PM Modi reveals Gaganyaan astronauts; Training underway for historic mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the names of the four astronauts designated for India's maiden human space flight mission, Gaganyaan. The astronauts, including Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan, and Shubhanshu Shukla, have been undergoing rigorous training for the past five years, both in Russian and Indian facilities. PM Modi bestowed astronaut wings upon the four individuals during his address at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) near Kerala's state capital, emphasizing their representation of the space aspirations of India's vast population.

The Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the Gaganyaan mission, asserting, "After over 40 years, Indians will be travelling to space again. But this time, the launchpad, rocket, and countdown will all be ours." PM Modi inaugurated three pivotal space infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹1,800 crore during his visit to the VSSC, underlining India's growing capabilities in space exploration. As preparations for the historic mission progress, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to conduct multiple tests to ensure the safety and success of the mission, including the human rating of critical engine components like the CE20 cryogenic engine, a vital milestone towards realizing the Gaganyaan mission's objectives.