Will Shubhanshu Shukla's Historic Space Mission Redefine Indian Space Travel?
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Synopsis
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla sets records in space, his parents eagerly await his return, cherishing the moment he shared a stunning sunrise from orbit. This historic mission not only highlights Shukla's achievements but also marks a significant milestone for India's presence in space exploration.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla sets a new record for the longest duration spent in space by an Indian.
- His mission is a collaborative effort between NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
- Shukla shares breathtaking sunrises and important research updates with his family.
- The Ax-4 crew conducts over 60 scientific experiments focusing on microgravity.
- Shukla’s journey inspires future generations in space exploration.
Lucknow, July 4 (NationPress) As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on his momentous journey in space, he has now surpassed the time spent in orbit by Rakesh Sharma—the first Indian in space. His parents expressed their excitement on Friday, eagerly counting down the days until his return while reminiscing about the breathtaking moment he shared a sunrise from space with them.
At 39, Shukla has made headlines by exceeding Sharma's 1984 record of 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 seconds aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 space station. As of July 3, 2025, Shukla is officially recognized as the longest-duration Indian in space, a milestone celebrated widely across the nation and within his family back home in India.
In an interview with IANS, his mother, Asha Shukla, conveyed her overwhelming emotions and joy from connecting with her son while he orbits the Earth.
She stated, "Yesterday, I spoke to him. He was filled with excitement—both about his experiences in space and his anticipation of coming home. He shared the mesmerizing sunrise from space with us and even described where he sleeps. I am so proud that my son has achieved this. It's an extraordinary feeling!"
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, echoed these sentiments, expressing admiration for Shukla's accomplishments.
"We're just counting the days until his safe return. We believe the mission may conclude around July 12 or 13. Initially, he faced some challenges in adjusting, but now he seems to be doing well. He frequently shares stunning views from space—those sunrises are absolutely captivating. He updates us about the significant work he's engaged in. We never envisioned our son reaching such remarkable heights. We feel incredibly blessed," he said.
Shukla is currently fulfilling the role of mission pilot on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), a groundbreaking partnership involving NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. The mission launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and signifies India's long-awaited resurgence in human spaceflight.
The Ax-4 crew is led by seasoned astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Shukla as pilot and mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu. Together, they are conducting over 60 scientific experiments, with Shukla leading seven, focused on microgravity research, brain activity monitoring using near-infrared technology, and promoting international collaboration in space science.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the monumental achievement of Shubhanshu Shukla. His journey is not just a personal accomplishment but also a beacon of hope and inspiration for India. We must continue to support and celebrate our astronauts as they pave the way for future generations in space exploration.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Shubhanshu Shukla break?
Shubhanshu Shukla broke Rakesh Sharma's record for the longest duration spent in space by an Indian, surpassing 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 seconds.
When is Shubhanshu Shukla expected to return?
Shubhanshu Shukla is expected to return around July 12 or 13, 2025.
What is the purpose of Axiom Mission 4?
Axiom Mission 4 aims to conduct over 60 scientific experiments aboard the International Space Station, focusing on microgravity research and international cooperation in space science.
Who are the other members of the Ax-4 crew?
The Ax-4 crew includes veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, along with mission specialists Sawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu.
What technologies is Shubhanshu Shukla working with in space?
Shubhanshu Shukla is leading experiments that involve microgravity research and brain activity monitoring using near-infrared technology.
