A Historic Mission and a Family’s Pride
As the International Space Station (ISS) prepares for the departure of its latest crew, the world is watching with anticipation. Among them is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a distinguished member of the Axiom-4 mission. His journey from the confines of space to the familiar streets of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, has captured the hearts of many. The family in Lucknow is eagerly awaiting his return, preparing for a grand welcome that reflects their pride and joy.
A Family’s Devotion and Hope
Shubhanshu Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, shared heartfelt sentiments with ANI, expressing the family’s deep faith and hope for his safe return. They offered prayers to Lord Shiva, seeking blessings for a successful landing. “We are very excited and are ready to welcome him. The undocking will take place today. It is a matter of great fortune for us that his mission is complete,” he said. The family visited the temple in the morning and also conducted prayers at home, hoping for Bholenath’s blessings for their son’s safe journey back to Earth.
The pride in Shambhu Dayal Shukla’s voice was evident as he spoke about his son’s achievements. “We are very proud… We never thought that our son would reach such heights… We feel that we are lucky that such a son was born in our house and we are known by his name,” he added. This sentiment resonates deeply with the community, as they celebrate not just one individual but the spirit of achievement and dedication.
A Momentous Departure
The crew is scheduled to undock from the ISS on July 14 at around 4:35 PM IST, with splashdown expected in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at approximately 3 PM IST on Tuesday, July 15. This moment marks the end of an incredible chapter for Shubhanshu Shukla and his fellow astronauts. Their journey has not only been a testament to human ingenuity but also a symbol of international collaboration in space exploration.
Farewell Speeches and Reflections
On Sunday, a farewell ceremony was held for the crew members at the ISS, where Shubhanshu Shukla delivered a powerful speech. He quoted iconic words from Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, reflecting on the progress and strength of modern India. “Aaj ka Bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai” (Today’s India is still more splendid than the entire world), he said. This statement encapsulated the spirit of the mission and the pride of the nation.
In his address, Shubhanshu emphasized the significance of India’s presence in space. “Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakaanshi dikhta hai, aaj ka bharat space se nidar dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat confident dikhta hai, aaj ka Bharat garv se poorn dikhta hai aur inhi sab kaarano ki vajah se aaj mai fir se keh sakta hoon ki aaj ka bharat abhi bhi saare jahaan se acha dikhta hai” (Today’s India looks ambitious from space. Today’s India looks fearless, confident, and full of pride). His words resonated with the audience, highlighting the transformative power of space exploration.
Gratitude and Global Collaboration
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla expressed his gratitude to the people, ISRO, NASA, international partners, Axiom Space, and SpaceX for making this journey possible. He highlighted the incredible experience of working with professionals from around the world and the mission’s far-reaching impact. The Ax-4 crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu.
During their stay, the team conducted multiple scientific experiments and outreach activities aboard the orbiting laboratory. These efforts underscore the importance of international cooperation in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering global understanding. As the crew prepares to return to Earth, their mission stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generations.
