Latest news with #Shubhanshu


Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Astronaut's family meets CM Yogi: Joy multiplies for Shubhanshu's kin as spacecraft docks at ISS
Jun 27, 2025 05:04 AM IST A day after the Axiom-4 Mission piloted by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was launched, his family continued to revel in the moment of pride and joy in the city. CM Yogi Adityanath meets Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's parents at his 5 Kalidas official residence in Lucknow, on Thursday (HT) 'We were overwhelmed and ecstatic to watch the docking of Shubhanshu's spacecraft at the International Space Station (ISS). It was a moment of pride for the family and the feeling is beyond explanation,' said Mishra who also mentioned their meeting with chief minister Yogi Adityanath. She said the chief minister was proud of Shubhanshu's achievement. 'CM Yogi told us that Shubhanshu's contribution to space science will help India with several missions in the future. He termed Shubhanshu as a pride of the nation who would inspire the young generations. He also honoured us. Meeting the chief minister was far from our imagination. It could not have been possible without my brother's hard work,' Mishra said. Shubhanshu's mother Asha Shukla and father Shambhu Dayal Shukla had tears of joy again when they saw their son's spacecraft dock at the International Space Station. Asha could be seen constantly praying. 'I am proud of my son. Hats off to him that his hard work has paid off today. We have been receiving wishes from several people since yesterday. I feel a flood of emotions and am short of words at the same time,' she said.


India Gazette
2 days ago
- Science
- India Gazette
"Monumental for India's space science efforts": Mamata Banerjee as Axiom-4 piloted by Group Captain Shukla docks at ISS
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday congratulated the crew members of the Axiom 4 mission and said it was 'absolutely thrilling' to watch Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his team safely reach the International Space Station (ISS). The West Bengal Chief Minister praised the young Axiom 4 pilot and said that his mission is a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying the country's position as a formidable space-faring nation. 'Absolutely thrilled to see our astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, and other team members, safely reach the International Space Station as part of the Axiom Mission 4. Heartiest congratulations to all of them and especially to our very own Shubhanshu!' posted Banerjee on X. 'What an incredible achievement for him to become the first Indian ever to ISS! His mission is not just a personal achievement but a monumental step forward for India's space science efforts, solidifying our position as a formidable space-faring nation. Congratulations, Shubhanshu, once again! Your journey has really made us all proud! Jai Hind!' her post read. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. The Ax-4 crew will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and will now take part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station. Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey. 'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' Shukla said. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement.' 'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment--it belongs to all of us,' he said. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard. The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. (ANI)


Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Son docks amid stars, parents over the moon
1 2 Lucknow: It is the biggest moment of our lives, said an emotional Shambhu Dayal Shukla, father of Shubhanshu Shukla , who along with three fellow astronauts reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space-X Dragon spacecraft on Thursday. Recalling how before leaving Shubhanshu had told the family, "Mission pe jaa raha hoon, poora karke milta hoon sabse (I'm going for the mission, will meet everyone once it's complete)," the proud father revealed how the 39-year-old astronaut's single-minded dedication since 2006 helped him achieve the milestone. "Even during family celebrations, he never broke his strict diet. That discipline is what has taken him this far," he added After the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), an overwhelming wave of pride and emotion swept through Lucknow. At City Montessori School (CMS), where Shubhanshu studied till Class 12, the moment was celebrated with chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'India-India', and 'Hip Hip Hurray'. Teachers, friends, alumni, and hundreds of students rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation, waving the national flag as tears and cheers filled the air. "As a father, there are no words that can fully express what I felt when the spacecraft docked. My hands were folded in prayer, and my eyes were full of tears. That moment, it was not just a scientific milestone, it was our son fulfilling a dream he had chased with unshakable determination since his selection. He is our son, but today, he is the pride of every Indian," said Shambhu Dayal Shukla. "Shubhanshu is a true devotee of Lord Hanuman and other gods. Now, we are just praying that he completes his mission safely and returns home soon," said mother, Asha Shukla. "Watching him go from reading science books as a child to actually floating in space is beyond words. Our whole family is bursting with pride. His journey is proof that hard work, discipline, and belief can take you all the way to the stars," said, sister, Suchi Shukla. CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon said, "We are delighted like all Indians, more so as he is an alumnus who has made all of us so proud."


