Thiruvananthapuram: India is gearing up for its first human space flight mission – ‘Gaganyaan’, which is scheduled to launch in 2024. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the names of the four brave astronauts who will be part of this historic mission and make the nation proud.
The four astronauts are Group Captain Prashant Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. They are currently undergoing rigorous training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, where they are learning various aspects of space flight, such as survival skills, orbital mechanics, spacecraft systems, and emergency procedures.
Prime Minister Modi visited the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) at Thumba near Thiruvananthapuram, where he presented ‘astronaut wings’ to the four astronauts and congratulated them for their courage and dedication. He also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan mission and interacted with the scientists and engineers involved in the project.
He said that the Gaganyaan mission is not just a scientific endeavor, but also a reflection of India’s self-reliance and aspiration. He expressed his pride and happiness that most of the components used in the mission are made in India, showcasing the country’s indigenous capabilities in space technology.
He also inaugurated three major space infrastructure projects of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) during his visit to VSSC. These are:
- A ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, which is a state-of-the-art facility for testing the aerodynamic performance of various aerospace vehicles and systems.
- A Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine Unit at ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, which is a crucial component for the development of the semi-cryogenic stage of the GSLV Mk III rocket, which will be used to launch the Gaganyaan mission.
- A PSLV Integration Unit at Satish Dhawan Space Center (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is a dedicated facility for the assembly and testing of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), one of the most reliable and versatile launch vehicles in the world.
Prime Minister Modi also visited the exhibition of various ISRO projects displayed at VSSC, where he witnessed the models and demonstrations of the Gaganyaan mission, Chandrayaan-3 mission, Aditya-L1 mission, and other satellites and payloads. He was accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.
The Prime Minister praised the achievements and innovations of ISRO and said that the space sector is a key driver of India’s growth and development. He said that the government is committed to supporting and promoting the space sector and creating a conducive environment for its growth. He also urged the youth of the country to take inspiration from the space scientists and astronauts and pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.
