Without you, none of this would matter: Shukla honours wife in emotional note before historic spaceflight launch

Dubai: India returned to human spaceflight after 40 years — and this time, it’s private.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated Indian Air Force pilot, has become only the second Indian astronaut to travel to space, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s Soviet mission in 1984.

The launch took place aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida — the very same pad from which Neil Armstrong took off for the Moon in 1969.

Shukla is part of Axiom Space’s fourth private mission to the International Space Station (ISS), alongside Hungary’s Tibor Kapu, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and mission commander Peggy Whitson, America’s most experienced astronaut.

The four-member team will spend two weeks aboard the ISS, conducting 60 scientific experiments — seven of which were proposed by Indian researchers. The mission marks India’s growing presence in the new era of international, private-sector-led space exploration.

Before liftoff, Shukla, who had been in quarantine for over a month, spoke with calm determination and quiet pride.

“I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts,” he said.

Just hours before launch, he sent a personal message to his family:

“Just wait for me, I’m coming.”

But it was a deeply personal farewell on Instagram that captured hearts. In an emotional message posted before leaving Earth, Shukla thanked everyone who supported the mission — with a special tribute to his wife, Kamna.

“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.

Addressing his wife directly, 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 post was accompanied by a touching photograph — the couple sharing a quiet, emotional goodbye through a glass wall. The image captured the unspoken strength behind every space mission: the sacrifice of those who stay behind.

As reported by The Times of India, Shukla and Kamna's story began 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.

Now married with a six-year-old son, the couple have stood by each other through every phase of life. Kamna revealed that Shukla's dream of going to space began in 2020, and that she had watched him chase it with relentless focus.

His mother, Asha Shukla, also credited Kamna for playing a pivotal role in helping her son reach the stars.

“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.

Once in orbit, the crew revealed the name of their capsule: Grace. They are scheduled to dock at the International Space Station around 4:30pm IST on June 26, following a roughly 28-hour journey.

This mission isn’t just about science — it’s about stories, sacrifice, and the silent strength of those who help make impossible dreams take flight.

As India reclaims its place in human spaceflight, Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey is a reminder that space is not a solitary pursuit. Behind every astronaut is a quiet force — a partner, a parent, a nation — lifting them skyward.