Knews Desk-The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has started preparations to make major changes in the astronaut selection process keeping in mind its ambitious Gaganyaan mission and future space plans. The Astronaut Selection and Management Committee has recommended that a new group of 10 astronauts be created in the second batch, which will also include 4 civilians for the first time.
Selection of 4 civilian astronauts
These 4 civilian astronauts will be selected from experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Its objective is that in future, not only military pilots but also scientific and technical experts can directly be a part of space missions. There will be a total of 10 astronauts in this proposed team. Of these, 6 mission pilots will be taken from the Indian Air Force. Their background will be mainly in fighter jet and combat aviation, which may also include some test pilots and possibly helicopter pilots.
First batch of Gaganyaan mission
This change is also considered important because ISRO no longer wants to be limited to just technology demonstration, but it is preparing a permanent astronaut team for regular human space flights, scientific experiments and operation of the proposed Indian Space Station in the future. It is noteworthy that four astronauts were included in the first batch of Gaganyaan mission, which include the names of Air Commodore Prashant Nair, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap. All of them are experienced fighters and test pilots, who have been given special training.
According to the new plan, civilian astronauts will not be sent immediately on the initial Gaganyaan missions. They will be given first training and experience and their flight will be possible with the fourth manned mission. The process is in line with international standards, where military trained pilots are initially given priority to minimize risk and ensure mission safety.
This step of ISRO is being considered an important initiative towards making India’s space program more comprehensive and future-oriented. This will not only increase scientific participation but also bring diversity and expertise to India’s space missions.
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