‘Prime Astronaut’ For India’s Mission To Space Station Picked; ISRO Reveals Name – News18

Before India’s Gaganyaan mission takes off, an Indian astronaut will journey to the International Space Station (ISS). Wing Commander Shubanshu Shukla has been designated as the Prime Gaganyatri, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will serve as the Backup Gaganyatri.

The final approval for the crew to travel to the ISS will be granted by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel.

The Human Space Flight Centre of ISRO has signed a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with Axiom Space, a NASA-identified service provider, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

The selected Gaganyatris are set to begin their training for the mission in the first week of August 2024. During their mission, they will conduct scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on the ISS and engage in space outreach activities.

“The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA,” stated ISRO.

Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission, is slated for launch in 2025 and aims to send a manned crew on a three-day mission to orbit 400 km above Earth before returning.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha last week that ISRO has partnered with NASA and Axiom Space for this joint mission.

“This is a collaborative effort of ISRO, NASA, and NASA-identified private entity, i.e., Axiom Space. Recently, ISRO has signed a Space Flight Agreement with Axiom Space for this joint mission to the ISS,” he said

The astronauts have already completed basic spaceflight training in Russia and are currently undergoing advanced training at ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru.