New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as the prime astronaut for the upcoming Indo-US mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
This mission represents a major milestone in India’s burgeoning space exploration collaboration with the United States.
Group Captain Shukla, who is notably the youngest among the astronaut-designates, will spearhead the mission. A backup astronaut has also been appointed to ensure mission continuity if required.
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla is an esteemed graduate of the National Defence Academy. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006, he has earned the titles of Fighter Combat Leader and test pilot. With around 2,000 hours of flying experience, Shukla has flown a diverse range of aircraft, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.
The backup role will be filled by Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, the most senior of the astronaut-designates. Nair, who was born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, is also a National Defence Academy graduate and was commissioned into the IAF on December 19, 1998. As a Category-A flying instructor and test pilot, Nair boasts approximately 3,000 hours of flight experience. His extensive flying background includes the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32. In addition, he has held prominent positions such as Directing Staff at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington and the Flying Instructors School in Tambaram, and has commanded a Sukhoi-30MKI squadron.
The Indo-US ISS mission promises to strengthen international cooperation in space exploration and highlight India’s growing capabilities in the field.
