All you need to know about the four selected astronauts for Gaganyaan mission

PTC News Desk: In a significant development for India's space exploration ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the identities of the four astronauts handpicked for the country's maiden human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan Mission. This unveiling occurred during the Prime Minister's visit to Kerala, where he reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan mission and conferred 'astronaut wings' to the selected individuals at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

The quartet of chosen astronauts comprises Group Captain Prashanth Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, all distinguished pilots hailing from the Indian Air Force. These seasoned aviators underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, marking a crucial milestone in India's journey towards human space exploration.

Group Captain Prashanth B. Nair, a proficient Sukhoi fighter pilot with roots in Kerala, stands among the selected astronauts, symbolizing the diverse talent contributing to this historic mission. These four pilots, all affiliated with the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru, immersed themselves in preparatory activities for the Gaganyaan mission, culminating in extensive training sessions in Russia and ongoing familiarization with mission intricacies at ISRO facilities.

Given the pioneering nature of India's inaugural human spaceflight endeavor, the selection criteria prioritised test pilots renowned for their precision and expertise. Following meticulous rounds of evaluation conducted jointly by the Indian Air Force and ISRO, these four exceptional aviators emerged as the prime candidates, embodying the nation's aspirations for space exploration.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre also witnessed the inauguration of three pivotal projects, underscoring India's strides in space technology. These projects include the PSLV integration facility at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; semi-cryogenics integrated engine and stage test facility at the ISRO propulsion complex in Mahendragiri; and Trisonic wind tunnel at VSSC, signifying India's commitment to indigenous space infrastructure.

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Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi stressed the paramount importance of supporting the selected astronauts and their families with utmost cooperation and privacy. He lauded the indigenous advancements achieved within the Gaganyaan mission and emphasized the indispensable role of women in propelling India's space sector forward. Additionally, the Prime Minister hailed ISRO's past triumphs, including the successful Mars mission and satellite launches, underscoring the organization's remarkable achievements.

Looking ahead, Prime Minister Modi articulated a bold vision for India's space endeavors, envisioning a five-fold increase in the Indian space economy to $40 billion within the next decade. Furthermore, he outlined ambitious plans for lunar exploration, Venus exploration, and the establishment of an Indian space station by 2035, underscoring India's determination to assert its prowess in space exploration.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi expressed unwavering confidence in India's capabilities to achieve significant milestones in space exploration, affirming the nation's commitment to realizing its spacefaring aspirations with indigenous technology and talent.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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