Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). However, this achievement goes far beyond a single day in orbit. Offering a glimpse into the personal side of this historic feat, his wife, Kamna Shubha Shukla , shared insights into the intense preparation and dedication that preceded the mission.
After weeks of anticipation and six consecutive delays, India witnessed a proud moment on June 25 when its latest crewed mission finally lifted off into space. The launch, originally scheduled for June 8, had faced repeated setbacks.
“But with each delay — six in total, a quiet anxiety began to creep in. The initial energy slowly gave way to cautious hope, and over time, most friends left as the delays stretched on. Yet we held on, hoping, praying, counting down again and again,” said Kamna Shukla through a post
The final call came on June 23, and the family rushed to Florida, arriving by June 24, as the spacecraft was scheduled to liftoff the next day. Unlike the first attempt, the viewing area was quieter, with only close family remaining, carrying a single question, “will it happen this time?” said Kamna Shukla through the post.
“But as the launch drew near, all the wariness melted away. The tension transformed into sheer pride and excitement during the waving-off ceremony. The crew was ready. The energy was electric. The josh was truly high,” she said.
The launch took place late at night, and the couple’s young son, Sid, fell asleep but was woken up as the rocket ignited. “That’s a sun, Mumma!” the boy said.
Shortly after reaching orbit, Shukla’s message “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat” resonated across mission control and among millions following the event in India.
After an 18-day scientific mission aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth on July 15.
The Dragon spacecraft was carrying Shukla and fellow crew members, Commander Peggy Whitson, ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu made a journey back home lasting approximately 22 hours.
“It almost seems magical to me…It has been a fantastic journey for me,” Shubhanshu said. “Even today, Bharat looks ‘saare jahan se accha’ from above,” he added.
After weeks of anticipation and six consecutive delays, India witnessed a proud moment on June 25 when its latest crewed mission finally lifted off into space. The launch, originally scheduled for June 8, had faced repeated setbacks.
“But with each delay — six in total, a quiet anxiety began to creep in. The initial energy slowly gave way to cautious hope, and over time, most friends left as the delays stretched on. Yet we held on, hoping, praying, counting down again and again,” said Kamna Shukla through a post
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMiV2ZBsIzV/ https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMiV2ZBsIzV/
on Instagram.The final call came on June 23, and the family rushed to Florida, arriving by June 24, as the spacecraft was scheduled to liftoff the next day. Unlike the first attempt, the viewing area was quieter, with only close family remaining, carrying a single question, “will it happen this time?” said Kamna Shukla through the post.
“But as the launch drew near, all the wariness melted away. The tension transformed into sheer pride and excitement during the waving-off ceremony. The crew was ready. The energy was electric. The josh was truly high,” she said.
The launch took place late at night, and the couple’s young son, Sid, fell asleep but was woken up as the rocket ignited. “That’s a sun, Mumma!” the boy said.
Shortly after reaching orbit, Shukla’s message “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat” resonated across mission control and among millions following the event in India.
After an 18-day scientific mission aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) spacecraft, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to Earth on July 15.
The Dragon spacecraft was carrying Shukla and fellow crew members, Commander Peggy Whitson, ESA astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, and Tibor Kapu made a journey back home lasting approximately 22 hours.
“It almost seems magical to me…It has been a fantastic journey for me,” Shubhanshu said. “Even today, Bharat looks ‘saare jahan se accha’ from above,” he added.
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