Bengaluru – The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is preparing for its most ambitious mission yet. After successful missions to the Moon, Mars, and the Sun, ISRO is now setting its sights closer to home with the Gaganyaan mission, aiming to send astronauts to low Earth orbit in 2025.
The Gaganyaan mission marks a significant milestone for India, positioning it among the few space-rich countries in the world with the capability to send humans to outer space and back. This mission is not just a testament to India’s technological prowess but also a symbol of its aspiration to be a global leader in space exploration.
The journey to this point has been long and arduous. Since the announcement of the manned mission, there has been a lengthy process of astronaut selection and training, conducted both in Russia and India. However, there was lingering uncertainty over the identities of the astronauts chosen for this historic mission.
This uncertainty was finally put to rest during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. In a momentous event, the Prime Minister announced the names of the astronauts and adorned each of them with astronaut wings, symbolizing their readiness for the mission. All four astronauts are experienced pilots from the Indian Air Force, further highlighting the collaboration between different sectors of the Indian government for this mission.
As ISRO prepares for the Gaganyaan mission, the eyes of the nation and indeed the world will be on these four astronauts. Their journey will not just be a physical voyage into space, but a giant leap for India in its space exploration journey.
