Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla pens emotional note for wife before space journey: Who is she, their love story

After much delay, the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission was finally launched at 12.01pm IST (2.31am Eastern Time) today (June 25). The Ax-4 carrying Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla from India along with three of his crew members-- namely veteran astronaut and commander Peggy Whitson (US), engineer Sławosz Uznański from Poland, and researcher Tibor Kapu from Hungary-- successfully soared into space.

This is a proud moment for India, as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripst history by becoming the first Indian to serve in a critical operational role at International Space Station (ISS). He is also the second Indian to go to space.


However, Shubhanshu Shukla's remarkable journey wasn't achieved alone. Hours before his mission began, Shukla penned an emotional note for his beloved wife, Kamna, thanking her for providing unconditional love and support.

“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... Special thanks to Kamna for being the wonderful partner that you are. Without you none of this was possible but more importantly none of this would matter,” Shukla wrote in his post. He also posted a photograph of them saying goodbye to each other from opposite sides of a glass wall.

Shubhanshu Shukla- Kamna's love stroy: From childhood friends to life partners

Source: Instagram

Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his wife Kamna share a love story that began in the classrooms of a primary school in Lucknow, as per reports. While Shubhanshu is an astronaut, his wife Kamna is a dentist by profession, as per reports.

“We’ve been studying together since Class 3. We started out as best friends... I’ve known him as Gunjan, as Shubhanshu— the quiet, shy boy in class—who’s now become such an inspiration to so many,” Kamna told TOI earlier.

Now, the childhood sweethearts are proud parents to a six-year-old son.

Asha Shukla, mother of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, also expressed her immense pride as her son Shubhanshu goes to space. She also praised her daughter-in-law, Kamna, for being the quiet strength behind his remarkable journey. “This is a proud moment for our family, for Triveni Nagar, and for the entire country... Posters are going up, everyone is thrilled that someone from our neighbourhood is going to touch the stars," she said.

Shubhanshu's mother further added, “None of this would have been possible without Kamna. She has supported him every step of the way. Her role has been the biggest, and we’re truly grateful for her strength and dedication.”

(With inputs from ANI)

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From India to the ISS: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Wife Speaks Before Launch | I Witness