'Prime Astronaut' For India's Mission To Space Station Picked; ISRO Reveals Name

Much before India launches its Gaganyaan mission, an Indian astronaut will travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

The Human Space Flight Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space for its upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the ‘Prime Gaganyatri’, while Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair will be the ‘backup Gaganyatri’.

The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel.

The recommended Gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August.

“During the mission, the Gaganyatri will undertake selected scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on-board the ISS as well as engage in space outreach activities. The experiences gained during this mission will be beneficial for the Indian Human Space

Program and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA,” said a statement from ISRO.