Ahmedabad: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath today said that the selected astronauts for India’s inaugural human space flight program, Gaganyaan, are prepared and eagerly awaiting the 2025 mission. The Gaganyaan initiative aims to launch four astronauts into space for a three-day mission, with a focus on ensuring their safe return to Earth.

Addressing the 11th convocation of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) ISRO chairman S Somanath said, “I believe all of you are aware that we are working on the Gaganyaan Program… We are working on sending a man or a lady into space… The four astronauts who are selected for this mission are Air Force test pilots. I believe some ladies will soon join us, but for the first mission we have selected four of them, and it is our endeavour to send them at least by 2025 to space and bring them back safely. Bringing them back safely is a very important element of this mission”

I believe all of you are aware that we are working on the Gaganyaan Program… We are working on sending a man or a lady into space… The four astronauts who are selected for this mission are Air Force test pilots. I believe some ladies will soon join us, but for the first… pic.twitter.com/P5lU2RGVBf

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) December 2, 2023

Somanath emphasized ISRO’s relentless efforts, working around the clock to advance the necessary technology for the mission. He expressed the organization’s commitment to sending the astronauts into space and bringing them back safely by 2025. Acknowledging the need for ongoing technological development, Somanath mentioned the continuous work at ISRO to achieve this goal.

The ISRO chairman highlighted the successful development and perfection of various technologies in recent years, emphasizing the importance of bringing the astronauts back safely. He disclosed that the astronauts are already prepared and eagerly anticipating the upcoming flight, marking it as a crucial mission for ISRO.

Somanath also revealed ISRO’s ambition to establish a space station, underscoring its significance for scientific and technological advancements across diverse domains. He credited the success of Chandrayaan-3 for boosting confidence in undertaking high-tech projects.

Commenting on India’s position as a global leader in space technology, Somanath pointed out that the country, despite modest investment, has managed to create its spacecraft, launchers, and satellites. He highlighted the involvement of industries in satellite and spacecraft manufacturing, offering ample opportunities for the future generation.

Looking ahead, Somanath discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India to have its own space station by 2035 and land on the Moon by 2040. He emphasized the importance of continuous exploration, including missions to other planetary bodies like Venus and Mars, in a uniquely Indian manner. DeshGujarat

"I was talking about the meeting with the Prime Minister. He (PM) said that you must look at the big picture… He said that an Indian should go and land on the Moon by 2040. He gave us that vision, he said that we must build a space station for ourselves, and it must be achieved… pic.twitter.com/Q1pz5MpEJZ

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) December 2, 2023