Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the identities of the four pilots training for India's first human space flight mission, Gaganyaan, during his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The astronauts, Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander S Shukla, were also honored with 'Astronaut Wings' by the Prime Minister. PM Modi was accompanied by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister Muraleedharan, and ISRO Chairman S Somanath.
Astronauts Named
Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
Group Captain Angad Pratap
Wing Commander S Shukla
About the Gaganyaan Mission
The Gaganyaan mission symbolizes India's pioneering venture into human space exploration, set to launch between 2024-2025. Its aim is to deploy a crew of three individuals in a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, culminating in a safe return to Earth via a landing in Indian maritime waters.
ISRO's Milestones and Progress
ISRO has achieved a significant milestone in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine, a critical component powering the cryogenic stage of the human-rated LVM3 launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission. The completion of the final round of ground qualification tests at the High Altitude Test Facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, on February 13, 2024, marks a substantial progress in India's preparations for the mission.
Inauguration of Space Infrastructure Projects
During his visit to Kerala, PM Modi inaugurated three major space infrastructure projects, including the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Additionally, he inaugurated the new ‘Semi-Cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, and the ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram. Developed at a cost of approximately ₹1,800 crore, these projects reflect India’s commitment to enhancing its space capabilities and infrastructure.
Quiz for Competitive Exams
Q.1. When will the Gaganyaan mission be launched?
a) 2022-2023
b) 2023-2024
c) 2024-2025
Answer: c) 2024-2025
Q.2. Who are the astronauts of the Gaganyaan mission?
a) Group Captain P Balakrishnan Nair
b) Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
c) Group Captain Angad Pratap
d) Wing Commander S Shukla
e) All of the above
Answer: e) All of the above
Q.3. What is the objective of the Gaganyaan mission?
a) Landing on Mars
b) Establishing a base on the Moon
c) Deploying a crew of three individuals in a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission
Answer: c) Deploying a crew of three individuals in a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission
Q.4. What significant achievement has ISRO made in the human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine?
a) Completion of the final round of ground qualification tests at the High Altitude Test Facility
b) Construction of a new launch pad for the mission
c) Partnership with NASA
Answer: a) Completion of the final round of ground qualification tests at the High Altitude Test Facility
Q.5. Which new facility was inaugurated by PM Modi at ISRO Propulsion Complex?
a) PSLV Integration Facility
b) Semi-Cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility
c) Trisonic Wind Tunnel
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
Q.6. Where is the ISRO Propulsion Complex located?
a) Thiruvananthapuram
b) Mahendragiri
c) Sriharikota
Answer: b) Mahendragiri
