Gaganyaan Mission and ISRO Projects Inauguration by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed the identities of the four pilots currently undergoing training for India’s first human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram. The astronauts, Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla, were also awarded ‘astronaut wings’ by the Prime Minister. Accompanying PM Modi were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Muraleedharan, and ISRO Chairman S Somanath.

Astronaut Designates

• Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair
• Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
• Group Captain Angad Pratap
• Wing Commander S Shukla

About the Gaganyaan Mission

The Gaganyaan mission marks India’s pioneering venture into manned space exploration, slated for launch between 2024-2025. Its objective is to deploy a crew of three individuals into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, culminating in a safe return to Earth via landing in Indian sea waters.

ISRO’s Milestones and Progress

ISRO achieved a significant milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, a pivotal component powering the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for Gaganyaan missions. The completion of the final round of ground qualification tests on February 13, 2024, at the High Altitude Test Facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, signifies a crucial advancement in India’s preparations for the mission.

Inauguration of Space Infrastructure Projects

• PM Modi inaugurated three key space infrastructure projects during his visit to Kerala, including the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Additionally, he inaugurated the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, and the ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.
• These projects, developed at a cost of approximately ₹1,800 crore, signify India’s commitment to enhancing its space capabilities and infrastructure.