Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Carries 'Aamras', 'Gajar Ka Halwa' For Axiom-4 Mission In Space

IAF Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, is the Lucknow boy who dreamed of the stars and is now living among them. The officer created history as the second Indian astronaut to set his journey to the International Space Station. On June 25, 2025, Shubhanshu and the crew headed to the International Space Station (ISS). The officer and the crew were lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center located in Florida, which is a part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). However, do you know Shubhanshu has carried traditional Indian sweets to space?

IAF Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, carries traditional Indian sweets to space

The Axiom Mission has marked India's return to space after 41 years since Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to be in space. Group Captain, Shubhanshu is piloting the mission, and during an interview with the BBC, Shubhanshu shared of taking specially curated Indian sweets with him. Accompanying him aboard is a carefully prepared khane ka dabba that is more than just sustenance. It is a story of tradition, family and identity floating 400 kilometres above the Earth. In the dabba are aamras made from the famed Malihabadi mangoes, so be sure to remind Shukla of his home in Lucknow. In a press interview, Group Captain Shubhanshu, before the takeoff, shared:

"There will be plenty of food in space, but I will carry mango nectar, gajar (carrot) ka halwa, and moong dal halwa with me."

Shukla also shared that he planned to carry the Indian sweets to share with his fellow astronauts aboard the ISS. For the unversed, Shubhanshu was born in 1985 and is an Indian Air Force pilot who was inspired by the journey of Rakesh Sharma. Where astronauts are usually told to pack light, Shubhanshu packs personal food items that are very close to him. Shubhanshu, by carrying carrot halwa, moong dal halwa and mango nectar, will surely satisfy his homemade food craving in the space.

IAF Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, carries a secret souvenir for Rakesh Sharma

After Astronaut Rakesh Sharma, in 1984, Shukla will be the second Indian in space and the first to orbit the laboratory. The SpaceX Falcon 9 has carried four astronauts and has now returned to Earth safely. India has made its debut on a private mission and will focus on scientific research in microgravity. Apart from carrying mouth-watering dishes to the space, Shubhanshu also took with him a secret souvenir, which is a gratitude gesture for Rakesh, who helped him during his mission preparation. The crew will be staying for 14 days at the ISS and will be doing 60 scientific studies in microgravity, representing 31 countries- USA, India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, UAE and more nations across Europe. 

Shubhanshu Shukla reveals his journey in space

Shukla had shared in the press interview that this is not the start of his journey but the start of India's human space programme. The Group Captain is all set to take part in experiments that will help in advancing technologies that will help build Axiom's very own space station. Shukla had shared:

"Namaskar, my dear countrymen. What a ride. After 40 years, we have once again reached space, and it was an amazing ride. On my shoulders I have my Tricolour, which is telling me that I am not alone and that you are all with me."

What are your views on IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carrying Indian sweets to space?

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