National Desk, 27th February: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his third visit to Kerala in two months, disclosed the names of the four astronauts chosen for India’s groundbreaking Gaganyaan mission on February 27th at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
The astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan Mission include Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla. These individuals have undergone rigorous training at an astronaut training facility in Bengaluru, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration journey.
The selection process for the Gaganyaan mission astronauts was comprehensive and meticulous. Initially, numerous candidates were evaluated, with 12 test pilots shortlisted after assessments at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM) under the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru. After rigorous evaluations, IAM and ISRO finalized the last four candidates.
Scheduled for 2025, the Gaganyaan mission aims to send humans into space, placing them in a Low Earth Orbit approximately 400 kilometers above the Earth’s surface for a three-day mission. The mission will utilize the LVM3 rocket, equipped with various propulsion systems, including solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages.
The Gaganyaan project signifies India’s ambition to demonstrate the feasibility of human spaceflight, marking a significant advancement in the country’s space exploration endeavors. The mission will utilize a range of technologies, including a human-rated launch vehicle, life support systems, and emergency escape plans, emphasizing India’s commitment to pioneering space exploration.
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