India’s maiden astronaut in 41 years, Shubhanshu Shukla, lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre as a part of the crew for the Axiom-4 space mission on Wednesday. This endeavour marks the first time an Indian astronaut has embarked on a mission to the International Space Station in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX.

Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was also previously announced to be the key astronaut for India’s inaugural human spaceflight mission in 2026, would only be the second Indian astronaut to venture into space following the footsteps of India’s first astronaut to travel to space via a Russian Soyuz in 1984.

Ahead of his takeoff, Shubanshu’s mother expressed her joy at her son’s accomplishment, where she also offered heavy praise for her daughter-in-law, Kamna Shukla. “This remarkable achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our daughter-in-law, who played the biggest role here,” Asha added.

Who is Dr. Kamna, Shubanshu Shukla’s Wife?

Dr. Kamna Shukla serves as a dentist in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Mother to a 6-year-old boy, Kamna is the childhood friend and wife of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Shubanshu and Kamna are childhood sweethearts who first met each other at primary school in Lucknow.

Shubanshu and Kamna’s love story

We’ve been best friends,” Kamna shared. “I’ve known him as Shubhanshu—the shy guy in our classroom—who’s now grown up to be a national inspiration,” she added.

Kamna lauded Shubhanshu’s sacrifice of missing several important moments of their son’s early childhood in the pursuit of high-stakes service. She compared his relentless determination to that of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Weathering the challenges of long distance, missed moments, and an unconventional life of training and service, Kamna and Shubanshu’s relationship has marvelously stood the test of time.

Shubhanshu shares an emotional note for his wife

Ahead of his takeoff off Shubhanshu took to social media to pen a note of gratitude for supporters, with a heartfelt tribute to 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,” Shukla wrote on Instagram.

“Special thanks to Kamna, my wonderful partner. Without you, none of this would have been possible, nor would any of it truly matter he added.” The astronaut subsequently shared a photograph on social media depicting the two of them bidding farewell through opposite sides of a glass wall.

ALSO READ Who is Shubhanshu Shukla? IAF pilot set to become first Indian in over 40 years to travel to space on June 25

Shubhanshu’s conversation with his family

As the highly anticipated launch approached, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla had a brief exchange with his parents. His parents had woken up at 2:30 AM, eagerly awaiting the liftoff.

“We spoke to Shubhanshu around 4:00 AM, and he told me, Papa kar ke aata hoon. Aap chinta na karo’ (Papa, I’ll go and get it done. You don’t worry),” Shubashu’s father, Shambhu, a retired government official, reported to the press.

Shubhanshu’s parents and close relatives gathered at a special event hosted by City Montessori School, his alma mater, to witness the launch.

“We have organised a group prayer at home for the success of his 14-day mission. God’s grace should always be with him,” Shambhu added.