Homecoming Joy: Family in Lucknow Awaits Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Return from ISS
As IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) with his Axiom-4 crewmates, excitement and anticipation grip his family in Lucknow, who eagerly await his return to Earth.
Speaking to ANI, his mother, Asha Shukla, expressed both pride and longing.
“If it were up to us, we would fly out to welcome him in person. But we know we must wait patiently.”
She also shared that the family offered special prayers to Lord Shiva for his safe return.
“Today is a very special day. We woke up early, went to the temple, performed Abhishek, and prayed for his safe landing.”
Emotions Run High As Return Nears
Shubhanshu’s sister, Shuchi Mishra, spoke about the emotional rollercoaster the family is experiencing:
“It feels like the same day when he left for the mission. We’re counting the hours until his return. There will be a big celebration.”
She added:
“He was very cheerful when we spoke last. As a pilot and now an astronaut, he must have seen India from a perspective few can imagine. There’s no doubt — ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara’.”
A Dignified Farewell from the ISS
The Axiom-4 crew, which includes:
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Commander Peggy Whitson
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Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO/IAF)
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ESA astronaut Slawosz “Suave” Wisniewski (Poland)
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Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu (HUNOR program)
held a farewell ceremony aboard the ISS on Sunday.
In a moving speech, Group Captain Shukla echoed the iconic words of cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, updating them with pride:
“Aaj ka Bharat space se mahatvakaanshi dikhta hai, nidar dikhta hai, confident dikhta hai, garv se poorn dikhta hai… aur isliye aaj bhi Bharat saare jahaan se achha dikhta hai.”
(From space, today’s India appears ambitious, fearless, confident, and proud — and so, even today, India remains better than the rest of the world.)
Landing Details
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Undocking from ISS: July 14 at 4:35 PM IST
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Splashdown in Pacific Ocean (off California coast): July 15 around 3 PM IST
Mission Highlights
During their time aboard the ISS, the Ax-4 team carried out:
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Cutting-edge scientific experiments
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STEM outreach programs
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Collaborative research across agencies (ISRO, ESA, HUNOR)
Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation marks another proud moment for India’s growing presence in international space missions.
