Indian Air Force Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla Selected for NASA-ISRO Space Mission
Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force Wing Commander, has been chosen as the prime astronaut for the first collaborative mission between ISRO and NASA to the International Space Station (ISS). This significant announcement was made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Family’s Reaction
Shubhanshu’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed his joy and pride, saying, “I wish this mission to be successful. I always pray to God that he (Shubhanshu) gets success. Initially, I was resistant towards services in force and it was my wish that he would join civil service, but when he got selected and I was unaware of it, I didn’t deny then. When we got the news, nothing could match the moment and when the PM gave him the badge, we will never forget that moment. We never think negatively; it’s all God’s wish and everything happens for good.”
Shubhanshu’s mother, Usha Shukla, added, “We are so happy that it has no limits. But, there is some nervousness as well when we listen to things about the mission. Yesterday, he left for the US, where he will get the training. All in the family are happy. He has been brilliant since his childhood days and does hard work.”
Mission Details
The mission is part of a joint effort between ISRO and NASA, following a Space Flight Agreement with Axiom Space Inc, USA. The Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of ISRO has recommended two Gaganyatris: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime Mission Pilot and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the backup Mission Pilot. The final approval for the crew members will be given by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
The selected astronauts will begin their training in the first week of August. During the mission, they will conduct scientific research and technology demonstration experiments on the ISS, as well as engage in space outreach activities. This mission will provide valuable experience for India’s Human Space Program and enhance cooperation between ISRO and NASA.
Gaganyaan Project
The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth, landing in Indian sea waters. The astronauts have undergone training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia. Extensive preparations for the Gaganyaan mission are ongoing at various ISRO centers.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is the air branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for protecting Indian airspace and conducting aerial warfare during conflicts.
Wing Commander -: A Wing Commander is a high-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force. They have a lot of experience and are responsible for leading and managing air force units.
NASA -: NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is the United States government agency responsible for space exploration and scientific discoveries about space.
ISRO -: ISRO stands for the Indian Space Research Organisation. It is India’s space agency, responsible for space research and launching satellites.
Space Mission -: A space mission is a journey or task carried out in space, often involving astronauts and spacecraft. It can be for research, exploration, or other scientific purposes.
International Space Station -: The International Space Station (ISS) is a large spacecraft that orbits Earth. It is a place where astronauts from different countries live and work to conduct scientific research.
Astronaut -: An astronaut is a person who is trained to travel and work in space. They conduct experiments and help us learn more about space.
Training in the US -: Training in the US means that Shubhanshu Shukla will go to the United States to learn and practice the skills needed for the space mission. This training helps him prepare for the challenges of space travel.
