Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla () is now embarking on a historic mission to space. His mission will take him to the International Space Station (ISS), where the journey will take approximately 28 hours.
Shubhanshu Shukla: Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a member of the Indian Air Force, is not only a source of pride for the country but for every Indian. His mission to the International Space Station is historic, but even more of a talking point is the heartfelt message he penned for his wife, Kamana Shubh Mishra. This emotional connection has transformed this mission from just a space expedition into a human story.
From School Friends to Marriage
Kamana Shubh Mishra, Shubhanshu Shukla’s wife, is more than just a dentist; she is the pillar upon which he has always relied. Their meeting occurred in the third grade. Even during their studies, their friendship deepened, and over time, it blossomed into love. In an interview, Kamana recounts, “We studied together from class 3. Shubhanshu was very quiet and shy. Gradually, we became each other’s best friends. And then… everything happened very naturally.”
Kamana explains that Shubhanshu’s first love has always been the sky. From childhood, he has dreamt of flying in planes and in space. He always had a sparkle in his eyes when he spoke about flights and space.
Who is Kamana Shubh Mishra?
Kamana is a dentist by profession. She chose a career in the medical field, but after marriage, she has skillfully balanced her life with family priorities. Understanding Shubhanshu’s career demands, she has consistently demonstrated restraint, understanding, and dedication. That’s why Shubhanshu specifically thanked her in his message as he prepared to embark on his space mission. “Sometimes, your closest people make sacrifices that you don’t fully understand… Thank you, Kamana Shubh Mishra, for being an amazing partner. Without you, none of this would have been possible.”
From Air Force to Space
Shubhanshu Shukla was born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. He joined the Indian Air Force in 2006 and became part of a fighter wing. He has over 2000 hours of flight experience. He has flown various combat aircraft, including Sukhoi-30, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk. He was selected for ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission after undergoing rigorous training for over a year and a half.
As Shubhanshu departed for the space mission on June 25th, the message he conveyed touched the hearts of the country’s residents. In it, he specifically thanked Kamana for her sacrifice, support, and companionship. This message was a beautiful blend of his duties as a military officer and his heartfelt emotions as a life partner, demonstrating that even small emotions can drive large missions.
The story of Shubhanshu and Kamana is not just about love, but also about trust, understanding, and companionship. It highlights how crucial a spouse’s support is in achieving dreams. While Shubhanshu carries the responsibility of bringing honor to India in space, Kamana has taken on the task of laying the foundation for his family and dreams on Earth.
