Sign In
Learn bits
Today in News
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

More Related Current Affairs View All

15 Nov

Government issues guidelines to curb misleading ads by coaching centres

'The central Government issued new guidelines aimed at curbing misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, specifically prohibiting false promises such as "100 per cent selec

Read More

15 Nov

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

'Every year on November 15th, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated to honor the contributions of these communities, especially in India’s freedom struggle.' 5th November

Read More

15 Nov

Supreme Court’s order on mandatory accessibility standards

'A bench of the Supreme Court last week ordered the Union government to frame mandatory rules for ensuring the accessibility of public places and services to persons with disabilit

Read More

India’s First Ai-Driven Magazine Generator

Generate Your Custom Current Affairs Magazine using our AI in just 3 steps