PM Modi Unveils Gaganyaan Astronauts during Historic ISRO Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history as he became the first Indian Prime Minister in four decades to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). During his visit, he met with the four astronaut-designates chosen for India's Gaganyaan Mission, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration efforts.
Upon landing at the airport, Prime Minister Modi promptly proceeded to the VSSC, where he conducted a comprehensive review of Gaganyaan-related activities. Accompanied by ISRO Chairman S Somanath, he toured the center and was briefed on various displays showcasing India's ongoing space program.
As part of the visit, the Prime Minister dedicated three crucial space infrastructure projects at VSSC to the nation. Notably, this includes the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, which is expected to enhance the frequency of PSLV launches from 6 to 15 per year.
In a significant moment, Prime Minister Modi announced the names of the four astronauts selected for India's historic Gaganyaan mission during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Station. The chosen astronauts, undergoing rigorous training for the country's first human space flight mission slated for 2025, include Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
Expressing his happiness, the Prime Minister congratulated the astronauts, declaring them the pride of today's India. He emphasized that their participation in the Gaganyaan mission would bring new glory to the nation's space exploration programs.
Gaganyaan marks a historic milestone as India's first human space mission, and the selected astronauts are preparing for this challenging endeavor. The mission adds to India's successful space exploration endeavors, with the country achieving the remarkable feat of successfully landing Chandrayaan on the Moon's South Pole last year.
Looking ahead, ISRO has ambitious plans, aiming to establish its own 'Bharatiya Antariksha Station' by 2035. Furthermore, there is a timeline in place to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040, showcasing India's commitment to advancing its space capabilities on the global stage.
