After 18 days in space, Shubhanshu Shukla is home and wife Kamna is planning something warmer than any celebration
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
, India's new space hero, readjusts to life on Earth after his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), his wife Kamna is preparing for a different kind of mission: bringing warmth, routine, and togetherness back into their family life.
The first Indian to live aboard the ISS and only the second Indian in space, Shubhanshu, or 'Shuks' as he is known among friends and colleagues, splashed down on Tuesday and is currently undergoing quarantine and rehabilitation in Houston. Kamna and their six-year-old son Kiash are already by his side.
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'Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on Earth,' Kamna told PTI from Houston.
'For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself.'
There will be no grand welcome parades or red carpets for Kamna. Instead, she's turning to something far more intimate, home-cooked meals, shared stories, and long-awaited hugs.
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'I am already preparing some of his favourite dishes, knowing how much he must have missed home-cooked meals during his time in space,' she shared.
Having known each other since Class 3 at City Montessori School in Lucknow, the couple married in 2009. Their journey, from childhood classmates to partners in a spacefaring adventure, has been one of steady devotion and resilience.
18 Days of Distance, Held Together by a Voice
Kamna described how, during the 18 days Shubhanshu spent orbiting Earth, their phone calls became her daily lifeline.
'Receiving his call from the ISS right after docking was an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Hearing his voice and knowing he was safe meant the world to me,' she recalled.
The conversations, she said, were often filled with talk of zero-gravity routines, space experiments, and breathtaking views of Earth, stories far removed from the everyday, but ones she'll cherish forever.
A National Hero, A Family's Pride
Back home in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, Shubhanshu's family home is now adorned with posters and flowers as relatives and neighbours pour in with congratulations. Yet, for Kamna, the most meaningful celebration lies in the quiet reunion of a family once again under the same roof.
'While the nation celebrates his extraordinary accomplishment, our family will cherish quieter, personal moments of togetherness,' she said.
'His homecoming marks a beautiful blend of personal happiness and national pride.'
Separation and Strength
Kamna is no stranger to distance. Life as an Air Force family has taught them how to cope with long spells apart. But space, she admits, was a different kind of separation.
'Being separated is undoubtedly difficult. But our journey with the Air Force has taught us resilience. In many ways, these separations have only strengthened our bond,' she said.
'We've learnt patience, understanding, and unwavering support for each other's dreams. When you commit yourself to a mission of such significance, you naturally learn to overcome the emotional challenges.'
From Shy Boy to Space Ambassador
Kamna spoke with pride about Shubhanshu's transformation, from a quiet young man in school to an astronaut now inspiring children across the world.
'Seeing him interact so confidently and joyfully with students from space filled me with immense pride. His story deserves to be shared widely,' she said.
Back at their alma mater in Lucknow, students at City Montessori School are now dreaming of space after seeing one of their own reach the stars. Kamna believes this is precisely what Shubhanshu set out to do.
'The essence of his mission was always about inspiring the younger generation to pursue STEM, to innovate, and bring cutting-edge technology to India.'
Next Stop: Gaganyaan
While the dust has barely settled on his return, Shubhanshu is already linked to India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, ISRO's first crewed spaceflight slated for 2027. If he takes flight again, Kamna will once more hold down the Earth-side of their world with grace and strength.
For now, though, the only orbit that matters is the one around home. And as Kamna gets ready to serve him his favourite dishes and hear about stars, galaxies and everything in between, one thing is clear: behind every astronaut, there's a family grounded in love, patience, and quiet courage.
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