Today, on February 27th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s growing prominence on the global stage, particularly showcasing its advancements in the space program. During a significant event held at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, he unveiled the identities of four astronauts chosen for India’s prestigious human space flight mission, Gaganyaan.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and bestows astronaut wings to the astronaut designates.
The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human space flight program for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centres. pic.twitter.com/KQiodF3Jqy
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024
These honored astronauts, Group Captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap along with Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, were bestowed with astronaut wings by the Prime Minister himself. Their selection process was meticulous, with training being conducted at the space agency’s astronaut training facility located in Bengaluru. The rigorous selection procedure took place at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, affiliated with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The collaboration between ISRO and Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, marked a significant milestone in June 2019, as they agreed upon training four astronauts. This endeavor led the chosen astronauts to undergo intensive training from February 2020 to March 2021 at Russia’s esteemed Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.
Adding another layer to India’s space aspirations, during a visit to Delhi in 2023, NASA administrator Bill Nelson disclosed NASA’s commitment to train an Indian astronaut for a mission to the International Space Station by the end of 2024. Speculation arose that this selection process might involve picking from the four individuals gearing up for the Gaganyaan mission, as reported by The Indian Express.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognizing the significance of the moment, applauded the four astronauts, articulating, “We are witnessing yet another historic moment at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. India welcomes its four Gaganyaan astronauts. These individuals represent not just names, but the collective strength that will propel the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians into space.”
#WATCH | At Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi says “India of the 21st century, is today surprising the world with its potential. In the last 10 years, we have launched about 400 satellites, whereas 10 years before that, only 33 satellites were… pic.twitter.com/lwnjNPYZ52
— ANI (@ANI) February 27, 2024
Meanwhile, the development of the Gaganyaan spacecraft is underway, meticulously engineered with cutting-edge technology to ensure the mission’s safety and success. Equipped with life support systems, robust communication infrastructure, and other vital features, the spacecraft is poised to sustain human life in the harsh space environment.
Furthermore, the meticulous process of selecting and training astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission reflects India’s dedication to excellence. The selected astronauts undergo rigorous training, covering various facets including space navigation, survival techniques, and simulated space missions, thus preparing them meticulously for the formidable challenges of space travel.
