Two Indian astronauts from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, will start their training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This training is part of a collaboration between ISRO and NASA to prepare one of these astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. The selected astronaut will join the Axiom-4 mission, marking the first time an Indian astronaut will visit the ISS.
The National Mission Assignment Board has recommended Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the primary mission pilot and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup. ISRO stated, “The assigned crew members will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024.”
During their mission, the gaganyatris will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations on the ISS. They will also engage in outreach activities to inspire others about space exploration.
ISRO emphasized that the experiences from this mission will benefit India’s Human Space Programme and strengthen the cooperation between ISRO and NASA. This collaboration was outlined in a joint statement by ISRO and NASA in June 2023 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the USA.
Who is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla?
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was born in Lucknow, a city with a rich history. He began his military career 18 years ago at the National Defence Academy. His elder sister shared that he was inspired to join the armed forces after reading about the bravery of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War in 1999 when he was just 14 years old.
Who is Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair?
Group Captain Prasanth Nair was born in 1976 in Nenmara. He completed his schooling in Kuwait, where his father worked. He joined the National Defence Academy while studying at NSS Engineering College, Palakkad, and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in December 1998. He is a decorated officer, having received the ‘Sword of Honour’ for being the best all-round cadet at the Air Force Academy. He has served as a flying instructor, test pilot, and commander of a premier Su-30 squadron. He is married to Malayalam actress Lena, who publicly announced their marriage after his selection as one of the astronaut candidates.
ALSO READ: “Boeing’s Historic Launch: NASA Astronauts Blast Off After Years of Delays”
Last year, four test pilots from the Air Force began their primary training at ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru for the Gaganyaan mission. This program aims to demonstrate India’s human spaceflight capabilities by sending a crew of three into a 400 km orbit for three days, ending with a safe return to Earth in Indian waters.
The collaboration between ISRO and NASA is a significant step forward for India’s space program. The training and mission experience of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will pave the way for future Indian missions and strengthen international partnerships in space exploration.
Comments