ISRO Prepares For Gaganyaan’s Mission Launch; Announces ‘Prime Astronaut’ and ‘Backup Gaganyatri’

An Indian astronaut will visit the International Space Station (ISS) extensively prior to the country’s Gaganyaan mission’s launch.

For its future Axiom-4 trip to the International Space Station (ISS), the Human Space Flight Centre of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and NASA-designated service provider Axiom Space have agreed into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA).

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will serve as the “backup Gaganyatri,” and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the “prime Gaganyatri.”

The Multilateral Crew Operations Panel will ultimately decide whether to allow the assigned crew members to travel to the International Space Station.

The first week of August is when the suggested Gaganyatris will start their mission-related training.

“During the mission, the Gaganyatri will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on-board the ISS as well as engage in space outreach activities. The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA,” ISRO said in an official statement.