ISRO Selects Two Gaganyaan Astronauts for International Space Station Mission Under Axiom-4
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a significant advancement by selecting two astronauts from its Gaganyaan mission to participate in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This partnership is a landmark achievement in India's space exploration efforts and highlights the country's growing collaboration with international space agencies.
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Gaganyaan Mission Overview
The Gaganyaan mission, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018, aims to send Indian astronauts into space using an indigenous spacecraft. The mission's primary objective is to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crewed mission to low Earth orbit and safely returning the astronauts to Earth. The mission includes several phases, such as uncrewed test flights and intensive astronaut training (Telegraph India).
Selected Astronauts and Their Training
ISRO has selected four Indian Air Force pilots as astronaut candidates: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. These astronauts underwent extensive training at the Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia, where they learned various aspects of space navigation, survival skills, and mission simulations.
Upon returning to India, the astronauts continued their training at ISRO facilities, including specialized training in Bengaluru. This training covered parabolic flights, orbital mechanics, and astro-navigation studies. One of these four astronaut candidates will be selected to join the Axiom-4 mission (Telegraph India) .
Axiom-4 Mission and Collaboration with NASA
The Axiom-4 mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and NASA, facilitated by Axiom Space, a private space company. The selected Indian astronaut will gain valuable experience in long-duration space missions, which will be instrumental for the Gaganyaan mission. This collaboration signifies the strengthening of international cooperation in space exploration and provides ISRO with critical insights and experience in human spaceflight operations .
Future Prospects
The Gaganyaan mission is expected to position India among the elite group of nations capable of independent human spaceflight. Successful execution of this mission will pave the way for more ambitious projects, including potential lunar and Mars missions. ISRO's commitment to advancing its space capabilities underscores its vision of becoming a leading player in global space exploration (Telegraph India) .
Conclusion
The selection of two Gaganyaan astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission marks a historic moment for ISRO and India's space program. This collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space not only enhances India's spaceflight capabilities but also fosters international partnerships in the pursuit of scientific and technological advancements in space.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
What is the primary goal of the Gaganyaan mission?
- A) To send an unmanned spacecraft to Mars
- B) To send Indian astronauts into space using an indigenous spacecraft
- C) To establish a space station in low Earth orbit
- D) To launch a satellite for weather monitoring
Answer: B) To send Indian astronauts into space using an indigenous spacecraft
Where did the selected Gaganyaan astronauts undergo their initial training?
- A) NASA Johnson Space Center
- B) European Space Agency
- C) Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia
- D) ISRO's Space Applications Centre
Answer: C) Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia
Which private space company is facilitating the Axiom-4 mission?
- A) SpaceX
- B) Blue Origin
- C) Axiom Space
- D) Virgin Galactic
Answer: C) Axiom Space
What experience will the selected Indian astronaut gain from the Axiom-4 mission?
- A) Deep space navigation
- B) Long-duration space mission experience
- C) Lunar landing techniques
- D) Mars surface operations
Answer: B) Long-duration space mission experience
What year was the Gaganyaan mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
- A) 2015
- B) 2016
- C) 2017
- D) 2018
Answer: D) 2018
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