Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to announce the names of the four test pilots chosen for Bharat’s pioneering human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Kerala. Scheduled for Tuesday, this announcement marks a significant milestone in Bharat’s space exploration endeavors. Out of these four pilots, 2-3 will eventually be selected for the mission, as per sources familiar with the matter.
These test pilots have undergone rigorous training over the past year in Russia’s Zvyozdny Gorodok city, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Now, they are stationed at a unit of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where they are acquainting themselves with the intricacies of the Gaganyaan mission.
During his visit to the VSSC in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi will not only unveil the names of the selected pilots but also confer them with ‘astronaut wings’, symbolizing their significant role in Bharat’s space odyssey.
Additionally, PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate three crucial space infrastructure projects collectively valued at approximately Rs 1,800 crore. These projects include the PSLV integration facility at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the semi-cryogenics integrated engine and stage test facility at ISRO propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, and the Trisonic wind tunnel at VSSC.
Of these, the PSLV integration facility holds particular importance as it is expected to bolster the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year. Moreover, it will also facilitate the launches of small satellite launch vehicles, including mini-PSLV, and other small launch vehicles developed by private space companies.
Furthermore, discussions have surfaced regarding the selection of a pilot from the aforementioned four for an International Space Station (ISS) mission, in accordance with the agreement between ISRO and NASA. This mission, planned ahead of Bharat’s human spaceflight mission, aims to provide the selected astronaut(s) with valuable insights from the ISS experience, thus aiding in better preparation for Gaganyaan.
In preparation for the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO has outlined a series of tests, including three uncrewed missions: LVM3-G1, LVM3-G2, and the Vyommitra humanoid mission. These missions, independent of each other, will be launched based on the readiness of various subsystems and qualifications, with the first mission slated for launch later this year.
As Bharat strides boldly into the realm of space exploration, these developments signify the nation’s unwavering commitment to advancing its scientific prowess and cementing its place among the world’s spacefaring nations.
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