In a historic announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four Indian Air Force officers who will be the first Indians to embark on a space mission from Indian soil aboard the indigenously developed Gaganyaan spacecraft.
The preparation for India’s first manned mission has been going on for years, with the mission’s preliminary studies starting back in 2006.
Let's meet the stellar Gaganyaan Crew:
The astronauts, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, have undergone rigorous training in Russia and are currently continuing their program at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) training facility.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a standing ovation to the four astronauts and said, "We are witnessing another historic journey at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. India meets its four Gaganyaan astronauts. These are not just four names, but forces that will take the aspirations of 140 crore Indians to space."
Prime Minister Modi reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan mission at the VSSC and interacted with Vyomitra, a humanoid,that will be the first to launch on the Gaganyaan Mission before astronauts set foot in the crew capsule.
Gaganyaan mission
Gaganyaan mission aims to carry a crew of three astronauts into low Earth orbit. This endeavour will make India the fourth nation in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently send humans into space.
The Gaganyaan spacecraft, designed to accommodate the astronauts, is being developed with advanced technology to ensure the safety and success of the mission. The spacecraft will be equipped with life support systems, communication systems, and other essential features to sustain human life in space.
The selection and training of astronauts for the Gaganyaan missionhave been rigorous and comprehensive. The chosen astronauts undergo intensive training in areas such as space navigation, survival skills, and simulated space missions to prepare them for the challenges of space travel.
The Prime Minister was at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram. This was his first visit to the Isro's HQ.
Along with revealing the names of the Gaganyaan astronauts, the prime minister also inaugurated the PSLV Integration Facility, the Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at Mahendragiri, and the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at the VSSC.
The PSLV integration facilityaims to increase the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year. Additionally, it is designed to accommodate launches of mini-PSLV, small satellite launch vehicles, and other small launch vehicles developed by private space companies, as mentioned by the PMO.
Meanwhile, the new Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility at IPRC Mahendragiri will enable the development of semi-cryogenic engines and stages which will increase the payload capability of the present launch vehicles. The facility is equipped with liquid Oxygen and kerosene supply systems to test engines up to 200 tons of thrust.