What Are Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Feeling While They Await His Return from Space?
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Synopsis
As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla breaks records in space, his parents share their pride and experiences. They reflect on the awe-inspiring moment he showed a sunrise from orbit, eagerly counting down the days until his return. Dive into the heartfelt emotions of a family that has reached new heights.
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla has become the longest-staying Indian in space.
- His parents cherish the connection they have with him, including witnessing a sunrise from space.
- Shukla is part of the Axiom Mission 4 to the ISS.
- The mission involves groundbreaking scientific research.
- India's space exploration is witnessing a significant revival.
Lucknow, July 4 (NationPress) As Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embarks on his remarkable space mission, having surpassed the previous record held by Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, his enthusiastic parents expressed their anticipation for his return while reminiscing about the breathtaking moment he shared a sunrise from space with them.
At 39 years old, Shukla has etched his name in history by exceeding Sharma’s 1984 record of 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 seconds spent on the Soviet Salyut 7 space station. As of July 3, 2025, he has officially become the longest-staying Indian in space, a milestone that has been celebrated nationwide and cherished by his family back in India.
In an interview with IANS, his mother, Asha Shukla, shared the joy and emotion of connecting with her son orbiting the Earth.
Asha Shukla mentioned, "Yesterday, I had a conversation with him. He was filled with excitement—both about his experiences in space and his return home. He described the experiments he’s conducting and showcased the sunrise from space, even showing us his sleeping quarters. I am incredibly proud of my son's accomplishments. It’s an extraordinary feeling."
His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, shared the same sentiment, expressing admiration for his son’s achievements.
"We are just waiting for his safe return. We anticipate the mission may conclude around July 12 or 13. Initially, he faced challenges adapting, but now he appears to be thriving. He frequently shares stunning views from space—those sunrises are truly captivating. He also updates us on the significant research he is conducting. We never envisioned our son achieving such greatness. We feel fortunate," he added.
Shukla is currently serving as the mission pilot on Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station (ISS), a groundbreaking collaboration involving NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO. The mission launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre and signifies India’s long-awaited return to human space exploration.
The Ax-4 crew is led by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, with Shukla as pilot, alongside 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 is imperative to highlight the remarkable achievements of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. His mission not only showcases India's advancements in space exploration but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations. The pride expressed by his parents reflects the collective sentiment of a nation that stands united in celebrating this historic milestone.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Shubhanshu Shukla been in space?
As of July 3, 2025, Shubhanshu Shukla has officially become the longest-staying Indian in space, surpassing Rakesh Sharma's record.
What is the Axiom Mission 4?
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a collaborative mission to the International Space Station involving NASA, SpaceX, and ISRO.
What experiments is Shubhanshu Shukla conducting?
Shubhanshu Shukla is leading several experiments focused on microgravity research and brain activity monitoring.
When is Shubhanshu Shukla expected to return to Earth?
His mission is anticipated to conclude around July 12 or 13.
What emotions are Shubhanshu Shukla's parents feeling?
They are filled with pride and excitement, eagerly awaiting his safe return and cherishing the moments shared during his mission.
