India has announced the selection of two astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will undergo training in the U.S. for this upcoming mission, which represents the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS. This move follows a collaborative agreement between ISRO and NASA, aimed at advancing India’s human spaceflight program and enhancing international space cooperation.
BulletsIn
- India has chosen Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.
- Group Captain Shukla will serve as the primary mission pilot, and Group Captain Nair will be the backup pilot.
- The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS.
- This selection follows a joint statement made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in June 2023.
- The mission is part of the collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA.
- ISRO’s Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) has signed a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with Axiom Space Inc. for this mission.
- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath stated that the mission aligns with the broader Gaganyaan mission plans.
- Final approval for the crew members will come from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
- Training for the astronauts, known as Gaganyatris, will commence in August 2024.
- Both astronauts are highly experienced pilots with extensive flying hours and prestigious military backgrounds.
