IAF successfully completes Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for Gaganyaan mission

New Delhi, September 6: Indian Air force (IAF) today announced the completion of the Level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for mission Gaganyaan, country`s first human mission to space.

 

On its Instagram account, the IAF said, "Completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests and evaluation on various facets of psychology. #MissionGaganyaan."

In May this year, the IAF signed an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for crew selection and training for the Gaganyaan mission. Under the program, aimed to be launched by 2021, a three-member crew will spend a minimum of seven days in the space.

 

A human-rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the orbital module, which will have necessary provisions for sustaining a three-member crew for the duration of the mission.

Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi.