FOUR IAF PILOTS NAMED AS POSSIBLE GAGANYAAN CREW

Why in the news?

  • India unveiled the names of four Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots designated for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, set to launch in 2025.
source:slideserve

About the Announcement and Crew Introduction:

  • Shortlisted through a rigorous process, the pilots underwent training in Russia and at ISRO’s Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru.
  • The Prime Minister bestowed ‘astronaut wings’ upon the designated crew members, emphasizing India’s commitment to space exploration
About Gaganyaan Mission:

  • India’s mission plans a 3-day manned spaceflight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at 400km, involving a crew of three members for safe exploration and return.
  • The system module, named Orbital Module, will carry three Indian astronauts, including a female, orbiting Earth at a low-earth-orbit for 5-7 days.

About Gaganyaan Program and Future Endeavors:

●    The Gaganyaan program aims to showcase India’s capability for human space exploration and is anticipated to pave the way for a sustained Indian human space exploration program.

●    ISRO, in addition to the Gaganyaan mission, plans to send astronauts to the moon by 2040.

●    Prime Minister Modi emphasized India’s commitment to having its space station by 2035 during his visit.