With the countdown starting for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from Lucknow is ready to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS. The mission, comprising three other astronauts, is now booked to blast off at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch, which was originally slated for June 22, was shifted to a new time window of 2:31 am EDT (12 noon IST) on June 25.
Emotional Message to Wife Kamna
Before his spaceflight, Shukla posted a profoundly emotional message on Instagram, thanking all those who were a part of the mission and especially his wife.
“Since we are going to depart the planet early morning of 25 Jun, I want to thank everyone who has participated in this mission for standing by me and also to all the individuals back home for their love and blessings,” he said.
He continued to say, “Special thanks to Kamna for being the great partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter.” The emotional post had an image of the couple saying goodbye through a glass wall.
Bond That Began in School
Shubhanshu and Kamna’s journey began in their childhood. According to a Times of India report, the two met in primary school in Lucknow and have remained close ever since.
“We’ve studied together since Class 3. We’ve been best friends. I’ve known him as Gunjan, as Shubhanshu, the shy guy in our classroom who’s now inspiring so many people,” said Kamna. The couple shares a six-year-old son.
Family’s Pride and Support
Shukla’s mother, Asha Shukla, also shared the contribution Kamna has made to her son’s journey to space. She emphasized the big hand Kamna has extended to her son at every stage.
“It’s a moment of pride for us and everybody else. Posters are going up all over the place. Everybody is thrilled that a person from this country, from this Triveni Nagar, is going to fly so high. We are sending all our good wishes and blessings to him. He has all the love of our daughter-in-law. This would not have been possible without her. She has had the biggest role here,” Asha said.
As the world looks on, Shubhanshu Shukla’s coming journey is not just a national milestone but a profoundly intimate moment of love, partnership, and mutual dreams.