IAF’s Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla has been announced as the prime astronaut for the Indo-US space mission. He will be only the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to be part of a space mission. Mission paved its way after PM Modi, Joe Biden signed a joint statement in June 2023, envisioning a joint ISRO-NASA effort to the ISS. A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two 'Gaganyatris' as the prime, backup Mission Pilots for this mission. These include Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime), Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup). The recommended 'Gaganyatris' will commence their training for the mission in the first week of August, informed ISRO. Notably, PM Modi bestowed astronaut wings upon Shubhanshu Shukla after his name was revealed for the Gaganyaan Mission on Feb 27, 2024. The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human space flight program, for which extensive preparations are underway at various ISRO centers. Apart from Wing Commander Shubhanshu, Group Capt Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap Shukla will also join mission.
03 August,2024 02:57 PM IST
Former NASA Astronaut Steve Lee Smith praised India for this achievements in space sector. He said that India has been very successful in space in the last 20 years, very well respected around the world. Steve Lee Smith, Former NASA Astronaut said, "India has been very successful in space (sector) in the last 20 years, very well respected around the world. Mission Over Mars to circle Mars, it was the first time a country had ever done that...there was landing on the moon last year by India...in the world history, they just did something no one has ever done..."
13 July,2024 02:12 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
