Gaganyaan: India names astronauts for a space flight

“After four decades, India will send one of its own to space. This historic mission will be distinctly Indian, from the countdown to the rocket itself,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Tuesday. He revealed the names of the four astronaut-designates chosen for the nation’s inaugural manned mission to Low Earth orbit, known as Gaganyaan, scheduled for the following year.

In Short:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the names of the four astronauts chosen for India’s first crewed space mission, Gaganyaan.
• The astronauts are Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ajit Doval, and Group Captain (Gp Capt) Vikas Singh.
• They are all experienced test pilots from the Indian Air Force and have undergone rigorous training in Russia.

What is the Gaganyaan Mission?

The Gaganyaan mission is India’s first human space flight program, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mission aims to send a crew of four astronauts, all pilots from the Indian Air Force, to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission and return them safely to Earth. The astronauts have undergone extensive training in Russia and at various ISRO centers. This mission is a significant step for India in the field of space exploration, demonstrating its capability in human spaceflight and opening new avenues for scientific and technological developments.

Gaganyaan Mission Launch Date

The Gaganyaan mission has a detailed timeline:

• The first uncrewed test flight is planned for the last quarter of 2023.
• The second uncrewed test flight, also known as the ‘G2’ mission, is targeted to be launched in the second quarter of 2024.
• The first crewed flight, known as the ‘H1’ mission, is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Please note that these dates are subject to change due to various factors, including safety concerns and unforeseen circumstances.

Gaganyaan Mission Astronauts Name

The four individuals selected for the Gaganyaan mission are:

Group Captain Prashanth Nair

A former Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force and a highly skilled test pilot.

Group Captain Angad Prathap

Another former Wing Commander in the Indian Air Force with extensive experience in fighter aircraft operations.

Group Captain Ajit Krishnan

A highly decorated officer in the Indian Air Force with experience in flying various types of aircraft.

Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla

A test pilot with significant experience in fighter jets and transport aircraft.

These astronauts were chosen from a pool of talented candidates based on their exceptional flying skills, physical fitness, and mental aptitude. They have undergone rigorous training in various aspects, including spaceflight mechanics, spacecraft systems, and emergency procedures.

How astronauts are selected for Isro’s Gaganyaan mission

Here is the selection process for the astronauts of the Gaganyaan mission:

• The selection process began with around 60 Indian Air Force (IAF) test pilots.
• The first level of selection was completed by the Indian Air Force in September 2019.
• The test pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests, and evaluations on various aspects of their psychology.
• After the first level of selection, 12 pilots made it past and were shortlisted.
• The final selection was done at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), an institute under the IAF.
• After multiple rounds of selection, the IAM and ISRO shortlisted the final four astronauts.
• The selected astronauts underwent training in Russia in 2021, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Since then, the astronauts have been undergoing various training modules in India with the help of multiple agencies.
• The astronauts are now acquainting themselves with the details of the Gaganyaan mission at an ISRO facility.
• The astronauts were bestowed with astronaut wings by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What will Gagaanyaan Mission change for India?

The Gaganyaan mission is expected to deliver numerous benefits for India, including:

1. Boosting scientific and technological advancements: The mission will stimulate research and development in various fields, including aerospace engineering, materials science, and life sciences.
2. Inspiring future generations: The success of the mission will serve as a major inspiration for young minds, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM fields.
3. Enhancing international cooperation: The Gaganyaan mission can pave the way for increased collaboration with other spacefaring nations, fostering knowledge sharing and joint ventures.

Gaganyaan Mission Challenges

Despite the immense potential of the Gaganyaan mission, there are also significant challenges that need to be addressed. These include:

1. Technological complexities: Developing and launching a human-rated spacecraft is a complex undertaking that requires overcoming numerous technological hurdles.
2. Stringent safety requirements: Ensuring the safety of astronauts during spaceflight is paramount, necessitating meticulous planning, training, and risk mitigation strategies.
3. Financial considerations: The Gaganyaan mission is a resource-intensive endeavor, requiring substantial financial investments to ensure its success.

Conclusion

The announcement of the Gaganyaan mission astronauts marks a momentous occasion for India, symbolizing the nation’s unwavering commitment to space exploration. With the dedication and expertise of its astronauts, scientists, and engineers, India is poised to make a significant mark on the global spacefaring stage in the years to come.

FAQs

What is the rank of India in the Gaganyaan mission?

This initiative will position India as the fourth country globally, following the United States, Russia, and China, to autonomously launch humans into space.

Who is the female robot in Gaganyaan Mission?

Vyommitra, India’s female robot astronaut, will precede the Gaganyaan mission, announced by India’s Union Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh. The mission intends to send Indian astronauts into space for the first time.

Where is Gaganyaan going to land?

Gaganyaan project envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters

What are the parts of the Gaganyaan mission?

The Gaganyaan mission includes the development of critical technologies such as a human-rated launch vehicle, Life Support System, crew emergency escape provision, and crew management aspects.

How many astronauts are in the Gaganyaan mission?

The Gaganyaan mission will carry four astronauts, all pilots from the Indian Air Force.

What is the name of the humanoid in the Gaganyaan mission?

The humanoid being developed by ISRO for the Gaganyaan mission is named Vyommitra.