Wed Jun 25 06:30:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Launches to International Space Station, Leaving Behind Heartfelt Message for Wife**
**New Delhi, India -** Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla embarked on his journey to the International Space Station (ISS) today, with an estimated arrival time of 28 hours. Shukla’s mission is part of the ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission. His departure has garnered national attention, especially a touching message he penned to his wife, Kamna Mishra, prior to launch.
Dr. Kamna Mishra, a dentist, and Shukla’s childhood sweetheart, has been a pillar of support throughout his rigorous journey to space. The couple, friends since elementary school, share a deep bond rooted in mutual respect and admiration. In an interview, Mishra revealed that Shukla’s “first love has always been the sky.”
In his pre-flight message, Shukla expressed his gratitude to his family and friends, particularly acknowledging Kamna’s unwavering support. “A very special thank you to Kamna Shubha Shukla, for being such an amazing partner. None of this would have been possible without you,” he wrote.
Shukla, hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, becoming a seasoned combat leader and test pilot with over 2,000 hours of flight experience. He has flown various fighter aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30, MiG-21, and MiG-29.
Shukla’s selection for the Gaganyaan mission followed a rigorous 1.5-year training program. His mission is expected to set a new benchmark for Indian astronauts. His first message from space read “My shoulder has Tiranga.. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!”
First Piper 