Lucknow: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s space mission aboard Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission marks a historic milestone for India and his hometown, Lucknow. As the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) and only the second Indian to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma in 1984, Shukla’s journey elevates Lucknow’s profile on the global stage.
This 14-day mission, with SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, symbolizes India’s advancing space ambitions and Lucknow’s contribution to this narrative. Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force Group Captain, embodies the city’s spirit of resilience and aspiration, making this a moment of immense pride for its residents.
His journey to this historic mission began in Lucknow, where he was born on October 10, 1985. Raised in the city’s Triveni Nagar, he studied at City Montessori School (CMS) in Aliganj, an institution now planning a public watch party to celebrate his spaceflight. His early passion for aviation led him to the National Defence Academy, followed by commissioning into the Indian Air Force in 2006 as a fighter pilot with over 15 years of experience.
His selection for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission in 2020 marked a pivotal turn, with his training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and ISRO’s Bengaluru facility honing his skills for space exploration. Shukla’s role as the pilot for Ax-4, alongside Commander Peggy Whitson and mission specialists from Hungary and Poland, underscores his technical prowess, earning praise from peers like Whitson, who called him “wicked smart” and operationally savvy.
This mission, a collaboration between ISRO, NASA, and Axiom Space, highlights India’s growing stature in global space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla’s experiments on the ISS, focusing on food sustainability, microalgae, and tardigrades, reflect India’s scientific contributions.
His personal touch—carrying traditional Indian foods like aamras and moong dal halwa, prepared by ISRO and DRDO, and a swan toy named “Joy” as a zero-gravity indicator—adds a cultural dimension, connecting Lucknow’s heritage to the cosmos.
The Central government’s Rs 550 crore investment in the mission further underscores its strategic significance.
Lucknow is abuzz with pride and celebration. The city has transformed Shubhanshu Shukla’s family home into an “inspirational spot,” with students flocking to take selfies with posters, car stickers, and cutouts honoring their local hero, known by his call sign “Shuks.”
His family, including parents Shambhu Dayal and Asha Shukla, and sister Suchi, a science teacher, have shared their joy and anxiety, hosting a Satyanarayan Swami katha and hawan for his safe journey.
A memorable dinner in Lucknow with Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe in May 2025 alleviated their concerns, offering insights into life aboard the ISS. Local media have amplified the excitement, with reporters covering the mission live from Florida. CMS’s planned watch party reflects the community’s eagerness to witness Shukla’s launch, fostering a sense of collective pride.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission transcends personal achievement, inspiring a new generation in Lucknow and beyond. He aims to ignite curiosity among children, hoping his story changes at least one life. For Lucknow, a city known for its cultural and historical richness, Shubhanshu Shukla’s spaceflight places it on the global map as a hub of talent and ambition. The city’s streets are filled with cheers and anticipation, celebrating “Shuks” as a symbol of India’s cosmic leap. This moment not only honors Shukla’s lifelong dedication but also cements Lucknow’s role in India’s space odyssey, marking a new chapter in its legacy.
