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Economic Times
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
A look at Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla's love story with his dentist wife. His educational qualifications and family background
Subhanshu Shukla and his dentist wife Kamna You Might Also Like: Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla is a fan of TV actress Shweta Tiwari. Which other Bollywood stars he follows on Instagram His educational qualifications, career and family background 'Tricolour with me, let's begin India's Human Space Journey together': Shubhanshu Shukla from Orbit Axiom4Mission pilot, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, delivered an emotional message from space, celebrating India's return to orbit after 41 years. Saluting the nation with the Tiranga on his shoulder, he called on every Indian to take pride and join the journey toward India's Human Space Programme. President on Subhanshu Shukla creating a milestone While the Axiom Mission 4 etched history by launching Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station on Wednesday, it's not just the nation celebrating his journey—his wife Kamna, who's known him since childhood, stands as his biggest source of strength. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 PM IST, marking the first time an Indian astronaut has embarked on a mission to the ISS in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX. Coordinated by Axiom Space, the crewed Dragon spacecraft is expected to dock with the station on Thursday around 4:30 PM hours before liftoff, Shukla penned an emotional note for his wife, expressing his gratitude and calling her an irreplaceable part of his journey. Kamna responded with love and pride. Amid this, let's take a look at their love couple's story goes back decades—they first met in primary school in Lucknow and have been friends ever since. Kamna, speaking to the Times of India ahead of the launch, recalled knowing Shubhanshu as the quiet boy in class who would grow up to become a national relationship has weathered the challenges of distance, missed moments, and an unconventional life of high-stakes service. Kamna shared how deeply it pained him to miss out on key moments of their son's early childhood, but added that his focus has always been unwavering. She likened his determination to that of Arjuna from the Mahabharata, single-minded and home, Shukla is known as a disciplined man with a quiet spirit. A lover of non-fiction, fitness, and father-son mischief, he lives with resilience and an innate focus on problem-solving. Kamna described his fearless leap from fighter jets to space capsules as a complete transformation, but one that defines his never-give-up attitude. For her, it's not just about his place among the stars—it's about the man who quotes Dory from Finding Nemo and lives by her motto of 'keep swimming', no matter how challenging the situation Shukla's journey began in the classrooms of City Montessori School (CMS), Aliganj Campus, in Lucknow. But the turning point came in 1998, during the Kargil conflict , which ignited in him a deep desire to serve the nation. Driven by determination and without informing his family, he quietly applied for the UPSC National Defence Academy (NDA) examination and cleared it. He went on to graduate from NDA in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, followed by flight training at the Indian Air Force Academy. In 2006, he was officially commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air also holds a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), the years, Shukla has carved out a distinguished career as both a combat pilot and a test pilot in the Indian Air Force. With nearly 2,000 hours of flying experience, his record spans a wide array of aircraft. His precision, discipline, and technical expertise led to his selection in 2019 as one of four astronaut-designates for India's ambitious Gaganyaan mission . He has since undergone rigorous astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia, as well as India's Astronaut Training Facility in Droupadi Murmu took to X to express pride and excitement over Indian astronaut Subhanshu Shukla 's participation in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. She highlighted the significance of the scientific experiments planned by the crew and praised the international collaboration, calling it a reflection of global unity as Shukla joins astronauts from the US, Poland, and the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft docked with the International Space Station on Thursday as part of the private Axiom-4 mission. This marks a historic return to human spaceflight for all three nations after decades. NASA confirmed the docking occurred at 6:31 a.m. Eastern Time.


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Shubhanshu Shukla & crew float into International Space Station to warm hugs: Watch historic moments in pictures, videos
Shubhanshu Shukla created history on Thursday by becoming the first Indian to enter the International Space Station along with the Axiom-4 crew members. The historic moment was captured live by NASA and Axiom with a live stream and multiple photos. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members including Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla docked at the International Space Station earlier. Shortly after hatch opening, the astronauts entered the ISS and were seen celebrating the historic arrival, with smiles, waves, and brief greetings exchanged with the onboard crew. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Here are a few pictures of the historic moment. Live Events Moments before the hatch Celebration begin upon entering the ISS Shubhanshu Shukla enters the ISS The spacecraft, named Grace , achieved a soft capture with the space station at 4:01 pm IST over the North Atlantic ocean. This is the first time an Indian astronaut has travelled to the International Space Station. A live video link from NASA showed the spacecraft approaching the space station and the docking sequence was completed at 4:15 pm IST. — Axiom_Space (@Axiom_Space) NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. Dragon was also carrying Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, and Mission Specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu docked to the Harmony module's space-facing port. A big opportunity for Shubhanshu Shukla 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. 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 I am with you all. 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!" The astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission that will include science, outreach, and commercial activities. 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, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, 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.


