(Image source from: Twitter.com/narendramodi)
The Indian space programme has achieved a significant milestone with the selection of four astronauts for the country's human space flight mission, Gaganyaan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the expansion of India's presence in the global order, emphasizing the country's progress in the space sector. During an event at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Prime Minister conferred astronaut wings to the selected individuals, namely Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. These astronaut-designates have undergone rigorous training in technical expertise and physical fitness to ensure a successful mission that aims to launch a three-member crew into a Low Earth Orbit for a three-day mission.
It was a very special moment for me to hand over wings to the four Indian astronaut-designates. They reflect the hopes, aspirations and optimism of 140 crore Indians.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 27, 2024
India is proud of Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad… pic.twitter.com/i0oseaxd4o
Prime Minister Modi expressed pride in the selected astronauts, stating that they represent the aspirations of 140 crore Indians as they venture into space. He highlighted the historic significance of this mission, marking India's first human spaceflight in over four decades. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women scientists in India's space technology sector, emphasizing the pivotal role of "Nari Shakti" in missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan. With India poised to become the world's third-largest economy, Prime Minister Modi underscored that the Gaganyaan mission will propel the nation's space sector to new heights. He emphasized that India's achievements in space not only instill scientific curiosity in the youth but also position the country as a dynamic global player in the 21st century, showcasing remarkable progress across various sectors.
