‘This Is All Because Of His Hard Work’: Shubhanshu Shukla's Mother On Historic Space Mission

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 14:07 IST

Shubhanshu Shukla's mother shared a message for the IAF Group Captain saying that he should complete the mission successfully and meet us after that.

Shubhanshu Shukla's mother Asha Shukla (L)/ Shubhanshu Shukla (R)

As Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla lifted off into the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his mother, Asha Shukla, spoke to CNN-News18 and said that it was an emotional and pride moment for the family.

“I am feeling very happy. It’s a proud and emotional moment for us," said the visibly elated mother.

Describing Shubhanshu’s journey as one of perseverance and focus, Asha credited his son’s dedication and hard work for the achievement.

“Where Shubhanshu has reached is all because the hard work he has done all these years. My son has worked very hard. His hard work has paid off,’ she said.

She also gave a message to the youth of the country saying that no success can be achieved without dedication and hard work.

The mission to the ISS is seen as a precursor to India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, something Shubhanshu has also been preparing for.

She further said that earlier today, the IAF Group Captain had called her and sought the blessings. She also performed an Indian ritual. She “fed him" dahi cheeni, a mixture of yoghurt and sugar, virtually, via video call.

“He said, ‘Maa, it’s happening today.’ I couldn’t hold back my tears. We’ve waited so long for this moment. This isn’t just his achievement—it’s our entire family’s," Shubhanshu’s mother told CNN-News18.

Asha further revealed that Shubhanshu shared a message with the family, “You both take care ..I will meet you all after mission gets over."

“Before leaving for the mission, when he was getting ready, he spoke to us. He was smiling. He was happy. He was waiting for this moment for a long time," she added.

Shubhanshu’s mother also shared a message for the IAF Group Captain saying that he should complete the mission successfully and meet us after that.

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.

With the successful launch now complete, the family continues to keep their hopes and prayers strong for his safe return.

The much-delayed Axiom-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 pm IST towards the ISS amid cheers from watch parties organised across the world, including at Shukla’s City Montessori School in Lucknow, where his parents witnessed the historic launch.

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 National 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 International Space Station. It launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, propelled by a Falcon 9 rocket.

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.

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...Read More

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben...

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