The Axiom mission was launched on June 25, 2025, at 12:01 p.m. IST from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission is significant for India as it’s the first time in 41 years that an Indian is returning to human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s mission back in 1984. IAF pilot and group captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three others, lifted off to space for the mission.
They will reportedly fly in a new SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for this mission, whose approximate duration is 14 days. For the unversed, the mission was initially scheduled for May 29, 2025, but it faced multiple delays due to the weather and technical issues. Before lifting off, Shubahnshu Shukla penned an emotional note for his close ones, especially his wife, Dr. Kamna Subha Shukla.
Astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla pens an emotional note before lifting off to space for the Axiom 4 mission
Taking to his IG handle, astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla shared two photos. While one featured the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, the other one was a cutesy moment between him and his wife, Kamna. For the unversed, before the mission, Shubhanshu and the other astronauts were kept in isolation for several days.
However, before the mission, Shubhanshu, the second Indian to fly to space, thanked his friends and family members for the never-ending support he has gotten from them. Shubhanshu’s note contained a special gratitude for his wife, Kamna. In his note, he mentioned that nothing could be possible and wouldn’t matter if she was not there by his side. Thanking Kamna for her support and for being a wonderful wife, Shubhanshu wrote:
“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..”
Shubhanshu Shukla and Kamna have become childhood friends to life partners, and parents
Everything and anything can be achieved if the ‘right one’ is by someone’s side from the beginning, and similar is the case for Shubhanshu. As per a report by The Times of India, Shubhanshu and Kamna have been friends since childhood. Reportedly, they have even studied together in primary school in Lucknow. As per a report from the same portal, the duo has been together since they were in class 3, and they have been each other’s best friends. In a conversation, Kamna even stated that Shubhanshu had been very shy in his childhood, and now he has been inspiring people. For the unversed, Shubhanshu and Kamna have a son named Sid. Kamna is a dentist, and as per the reports, the family is in Florida to witness the launch of the mission.
Not only Shubhanshu but also his mother, Asha Shukla, was praised for her daughter-in-law’s contribution to her son’s life. The proud mom expressed her happiness at her son’s success and mainly the way he has left inspirational footprints, by making everyone’s chest swell with pride. She also mentioned that the biggest role here was played by her daughter-in-law, Kamna, who gave all her support to her husband. Asha Shukla could be quoted by ANI as saying:
“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.”
What do you think about Shubhanshu Shukla’s emotional post for his wife, Kamna?
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