Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized today that India’s growing presence on the global stage is reflected in its space program, particularly evident as he unveiled the identities of four astronauts selected for the nation’s human space flight mission, Gaganyaan.
During an event at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, the Prime Minister bestowed astronaut wings upon the four individuals selected for the space flight. The astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan mission include Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
The human space flight mission is geared towards launching a three-member crew into a Low Earth Orbit and ensuring their safe return after three days. The selected astronauts have undergone rigorous training encompassing technical expertise and physical conditioning to ensure their well-being during the mission.
“The nation has now been acquainted with the four Gaganyaan passengers. They are not merely four individuals but represent the aspirations of 1.40 billion Indians venturing into space,” remarked the Prime Minister. “After forty years, an Indian will embark on a journey to space. However, this time, the timing, the countdown, and the rocket are all of our own making,” he added. Previously, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (retired) ventured into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet mission.
The Prime Minister remarked that as India gears up to become the world’s third-largest economy, the Gaganyaan mission will elevate our space sector to unprecedented levels.
He also highlighted the significant contributions of women scientists in the space technology sector. “India’s Nari Shakti (women power) is playing a pivotal role in the space sector. Whether it’s Chandrayaan or Gaganyaan, the involvement of women scientists is indispensable for such missions,” he emphasized.
