Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Parents Get Emotional After He Lifts Off Into Space | Watch

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 12:37 IST

Shubhanshu's parents, father Shambhu Dayal and mother Asha Shukla, joined teachers and students to watch the historic moment at his alma mater in Lucknow.

Parents Of IAF Group Captain & Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Celebrate As Axiom4 Mission Lifts Off From NASA's Kennedy Space Centre In Florida (ANI)

The parents of Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla got emotional after their son lifted off to the Space Station (ISS) along with three other astronauts from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday.

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Shubhanshu’s parents, father Shambhu Dayal and mother Asha Shukla, joined teachers and students to watch the historic moment at his alma mater in Lucknow, which had made elaborate arrangements, including setting up an LED screen for a live telecast of the space launch.

As per the visuals shared by news agency ANI, the astronaut’s parents were seen getting emotional over joy on his son’s accomplishment.

Ahead of the launch, Asha Shukla had expressed her overwhelming joy, saying, “We cannot describe this in words… We are not scared for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla at all… We are delighted, we are very proud." Her words reflect not just a mother’s immense pride, but also the courage and strength the family shares in supporting Shukla’s extraordinary mission.

Read More: Shubhanshu Shukla Launches Into Space Aboard Axiom-4, Propelling India To New Heights In Space

Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal, also expressed that his son’s achievement brings pride not only to Lucknow but also to the entire nation.

“…His mission is set to launch around 12 noon IST. We are very eager to see his mission launch. We are delighted. Our blessings are with him, and we also pray to God for his mission to be completed well… He is fully prepared… It feels great to see all the posters that have been put up for him… He is bringing laurels to Lucknow, the state and our country… We are proud of him," he said.

Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?

Born in Lucknow in 1986, Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force and a trained fighter pilot. A graduate of the prestigious Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned into the Air Force in 2006 and has logged thousands of flying hours in high-performance aircraft. He is also one of the astronauts shortlisted by ISRO for its ambitious Gaganyaan mission, expected to launch in 2027.

Shubhanshu underwent astronaut training in Russia and the United States, where he specialised in orbital mechanics, emergency procedures, and scientific research in microgravity. Known for his discipline and calm demeanour, he represents a new generation of Indian space explorers — technically sound, globally trained, and mission-focused.

Axiom-4 Mission

The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is the fourth private astronaut expedition to the Space Station. It launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket.

Read More: ‘Without You…’: Shubhanshu Shukla’s Emotional Note For Wife Ahead Of Space Journey

The mission is led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, now with Axiom Space, serving as commander. The international crew includes Slawosz Uznanski from Poland (European Space Agency) and Tibor Kapu from Hungary, both serving as mission specialists. Group Captain Shukla joins them as the mission’s pilot — a role of high responsibility and precision.

News india Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Parents Get Emotional After He Lifts Off Into Space | Watch