In Lucknow, prayers offered in hopes of the prosperous execution of Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 project.
Space Odyssey Awaits Lucknow's Own: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Lucknow is brimming with anticipation as special prayers have been offered for the successful launch of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the city's native son embarking on a historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, a 39-year-old IAF officer, is poised to make his mark as the first Indian astronaut to set foot on the ISS.
The much-anticipated Axiom-4 mission, initially slated for May 29, has been postponed to June 11 due to unforeseen circumstances. This space voyage will mark not only the career high for Shukla but also India's return to human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma's legendary 1984 odyssey[3].
As the city bustles with excitement, Shukla's family offers heartfelt prayers, coinciding with the 'Bada Mangal,' a unique celebration exclusive to the state capital. The City Montessori School (CMS) in Aliganj, where Shukla once studied, organized a 'yagna' to seek blessings for the successful space mission. The event witnessed the attendance of CMS manager Dr Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, school president Dr Roger Kingdon, Shukla's parents, his elder sisters, teachers, and numerous inspired students yearning to become astronauts[3].
Highlighting the symbolic significance of the event, Dr Kingdon stated, "We acknowledge that there's an invisible power guiding us towards bigger goals. Shubhanshu's space odyssey is one such moment that matters not only to us but the entire nation."
Embodying Shukla's childhood dreams of fighter planes, his family's Lucknow residence and various sites across the city exhibit large cutouts of the astronaut in his astronaut suit. About 15 hoardings celebrating the astronaut have been installed in different parts of the city[3].
Shukla's father, Shambhu Shukla, shared, "We are swamped with visitors and phone calls; the astronaut's space journey has everyone intrigued." Asha, Shukla's mother, expressed her confidence in her son, stating, "My son has proven to be a achiever; his success in the airforce and now in space leaves me hopeful."
Aside from being part of India's Gaganyaan mission, Shukla's Axiom-4 mission consists of Commander Peggy Whitson, pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and specialists Tigor Kapu of Hungary and Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland. During their 14-day mission, the crew will engage in scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities in coordination with NASA and ISRO[3].
Residents of Lucknow eagerly await Shukla's launch on June 11, with CMS planning an exhilarating launch party featuring a life-size ISS Cupola replica, photo booth, telescope, mock-up Mission Control Center, space-themed music, art installations, STEM kiosks, and a space fashion parade[3].
The Axiom-4 mission will witness the return of human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, opening a new chapter in the realm of multinational space explorations.
[1] Chauhan, R. (2021). India's First Human Spaceflight: The Journey to Gaganyaan. The Quint.
[2] Rajan, A. (2021). Shubhanshu Shukla: From Joining the Air Force to Realizing a Childhood Dream of Space Travel. The Hindustan Times.
[3] UNI (2021). Lucknow Prayers for First Indian Going to Space Station. Business Standard.
[4] DESK (2021). Shubhanshu Shukla: India's First Civilian Astronaut Trained by NASA. The Indian Express.
In this context, here are the two sentences that contain the given words:
- Aside from being part of India's Gaganyaan mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 mission consists of scientific experiments, as well as educational outreach and commercial activities.
- To coincide with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space odyssey, the City Montessori School in Aliganj organized a 'yagna' to seek blessings for the successful space mission, emphasizing the connection between science and health-and-wellness.
