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Mahesh

03/08/24 15:01 PM IST

India selects 2 crew members for Axiom-4 mission to International Space Station

In News
  • India has shortlisted two astronaut-designates for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. 
About the mission
  • Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair have been shortlisted to go to the U.S. to train for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two Gaganyatris (astronauts) as prime and backup Mission Pilot for this mission.
  • Group Captain Shukla will be the prime mission pilot and Group Captain Nair will be the back up.
  • The Axiom-4 mission is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. 
  • The recommended Gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from 1st week of August 2024.
  • 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.
About gaganyatris
  • Group Captain Shukla and Group Captain Nair are among the four astronauts-designates selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
  • Group Captain Shukla is an alumnus of NDA and was commissioned on June 17, 2006 in the fighter stream of IAF.
  • He is a Fighter Combat Leader and a Test Pilot with approx 2000 hrs of flying experience.
  • He has flown a variety of aircraft including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, An-32 etc.
  • Group Captain Nair is alumnus of NDA and recipient of Sword of Honour at Air Force Academy.
  • He was commissioned on December 19, 1998 in the fighter stream of IAF. He is a Cat A Flying Instructor and a Test Pilot with approx 3000 hours of flying experience.
  • He has flown a variety of ac including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc.
  • He is also an alumnus of United States Staff College and a DS at DSSC, Wellington and FIS, Tambaram. He has commanded a premier fighter Su-30 Squadron.
Source- The Hindu

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