India Unveils Four Astronauts for Gaganyaan Mission
Posted by admin on 2024-02-29 |
India has revealed the identities of four Air Force
pilots who have been selected to participate in the country's inaugural space
mission planned for the coming year. The Gaganyaan project seeks to dispatch
three astronauts to an orbit 400km above the Earth, with a return journey
slated for three days later. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
been conducting numerous assessments in readiness for the mission. A crucial
test conducted in October validated the crew's ability to safely abort the
rocket in the event of a malfunction.
The
chosen officers, hailing from the Indian Air Force, were introduced as Group
Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain
Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
Following
this milestone, ISRO announced plans for a test flight carrying a robot to
space in 2024, preceding the manned mission set for 2025. At a ceremony held at
the ISRO facility in Thiruvananthapuram, the four astronaut candidates were
hailed as "visionaries, explorers, and courageous individuals gearing up
for space travel."
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi, alongside ISRO chief S Somanath, affixed badges adorned
with golden wings to their attire, with Mr. Modi lauding them as "the
pride of India." He emphasized their significance, stating, "These
are not merely four names or individuals. They represent the aspirations of 1.4
billion Indians in space. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to
them." Officials disclosed that the candidates were chosen from a pool of
Air Force pilots and underwent extensive physical and psychological evaluations
before their selection. They underwent rigorous training for 13 months in
Russia and continue their demanding regimen back home. A video showcased their
fitness routines, including gym workouts, swimming, and yoga sessions.
The
Gaganyaan Mission marks India's inaugural human space flight initiative, with
comprehensive preparations underway across various ISRO facilities. The project
has incurred costs amounting to ?90 billion. If successful, India will join the
ranks of the Soviet Union, the United States, and China as the fourth nation to
send humans into space. India has also unveiled ambitious space plans,
including the establishment of a space station by 2035 and a manned lunar
mission by 2040.
