Alongside India, astronauts from Poland and Hungary will also participate. This will be the second government-sponsored human spaceflight for all three nations, but the first time any of them will carry out a mission aboard the ISS. Axiom Space stated that this collaboration reflects expanding global access to low-Earth orbit and strengthens international space programmes.
Group Captain Shukla was named as the pilot for the Ax-4 mission by Axiom Space. The ISS and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have both acknowledged the mission on their official social media platforms. SpaceX confirmed that the crew and team successfully completed a full rehearsal of launch day procedures ahead of liftoff.
Family Hopeful and Proud
Back home in Lucknow’s Triveni Nagar, Shukla’s parents spoke with emotion. His mother, Asha Shukla, shared her wishes for a safe journey. She said they were already proud and hoped for his healthy return. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed deep pride in his son. He said the entire nation was talking about the mission. Posters of Shubanshu line the streets, and locals are planning a grand welcome.
He also remembered their recent moment of honour. “We were present when he was felicitated by PM Modi in Thiruvananthapuram,” he said. “We are not afraid. He is always ready.”
Shukla’s neighbours described him as a role model. Many said his mission had brought attention and recognition to their area. Some even called it the proudest moment for Triveni Nagar.
(Inputs from ANI)
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