ISRO Selects Shubhanshu Shukla As Prime Astronaut for Indo-US Space Station Mission, See Details

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Recently promoted, Captain Shukla is the youngest of ISRO's astronaut-designates. He will be the first Indian to travel to ISS. A 'prime astronaut' is the main candidate chosen to fly, with a backup astronaut prepared in case of any last-minute changes.

Shukla has 2,000 hours of flying experience

Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Captain Shukla is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF). As a Fighter Combat Leader and test pilot, he boasts approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience on various aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

Nair will serve as the backup astronaut

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the oldest of the astronaut-designates, will serve as the backup astronaut. Born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, he is also a National Defence Academy alumnus and a Sword of Honour recipient from the Air Force Academy. 

Commissioned on December 19, 1998, in the IAF fighter stream, Captain Nair is a Category-A flying instructor and test pilot with around 3,000 hours of flying experience. He has flown several aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32, and has commanded a Sukhoi-30MKI squadron.

Significance of the Selection

India's choice of the youngest astronaut for the Gaganyaan programme aligns with its long-term vision of space exploration, aiming to send a human to the Moon by 2040. This selection reflects the strategic importance of youth and long-term mission planning.

ISRO-NASA Collaboration

ISRO's Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space Inc., USA, for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. The National Mission Assignment Board has recommended the prime and backup mission pilots for this mission.

Gaganyatris will begin training this week

The selected astronauts, referred to as Gaganyatris, will begin training this week. The training and mission experience will significantly benefit India's Human Space Programme and enhance cooperation between ISRO and NASA.

A significant step forward

India's space journey has seen only one astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on an Indo-Soviet mission in 1984. This new mission marks a significant step forward in India's space exploration efforts and its collaboration with the United States.

The Indo-US space mission was initiated following a joint statement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US in June 2023. This mission not only underscores the strengthening ties between ISRO and NASA but also represents a significant milestone in India's human space flight capabilities.