India’s foray into human spaceflight is gearing up for an exciting chapter. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to launch its first crewed Gaganyaan mission by 2027. This marks a significant return for the country, as it’s been nearly 40 years since Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space.
ISRO has made impressive strides recently, completing over 80,000 tests. For instance, a successful parachute test in Jhansi and advances in cryogenic engine technology at Mahendragiri showcase their dedication. Leaders at ISRO express confidence, stating they’re prepared to launch the first uncrewed test mission as soon as they receive a date from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Four astronauts are at the forefront of this mission: Group Captain Angad Pratap, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajeet Krishnan, and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. All are seasoned military test pilots, embodying the human element of India’s ambitious space goals.
In an engaging conversation with ETV Bharat, Angad Pratap shared his thoughts on the responsibilities of being an astronaut. For him, the journey to space extends far beyond the actual flight. “The real work starts long before you take off,” he explained. “It’s about preparation and contributing to the mission’s success.”
Training for Gaganyaan is no small feat. Angad described balancing academic learning, intense physical training, and psychological preparation. They also integrate their expertise to refine mission hardware. “Even our astronaut food is sourced and developed entirely within India, customized to meet our nutritional needs,” he noted.
His time at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia equipped him with valuable insights into astronaut training. “We’ve brought back key lessons to enhance India’s space training,” he said, highlighting that the knowledge gained there is currently being integrated into India’s unique training ecosystem.
One surprising aspect of their training involves yoga. Angad revealed that yoga can help mitigate space motion sickness that astronauts experience in orbit. “Certain poses prepare your body, helping reduce the severity of sickness once in microgravity,” he stated. By showcasing this, India plans to highlight yoga’s potential in future missions.
Looking beyond Gaganyaan, Angad anticipates exciting developments. The program has gained international support, and with the government’s recent financial backing, ISRO is poised for significant advancements. His optimism reflects the changing landscape of space exploration, with plans for a Bharatiya Antariksha Station and even lunar missions on the horizon.
According to a recent report, the Indian space economy is expected to expand from 2% to 15% of the global market by 2062. India is actively seeking to ramp up its launch frequency to 50 per year. Angad emphasizes the multifaceted benefits of human spaceflight, not just in sending astronauts but also in enabling research and technology innovation.
Angad’s journey into the world of aerospace began with a childhood fascination sparked by military dramas. His years as a test pilot provided crucial experience, and he believes multidisciplinary proficiency is key for aspiring astronauts. With approximately 2,300 flight hours under his belt, he underscores the importance of continuous training and health to remain sharp.
For young dreamers wanting to follow in his footsteps, he advises focusing on excelling academically while also cultivating a diverse skill set. Achieving health and fitness is paramount, as it lays the groundwork for a successful career in space.
ISRO’s recent advances have set the stage for upcoming milestones, with the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission slated for late 2025 and future lunar sample return projects in the works. As the agency continues to power forward, the Gaganyaan mission promises not only to highlight India’s capabilities but also will pave the way for a thrilling future in space exploration.
For more details on ISRO’s ambitious plans, you can refer to the [Indian Space Research Organization](https://www.isro.gov.in) website.
Source link
GAGANYAAN, ISRO, INDIAN HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT, GROUP CAPTAIN ANGAD PRATAP, ASTRONAUT ANGAD PRATAP, ASTRONAUT ANGAD PRATAP OPENS UP ON RIGOROUS TRAINING AND INDIA’S HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT FUTURE
