Indian astronaut-designates Shubhanshu Shukla, Prashanth Nair selected for NASA-ISRO mission to ISS

Shubhanshu Shukla

An Indian astronaut will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of the country's ambitious Gaganyaan mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) in a statement said that its Human Space Flight Centre has entered into a space flight agreement with Axiom Space Inc, USA for its Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS)

A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two ’gaganyatris’ as prime and backup mission pilot for this mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (backup). “The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP). The recommended gaganyatris will commence their training for the mission from the first week of August 2024,” ISRO said in a statement.

During the mission, the gaganyatris 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 Programme and it will also strengthen human space flight cooperation between ISRO and NASA,” the Indian space agency said.

Towards the goal of mounting a joint ISRO-NASA effort, the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space Inc.,USA for its upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the ISS. A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two Gaganyatris as prime and backup Mission Pilot for this mission. These are Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (Backup). The assigned crewmembers will be finally approved to fly to the International Space Station by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).

"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 & NASA," ISRO said in a statement.

The space agency said the joint statement issued by ISRO and US space agency NASA in June 2023, during the official state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the USA, envisioned a joint ISRO-NASA mission to the ISS.

*With Agency Inputs