Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the four astronauts preparing for Gaganyaan, India's first human space voyage.
The four astronauts preparing for Gaganyaan, India's first human space flight mission, at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, were named by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.
The prime minister gave the four "astronaut wings". Modi inaugurated three ISRO technological facilities at the VSSC.
The four astronauts are:
- Group Captain, Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair's Group Captain is Ajit Krishnan.
- Angad Pratap, Group Captain; Subhanshu Shukla, Wing Commander.
During his visit to the Vikram VSSC, Modi opened three big ISRO projects that will improve space facilities. During his stay, he also looked at ISRO's Gaganyaan human launch program.
Along with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Minister of state for Foreign Affairs V Muraleedharan, Modi also walked through the exhibition of the different ISRO projects at VSSC.
ISRO projects were opened by Prime Minister Modi
A Trisonic Wind Tunnel was opened by Modi at VSSC. A Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility was opened at ISRO's propulsion complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The PSLV Integration Facility was opened at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Altogether, these three projects have cost about ₹1,800 crore, and they will give the space industry world-class scientific tools.
The Indian Space Research Organization's lead centre, VSSC, is in charge of designing and developing technology for launch vehicles.
Controlled constant airflow oversized models of rockets and aeroplanes is created in the Trisonic Wind Tunnel at VSSC so that the aerodynamic properties and designs of the models can be tested. It has a 1.2-meter test part and can make speeds from very slow to very fast, up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4.0).
The Mahendragiri unit is a cutting-edge building that can handle large amounts of propellants. It's 51 meters tall and has a flame ward depth of 30 meters.
The PSLV Integration Facilities at Sriharikota were built so that more launches could happen from the First Launch Pad (FLP). They include the Integration Building, the Service Building, the Rail Track, and other systems that work with them.
With the opening of these sites, India has made big steps forward in its ability to explore space.