Two Gaganyaan Astronauts Shortlisted for ISS Mission with NASA
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a significant step in expanding its human spaceflight capabilities by shortlisting two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This mission, set to take place in collaboration with NASA and the private US company Axiom Space, is scheduled for “no earlier than October 2024,” according to information available on the NASA website. Although two astronauts have been shortlisted, only one will ultimately be selected to participate in the mission.
The selected astronaut will travel to the United States ahead of the mission to undergo specialized training focused on the specifics of the ISS. While the Gaganyaan astronauts have received general spacefaring training, much of their preparation in India was centered around Gaganyaan modules. Therefore, they will need to familiarize themselves with the ISS modules and protocols. This additional training will be crucial for adapting to the unique environment and operational procedures of the ISS.
The Axiom-4 mission marks the fourth private astronaut mission organized by NASA in collaboration with Axiom Space. The mission is expected to dock with the ISS for fourteen days, providing the Indian astronaut with a comprehensive experience of living and working aboard the space station. The crew members will undergo training with NASA, international partners, and SpaceX to ensure their readiness for the flight. SpaceX, contracted by Axiom Space as the launch provider, will transport the astronauts to and from the space station aboard the Dragon spacecraft. The training will also cover systems, procedures, and emergency preparedness for the mission.
India’s journey towards human spaceflight began with the Gaganyaan program, and this mission represents a significant milestone. While India’s own human spaceflight mission is not expected before 2025, with the first unmanned flight still pending, this collaboration with NASA provides valuable experience and training for Indian astronauts.
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