Lucknow is preparing for a historic homecoming. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the city’s own son who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), is set to return. To honor his extraordinary achievement, the Lucknow administration has proposed naming the road leading to his home and a park in the city after him. This honour reflects not only Shukla’s personal success but also the emotional connection his hometown shares with his journey. For many in Lucknow, this is not just about an astronaut   it is about their neighbor, their brother, their son, who carried their hopes to the stars. 

The Astronaut Who Made History

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was part of the Axiom-4 private space mission, which lifted off from Florida on June 25, 2025, and docked at the ISS the very next day. For 20 days, Shukla and his crew members, Peggy Whitson (U.S.), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary) conducted more than 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions, contributing vital knowledge to global space research. He safely returned to Earth on July 15, 2025, bringing with him experiences that are expected to directly benefit India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

Meeting the Prime Minister with the Tricolour

On August 18, 2025, Shukla met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed him with warmth and pride. In a symbolic and emotional gesture, Shukla gifted the Prime Minister the Indian Tricolour that he had taken with him to the ISS. This flag had fluttered in the background when Shukla interacted with Modi from space on June 29. He also presented the mission patch of Axiom-4, marking India’s presence in the global private space mission. For citizens across the country, that moment of the Indian flag aboard the ISS was one of immense pride—a reminder that India’s ambitions truly stretch beyond Earth.

The Task Entrusted by PM

Before his mission, Prime Minister Modi had given Shukla a “homework assignment” to document every detail of his training, learning, and stay aboard the ISS so that the experiences could serve as guidance for India’s Gaganyaan program. In the Lok Sabha, the discussion briefly turned to Shukla’s achievement. Speaker Om Birla congratulated him, while Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh praised his contribution. 

For Lucknow, this honor goes beyond politics and science. Residents are preparing to line the streets and cheer for Shukla when he arrives. For young students, his journey has become a symbol of aspiration, showing that with discipline, courage, and hard work, even the sky is not the limit. Naming a road and park after him ensures that his story will live on in the daily lives of people. Every child who passes by will know the name Shubhanshu Shukla and perhaps dream a little bigger.

India’s Road to the Stars

Shukla’s mission is more than a personal triumph; it is a milestone in India’s space journey. By being part of an international crew, he has brought back invaluable knowledge that strengthens India’s preparations for Gaganyaan, the country’s first human spaceflight program. His experience in conducting experiments, handling microgravity conditions, and collaborating on international platforms will enrich India’s growing space research ecosystem. 

This is not just about one astronaut but about India’s ambition to emerge as a global space leader by 2047, the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). Shubhanshu Shukla’s story is not just about an astronaut in space; it is about a soldier, a son of Lucknow, and a symbol of India’s dreams. The road and park in his honor will stand as a reminder that extraordinary journeys can begin from ordinary neighborhoods.