June 25:
Indian aerospace engineer Shubhanshu Shukla is set to embark on a historic journey into space today aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The 39-year-old, originally from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, will lift off at 12:01 PM IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as part of an international mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Hours before the scheduled launch, Shukla spoke to his parents in an emotional phone call, telling them, “This is not just my dream — it’s ours. I’m carrying all your blessings and every lesson you ever taught me into space.” The message quickly went viral on social media, resonating with people across India and beyond.
Shukla is part of the Orbital Research Deployment-7 mission, a collaborative project involving NASA, SpaceX, and international partners. The mission aims to deliver advanced research equipment and conduct experiments related to microgravity and space-based propulsion systems.
Trained at IIT Bombay and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Shukla has emerged as a symbol of India’s growing presence in global space exploration. In the lead-up to the mission, he acknowledged the crucial role played by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in shaping his journey. “ISRO’s early training and scholarship programs in the 2000s gave me the foundation I needed,” Shukla said during a NASA press briefing.
The Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Dragon CRS-30 capsule into low-Earth orbit, carrying Shukla and two fellow astronauts from Canada and the United States. The trio is expected to remain in orbit for approximately two weeks, during which they will oversee onboard systems and conduct live scientific experiments, including AI diagnostics co-developed with Indian technology partners.
Back in Lucknow, Shukla’s family expressed pride and emotion as they watched the final countdown preparations. “He always dreamed of space. Even as a child, he was fascinated by the stars,” said his father, Dr. Rajesh Shukla. “Now, that dream is coming true.”
This mission represents not only a professional milestone for Shukla but also a significant moment for India on the international space stage. His participation underscores the increasing global recognition of Indian scientists and engineers in cutting-edge aerospace projects.
As the clock ticks down to liftoff, the eyes of the world—and especially India—are on Kennedy Space Center, awaiting a successful launch that symbolizes not only technological advancement but also the power of perseverance, vision, and family support.
