‘Without you…’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla pens emotional note for wife ahead of Axiom 4 mission
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the historic Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, he shared a heartfelt message for his wife, Kamna, expressing gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his journey.
The mission, which includes four astronauts, is now set to launch at 12:01 pm IST on Wednesday from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Originally slated for June 22, the liftoff was postponed and is currently targeting a new window at 2:31 am EDT (12 noon IST).
Shubhanshu Shukla's instagram post
Before leaving Earth, Shukla took to Instagram to pen an emotional farewell. In his message, he thanked those involved in the mission and paid a special tribute to the people who stood by him—especially his wife.
“As we plan to leave the planet early morning of 25 Jun, I wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this mission for their support and also to all the people back home for their blessings and love. A big thank you to family and friends who have been my bedrock in this journey. Sometimes your close ones make sacrifices that you do not even fully understand but they do so out of their love for you,” he wrote.
Directing his gratitude to Kamna, he added: “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. No one travels to space alone… we do so on the shoulders of so many more. I feel grateful to each and every one of you. THANK YOU.”
The message was accompanied by a touching photograph showing the couple sharing a quiet goodbye through a glass wall.
Childhood friends to life partners
According to The Times of India, Kamna and Shukla’s story began decades ago in Lucknow, where they met as children in primary school. “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,” Kamna said.
The couple has a six-year-old son and has been each other’s strongest pillar of support. Kamna revealed that Shukla’s dream of travelling to space began in 2020.
His mother, Asha Shukla, also credited Kamna for being instrumental in helping Shubhanshu reach this milestone. “It is a moment of pride for us and everyone else. Posters are being put up everywhere. Everyone is delighted that a man from this country, this Triveni Nagar, is going to soar so high... We are sending all our wishes and blessings to him... He has all the support of our daughter-in-law. This could not have been possible without her... She has played the biggest role here,” she said.
With the Axiom-4 mission, Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station.
(With inputs from ANI)