The Axiom-4 mission’s launch from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center brought immense pride to the family of Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, the mission’s pilot. The family, observing from Lucknow, witnessed the liftoff with great emotion. Shukla’s sister, Shuchi Mishra, eagerly anticipates his safe return and hopes he undertakes more missions. Another sister, Nidhi Mishra, expressed her hopes for the successful completion of the mission. Their mother, Asha Shukla, shared her joy, and his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, felt it was a moment blessed by God. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carried the mission from Launch Complex 39A. Group Captain Shukla, from the Dragon spacecraft, conveyed his greetings to India, highlighting the mission as a part of India’s Human Space Programme. He encouraged everyone to feel proud and be a part of the journey. The mission represents a milestone, evoking memories of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight in 1984. The crew’s docking with the International Space Station is planned for June 26.
