'Without you...': Indian Astronaut Subhanshu Shukla’s thank you message to dentist wife as he goes on Axiom 4 space mission

Just hours before embarking on a historic journey into space, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla paused to reflect on something deeply personal. As the first Indian astronaut headed to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla shared a poignant message for his wife that’s now capturing hearts across the internet.

While the scientific and geopolitical significance of the mission is enormous, Shukla’s emotional Instagram note brought a human touch to the high-stakes journey. In the message, he expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the mission and acknowledged the outpouring of support from people back home.

But it was his heartfelt words for his wife Kamna that truly struck a chord. He thanked her for being a wonderful partner and said that without her, none of it would have been possible—and more importantly, none of it would matter. Shukla paired the note with an image of the couple separated by a glass wall—likely moments before he left off for the Axiom 4 space mission. Shukla reflected on the collective effort behind space exploration, stating that no one travels to space alone, and expressed deep gratitude to family, friends, and well-wishers back home.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan.shux)

Kamna responded to the note and wrote, "You make me proud everyday my love." Support and heartfelt wishes poured in for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on social media ahead of his historic space mission. Admirers flooded his post with encouraging messages, calling him a source of national pride. “Godspeed Sir! Touch the space with glory,” one user wrote. Others sent blessings for a safe and successful journey, while many eagerly expressed excitement to hear his space stories upon return. Another follower hailed him as the perfect representative of Indian citizenship at the ISS.

About the Axiom-4 mission

The Axiom-4 mission, which includes Shukla and three other astronauts, is scheduled to launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. Initially set for June 22, the launch was rescheduled due to weather and logistical constraints. The mission marks a monumental milestone not only for India but also for the private spaceflight collaboration between NASA and Axiom Space.