Shubanshu Shukla was picked as the primary astronaut to lead the International Space Research (ISS) mission along with Prashanth Balakrishnan, the Grop Captian who has been chosen as a stand-in (Image:X @Indian Air Force)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) selected Shubanshu Shukla the Group Captain to designate the Indo-US space mission for the ISS On Friday. Shubanshu Shukla was picked as the primary astronaut to lead the International Space Research (ISS) mission along with Prashanth Balakrishnan, the Group Captain who has been chosen as a stand-in (fly when needed). This is marked as a history that after the legacy of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in space exploration as part of an Indo-Soviet mission in 1984 nobody has accomplished it so far in 40 years.
After touching the sky with glory, it’s time for the #IAF to touch space with glory. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair are chosen for the upcoming Indo-US Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. The prime astronaut, Group Captain Shukla, is an… pic.twitter.com/MpO7Vrfd4b
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 3, 2024
India’s first human crew space mission Gaganyaan is anticipated to begin next year with Shubanshu Shukla, Prashanth Balakrishnan, and two other members. Meanwhile, the officers will undergo several training methods and practices in the coming weeks. This groundbreaking space journey is considered the vivacious kick-off for the coming mission that the country has to explore in future. This Axiom-4 mission, between NASA and independent company Axiom, will be launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX rocket.
Also, read| NASA Introduces Its SpaceX Crew-10 For Space Station Mission
Astronauts from the US, Hungary and Poland will accompany Shukla and Prasanth in this space mission. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the US last year, there have been put an agreement for finalising India’s participation in this mission. This spacecraft would carry other supplies and cargo for the space station and it will dock with the ISS for 14 days. The launch date has not been clear as NASA suggests a time frame in October 2024 but Poland expects it to happen next year.
Shubanshu Shukla 39, has accumulated nearly 2,000 hours of flying experience in various aircraft including MiG-21s and commisioned in the IAF in 2006. Whereas Prasanth Balakrishnan 48, has bagged the Sword of Honour award at the Air Force Academy. He also served as a test pilot and flying instructor accumulating 3,000 hours of flying experience. ISRO Chairman Somanath stated that this Gaganyaan mission would benefit both the countries enhancing the project and giving an opportunity to experience advanced training and ISS insights may contribute to developing further missions in the near future.
Also, read| Over 200 Space Start-Ups Were Registered In The Last 10 Years: PMO
