Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, August 26, 2025 – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath warmly welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on NASA’s Axiom-4 mission, at his official residence in Lucknow on Monday. The meeting, held at 5 Kalidas Marg, was a proud moment for the state, as Shukla, a native of Lucknow, returned home after his historic 18-day space mission.
Shukla, an Indian Air Force Group Captain, was joined by his family, including his parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, his wife Kamna, their son Kiash, and sister Shuchi Mishra. The Chief Minister felicitated Shukla with mementos, praising his role in elevating India’s presence in global space exploration. “Shubhanshu is a son of the nation,” the Chief Minister’s Office posted on X, highlighting the pride his achievement brings to Uttar Pradesh and India.
The Axiom-4 mission, launched on June 25, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, saw Shukla conduct over 60 scientific experiments aboard the ISS, including seven designed by Indian researchers. These experiments explored muscle regeneration, microbial growth, crop viability, and cognitive performance in microgravity. “It was challenging,” Shukla shared, describing how the body and environment change in space. His work marks a milestone for India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims for a crewed mission in 2028.
During the meeting, CM Adityanath discussed the impact of climate change on agriculture, noting Shukla’s experiments could help address crop cycle challenges. He also announced a new scholarship in Shukla’s name to support students pursuing space technology education in Uttar Pradesh, a move to inspire future scientists.
Shukla’s homecoming was celebrated across Lucknow. At his alma mater, City Montessori School in Gomtinagar, he addressed students, urging them to dream big. “I was tired this morning, but seeing you kids smiling and waiting since 7:30 AM erased my fatigue,” he said. He emphasized perseverance, noting that young minds often asked him how to become astronauts, not just about life in space. “This shows where your dreams are headed,” he added, encouraging them to aim for India’s goal of landing on the moon by 2040.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak called Shukla’s return a historic day for Lucknow. “The people of this city have waited eagerly for their hero,” he said, joining the warm welcome at the airport. Posts on X echoed this pride, with users calling Shukla an inspiration for young Indians.
Shukla, the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984, also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier, presenting him with the Axiom-4 mission patch and Earth photographs. His journey, blending personal triumph and national pride, sets the stage for India’s growing role in space exploration. As Shukla prepares for Gaganyaan training, Lucknow continues to celebrate its hometown hero.
