A screenshot of a video showing the four selected Gaganyaan astronauts. From left: Gp Capt Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Gp Capt Ajit Krishnan, Gp Capt Angad Pratap, Wg Cdr Shubhanshu Shukla.
Thiruvananthapuram/Bangalore/New Delhi: The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has revealed the names of the four astronauts selected for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human-spaceflight mission at a special event in the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. The selected astronauts, all from the Indian Air Force, are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
While announcing the names of the selected crew members of the Gaganyaan mission, the prime minister, with a mix of pride and excitement, hailed them as national heroes “representing the aspirations and technological prowess” of a rising India.
Astronauts’ profiles
The four selected astronauts for Gaganyaan mission. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement.)
The four astronauts, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, are all test pilots from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment in Bengaluru. They have been undergoing rigorous training for the past four years.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Born in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, on August 26, 1976, Gp Capt Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA). He achieved the prestigious Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy and was commissioned on December 19, 1998, in the IAF’s fighter stream.
With approximately 3,000 hours of flying experience, he has flown a diverse range of aircraft, including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier-228, An-32, among others. Gp Capt Nair is also an alumnus of the United States Staff College and has commanded a Sukhoi-30MKI squadron.
He has been recognized for his exceptional flying skills and dedication to the mission.
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
A resident of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan was born on April 19, 1982. He is an NDA alumnus and a recipient of the President’s Gold Medal and Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned on June 21, 2003, in the fighter stream of the IAF, Gp Capt Krishnan is a flying instructor and test pilot with around 2,900 hours of flying experience.
His extensive repertoire includes flying Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dornier-228, An-32, among others. He is also an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington.
He has been lauded for his technical expertise and leadership abilities.
Group Captain Angad Pratap
Born in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) on July 17, 1982, Gp Capt Angad Pratap is an NDA alumnus. He was commissioned on December 18, 2004, in the fighter stream of the IAF.
As a flying instructor and test pilot, he has approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience across various aircraft, including Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier-228, An-32, among others.
Gp Capt Angad Pratap is known for his calm and composed nature and brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla
Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on October 10, 1985, Wg Cdr Shubhanshu Shukla is an NDA alumnus. He was commissioned on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream of the IAF.
Wg Cdr Shukla is a fighter combat leader and test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. His diverse flying background includes flying Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier-228, An-32, among others.
As the youngest member of the team, he is admired for his quick thinking and problem-solving skills.
Gaganyaan mission overview
The Gaganyaan mission, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organization (Isro), aims to demonstrate India’s human-spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 kilometres for a three-day mission. The mission will make India the fourth nation in the world, after the United States, Russia, and China, to independently send humans into space.
Mission Gaganyaan:
— ISRO (@isro) February 21, 2024
ISRO's CE20 cryogenic engine is now human-rated for Gaganyaan missions.
Rigorous testing demonstrates the engine’s mettle.
The CE20 engine identified for the first uncrewed flight LVM3 G1 also went through acceptance tests.https://t.co/qx4GGBgZPv pic.twitter.com/UHwEwMsLJK
The Gaganyaan spacecraft is being developed with advanced technology to ensure the safety and success of the mission. It will be equipped with life-support systems, communication systems, and other essential features to sustain human life in space.
Looking ahead
The selection and training of astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission have been rigorous and comprehensive. The chosen astronauts are still undergoing intensive training in areas, such as space navigation, survival skills, and simulated space missions to prepare them for the challenges of space travel.
Isro’s astronaut-training facility in Bangalore. (Photo: Isro)
The Gaganyaan mission is a significant step towards India’s goal of becoming a major player in the global space sector. It represents the country’s commitment to scientific advancement and exploration, and it is a testament to the skills and dedication of the Indian scientific community.
