Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian astronaut made history on Wednesday by embarking on a space mission Axiom-4 along with three other astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

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The 39-year-old astronaut reached ISS and made the statement, “Namaskar, my dear countrymen! What a ride! We are back in the space once again after 41 years. It’s an amazing ride. We are revolving around the Earth at a speed of 7.5 kilometres per second. The Tiranga embossed on my shoulders tells me that I am with all of you. This journey of mine is not a beginning to the International Space Station (ISS) but to India’s Human Space Programme.

I want all of you to be part of this journey. Your chest, too, should swell with pride…Together, let’s initiate India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”

His family was welcomed at his former school in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh where his mother, Asha Shukla watched his lift-off in an emotional moment. While the astronaut will be making history in space, his family awaits his return from the 14-day mission.

Here’s all who form a part of Shukla’s family.

Shubhanshu Shukla: Family life

Image credits: X/@imohannarayan

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut. A native of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, to Shambhu Dayal Shukla, a retired government officer and Asha Shukla, a homemaker.

During the lift-off of the spacecraft carrying him and the other astronauts to space, Shukla’s mother shed some happy tears. “This feels great.

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I feel very proud and fortunate that I am the father of such a child. This is the most joyous day of my life,” said his father.

“I have nothing more to say at this moment. I am delighted. Though I am eagerly looking forward for him to return after a successful mission, I also know that even after returning back on earth, it will take a while before he actually gets back amongst us,” added his mother.

Shukla is the youngest of three siblings, he has two elder sisters- Shuchi and Gunjan.

Gunjan Shukla, one of the two sisters was watching the event live from Lucknow and said that it was a very emotional moment for her and the family. She said they are now “relieved that he has completed the first two stages of his journey safely.”

She also added that they would perform “rituals, puja, bhandara–whatever is a good deed, we will do our best to do that.”

Shubhanshu Shukla: Love life

Image credits: X/@Neetivaan

Shukla is married to Kamna Shukla, who is a dentist by profession.

The couple’s tale of love goes back to their school days in Lucknow. “We’ve been studying together since Class 3. We started out as best friends… I’ve known him as Gunjan, as Shubhanshu— the quiet, shy boy in class—who’s now become such an inspiration to so many,” said his wife to TOI.

Before embarking on his journey, Shukla took to Instagram to express his gratitude towards everyone who had a part in his journey, including his wife.

“Special thanks to @kamnashubha for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you, none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter..”

The couple are parents to a six-year-old son Sid, who Kamna said is too young to grasp what is unfolding. “It’s all just exciting for him. He thinks everyone’s father is an astronaut. When we visited Nasa, he was thrilled to see rockets and suits. But when asked what he liked most, he said, ‘deers in Nasa’s park are very nice’. That’s his comprehension for now. I’m sure when he grows up, he’ll be super proud.”