ISRO Shortlists Gaganyaan Astronauts for ISS Mission

New Delhi: In a landmark move, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has identified two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for an upcoming mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This collaborative mission, involving NASA and the private US company Axiom Space, is scheduled for “no earlier than October 2024,” as per information available on NASA’s official website. However, only one astronaut from the shortlisted duo will be chosen to participate in the mission.

The selected astronaut will head to the United States prior to the mission to receive specialized training tailored to the ISS’s operational environment. Although these astronauts have received comprehensive spacefaring training in India, their prior focus has been on Gaganyaan modules. Consequently, they will require additional training to become proficient with the ISS’s systems and protocols. This phase of training is essential for ensuring their smooth adaptation to the space station’s unique conditions and routines.

The forthcoming Axiom-4 mission is noteworthy as it represents the fourth private astronaut mission coordinated by NASA, in partnership with Axiom Space. The mission will include a fourteen-day stay at the ISS, during which the Indian astronaut will gain invaluable experience of life and work aboard the space station. The mission’s crew will undergo rigorous training alongside NASA personnel, international partners, and SpaceX. As the contracted launch provider, SpaceX will facilitate the crew’s transportation to and from the ISS via the Dragon spacecraft. This training will encompass all necessary systems, procedures, and emergency protocols essential for a successful mission.

This collaboration between ISRO and NASA signifies a crucial step in India’s evolving human spaceflight ambitions. While the nation’s indigenous human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, is progressing, it is not expected to launch its first crewed mission until after 2025, following two successful unmanned test flights. In the meantime, the experience and training gained through this ISS mission will significantly contribute to India’s future in space exploration, providing critical expertise and insights for its astronauts.