Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled today, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, the names of four astronauts selected for Bharath’s prestigious Gaganyaan Mission.
Modi emphasized that Bharath’s advancements in the space sector are fostering a scientific attitude among the country’s youth. Modi made these remarks after inaugurating significant projects worth Rs. 1800 crore at VSSC.
Upon revealing names, Modi said that the four-member crew represents Bharat’s entire population of 140 crore citizens. The astronauts selected for the mission, Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Prathap, and Shubhanshu Shukla, are currently undergoing training, he added.
Modi highlighted that Gaganyaan’s mission marks a revolutionary leap in space research for the country, noting that much of the equipment for the mission is domestically manufactured. Modi also noted the timing of Gaganyaan’s preparations coinciding with Bharath’s ascent to becoming one of the top three economies globally.
PM Modi emphasized that the projects inaugurated today will generate new employment opportunities. Modi commended the significant contribution of over 5000 women leaders working at ISRO. He mentioned that the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3 on August 23, 2023, infused the youth of the nation.
Modi announced plans for future moon missions, including sending passengers to the moon via rockets, with Gaganyaan scheduled for a successful launch by the end of 2025. Before the mission, ISRO plans to conduct around 20 challenging experimental missions, including unmanned flights with robots by the end of 2024. The mission will involve four test-abort missions and two uncrewed missions to thoroughly test every system.
The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate Bharath’s human spaceflight capability by sending a four-member crew to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission, returning safely to Earth.
Thumba holds a significant place in Bharath’s space history as the birthplace of rockets and a center for space launches. ISRO Chief Somanath mentioned that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to VSSC, Thumba, marks 40 years since a Bharat Prime Minister last visited.
In addition to Modi, the inauguration ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, ISRO Chairman Somanath S, and other scientists.
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