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Cheers, tears and Tiranga pride: Shubhanshu Shukla makes history with Axiom-4 docking at ISS, emotional reactions from family in Lucknow; watch videos
NEW DELHI: The moment Axiom Mission 4 successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, the Shukla household in Lucknow erupted with emotion. Asha Shukla, mother of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, folded her hands in silent prayer as her eyes welled up with tears while watching the live telecast. Beside her, his father Shambhu Dayal Shukla stood with pride beaming on his face. — ANI (@ANI) Shubhanshu's former school witnessed spontaneous applause and cheers as students and parents waved Tiranga, celebrating the moment their alumnus made history. The 39-year-old Indian Air Force pilot became the second Indian to enter space after Rakesh Sharma, marking a historic moment for India's growing presence in the global space community. The spacecraft, which launched from Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, took 28 hours to reach the ISS. 'Just wait for me, I'm coming,' he had told his parents Ahead of the mission, Shukla had one simple message for his family, "Just wait for me, I'm coming." On Wednesday, in a deeply Indian gesture of blessing, his mother Asha Shukla performed a virtual dahi-cheeni ritual, feeding him yogurt and sugar over video call, praying for good luck. Her eyes were welled up with tears as she watched her son soar into the skies. "These are tears of joy… he's going so far, but he will come back stronger," she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Uber luxury living at Hyderabad's billionaire junction Sumadhura Group Learn More Undo His sister Gunjan Shukla echoed the emotion: 'We're proud and overwhelmed. It's like a festival in our home today.' A proud father, a symbolic flag His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, couldn't hold back his pride. 'It's the happiest day of our lives. We are now known by his name. Our son is bringing glory to the country,' he said, beaming as he watched the docking live. A message from space: 'The Tiranga tells me I am with all of you' After the successful docking, Shukla sent a message from orbit, 'The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. We're orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second. This isn't just my journey — it's the beginning of India's Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!' A new chapter for India in space While India hasn't revealed the cost of sending Shukla to space, reports suggest nations like Hungary paid up to $100 million for a seat on similar missions. But for many Indians, the emotional value of this mission is priceless. As the Axiom-4 crew floated into the ISS, India floated a little higher, on pride, on hope, and on the shoulders of a man carrying the nation's flag across the stars.


Time of India
26-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Indian enters International Space Station: Shubhanshu Shukla & crew dock successfully
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying four Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members including Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. Dragon was also carrying Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, and Mission Specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu docked to the Harmony module's space-facing port. — SpaceX (@SpaceX) NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will be on duty at the beginning of their shift, monitoring Dragon during its automated approach and rendezvous manoeuvres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Meanwhile, McClain and Ayers, along with the rest of the station crew, worked a normal shift on Wednesday, keeping up with microgravity research and lab maintenance. A big opportunity for Shubhanshu Shukla 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. Live Events 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 I am with you all. 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!" The astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission that will include science, outreach, and commercial activities. 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, growth of sprouts and edible microalgae, survival of tiny aquatic organisms, 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.


India Gazette
26-06-2025
- Science
- India Gazette
"Proud moment for India": CM Yogi congratulates Ax-4 Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday congratulated Axiom-4 Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla on his achievement. In a post on X, CM Yogi also applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, which helped India participate in the international space mission and showcase an unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and global collaboration. 'A proud moment for India. Heartiest congratulations to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Mission Pilot of Axiom Mission 4, on this historic achievement. Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, India's participation in this international space mission showcases our unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and global collaboration. Warm wishes for a successful mission ahead,' CM Yogi said on X. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, carrying four Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew members, including Mission Pilot Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla, launched from Kennedy Space Centre at noon on Wednesday, Indian Standard Time (IST). It is orbiting Earth and on its way to the International Space Station. Dragon is also carrying Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson, and Mission Specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski and Tibor Kapu and will dock to the Harmony module's space-facing port at 4:30 pm IST today. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers will be on duty at the beginning of their shift, monitoring Dragon during its automated approach and rendezvous manoeuvres. After docking, the Ax-4 astronauts will greet the seven Expedition 73 crewmates, call down to Earth for welcoming remarks, then participate in a safety briefing with the station residents. Meanwhile, McClain and Ayers, along with the rest of the station crew, worked a normal shift on Wednesday, keeping up with microgravity research and lab maintenance. 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. 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 I am with you all. 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!' (ANI)