ISRO Gaganyaan's first crewed mission: Four Astronaut Identities Revealed!

ISRO reveals the identities of the four astronaut designates for Gaganyaan's first crewed mission. They are -

• Group Captain Prashanth BalaKrishnan Nair
• Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
• Group Captain Angad Prathap
• Wing Commander Shubhansku Shukla

What is Gaganyaan?

Gaganyaan, which translates to "Sky Craft" in Sanskrit, is India's first human spaceflight program. It aims to send Indian astronauts, also known as "Vyomanauts," into space aboard an indigenous spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration journey.

Objectives of the Mission:

• Demonstration of Human Spaceflight Capability: Gaganyaan seeks to demonstrate India's capability to safely launch, orbit, and recover astronauts from space, showcasing technological prowess and readiness for human spaceflight missions.
• Scientific Research and Experiments: The mission will facilitate scientific experiments and research in microgravity environments, offering valuable insights into various fields such as biology, medicine, materials science, and astronomy.
• International Collaboration: Gaganyaan aims to foster international collaboration in space exploration and technology, strengthening India's standing in the global space community.

Key Components of Gaganyaan:

• Crew Module: The crew module, also known as the Orbital Module, will accommodate the astronauts during their journey to space and back. It is equipped with life support systems, navigation, and communication equipment to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew.
• Launch Vehicle: ISRO plans to utilize the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV Mk III) for the Gaganyaan mission. GSLV Mk III is India's most powerful launch vehicle capable of carrying heavy payloads to low Earth orbit.
• Training Facilities: ISRO has established astronaut training facilities, including a Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) and a dedicated Astronaut Training Centre, to prepare astronauts for space missions. Training encompasses various aspects such as physical fitness, microgravity simulation, and spacecraft operations.
• Ground Infrastructure: Ground control centers and tracking stations are essential components of the Gaganyaan mission, providing real-time monitoring, communication, and control of the spacecraft during all stages of the mission