India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Congratulations, Docking accomplished: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Axiom 4 mission
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): After Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of ISS. Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. In a post on X Jitendra Singh said, 'Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS ... waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn.... as the world watches with excitement and expectation.' Jitendra Singh said, 'PM Modi had stated on X that it would be a proud moment for India that for the first time an Indian is set to reach the International Space Station and now the spacecraft has docked. They will have a formal welcome by the astronauts who are present there. The system is so efficient that the docking has been achieved before schedule. All the 4 air force officers were being trained even before COVID and they have got a long time to prepare themselves for this mission.' He further said that the world has realised the vision of PM Modi. 'Whatever experiments will take place in space, all the instruments have been developed in the country. This is 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Whatever the results achieved, they would benefit other countries. This is Vishwa Bandhu Bharat. And thirdly, how India is taking a leading role, this is Viksit Bharat. This is an indication that India's image has changed in front of the world,' he further said. 'In the last one to two years, there has been growing interest among students in engineering colleges to study Aerospace. In ISRO, there is summer training for which thousands of applications are being received,' he added. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. The Ax-4 crew will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and will now take part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station. Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey. 'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' Shukla said. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement.' 'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment--it belongs to all of us,' he said. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard. The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. (ANI)


India Gazette
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Shubhanshu stands at threshold entrance of International Space Station: Jitendra Singh
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): After Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of ISS. Axiom 4 mission aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully docked at the International Space Station on Thursday. In a post on X Jitendra Singh said, 'Congratulations #Axiom4! Docking accomplished. Shubhanshu stands at the threshold entrance of International Space Station #ISS ... waiting to step in for a 14 day sojourn.... as the world watches with excitement and expectation.' Jitendra Singh said, 'PM Modi had stated on X that it would be a proud moment for India that for the first time an Indian is set to reach the International Space Station and now the spacecraft has docked. They will have a formal welcome by the astronauts who are present there. The system is so efficient that the docking has been achieved before schedule. All the 4 air force officers were being trained even before COVID and they have got a long time to prepare themselves for this mission.' He further said that the world has realised the vision of PM Modi. 'Whatever experiments will take place in space, all the instruments have been developed in the country. This is 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Whatever the results achieved, they would benefit other countries. This is Vishwa Bandhu Bharat. And thirdly, how India is taking a leading role, this is Viksit Bharat. This is an indication that India's image has changed in front of the world,' he further said. 'In the last one to two years, there has been growing interest among students in engineering colleges to study Aerospace. In ISRO, there is summer training for which thousands of applications are being received,' he added. The Dragon spacecraft was ahead of schedule, autonomously docking at 4:05 pm (IST) to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module. NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers monitored Dragon's automated approach and docking manoeuvres. The Ax-4 crew will be welcomed by the seven-member Expedition 73 team and will now take part in a safety briefing. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, ESA (European Space Agency) astronauts Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary lifted off at Noon IST on June 25, on the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The astronauts plan to spend about two weeks aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities. The mission is sending the first ISRO astronaut to the station as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. The private mission also carries the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station. Earlier, in a live interaction from aboard the spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, serving as the mission pilot, described the launch as 'magical' and reflected on his journey. 'I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts--what a ride it was. Honestly, as I sat in the capsule 'Grace' on the launchpad yesterday after 30 days of quarantine, all I could think was: just go. When the launch finally happened, it was something else entirely. You're pushed back into the seat--and then suddenly, there's silence. You're just floating in the vacuum, and it's magical,' Shukla said. He expressed gratitude to the mission team, calling the experience a 'collective achievement.' 'I truly appreciate the efforts of every individual who made this journey possible. It's not just a personal accomplishment--it belongs to all of us,' he said. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre at noon IST on Wednesday with Shukla, Whitson, Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Kapu onboard. The Ax-4 team will remain aboard the ISS for up to 14 days, engaging in science experiments, outreach, and commercial work. (ANI)