India’s journey toward its first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has taken a significant step forward with Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealing the names of the four chosen astronauts. Currently undergoing intensive training in Bengaluru, these astronauts, Captain Prashanth Nair, Captain Angad Prathap, Captain Ajit Krishnan, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, represent a key milestone in India’s space exploration.
During a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Prime Minister Modi reviewed the mission’s progress and interacted with Vyomitra, an advanced humanoid set to embark on the mission before human astronauts. This highlights the innovative approach taken by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in advancing space exploration.
Speaking at the announcement, PM Modi said, “The country has come to know about the four Gaganyaan passengers. These are not just four names or four people. These are four powers who will take the aspirations of 140 crore Indians to space.”
The astronaut selection process involved collaboration between ISRO and the Indian Air Force, focusing on skilled test pilots who underwent rigorous assessments. The four selected pilots, after thorough evaluations, underwent comprehensive training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center for about 13 months.
The Gaganyaan Mission aims to make India the fourth nation to conduct crewed space missions. The spacecraft, equipped with advanced technology, prioritizes astronaut safety and mission success with life support systems and robust communication infrastructure.
ISRO aims to launch the Gaganyaan Mission by the end of 2025, marking a historic moment for India in space exploration. The collective efforts of ISRO, the Indian Air Force, and the astronaut team showcase India’s commitment to pushing scientific boundaries and achieving success in space exploration.
