STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: Of the four astronauts undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming human Space mission “Gaganyaan”, one of them Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected to accompany the mission to the International Space Station, while others remain in an intensive preparatory phase for “Gaganyaan” mission.
Replying to a question addressed to the Prime Minister, this announcement was made in the Lok Sabha today by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.
Dr. Singh said the other astronauts continue intensive training for Gaganyaan, which is expected to make India the fourth nation to send humans into space.
The Minister also provided insights into Chandrayaan-4, a landmark mission designed to test advanced docking technology and lunar sample collection, marking a crucial step toward India’s goal of establishing a space station by 2040. He explained that the mission will involve two launch vehicles carrying five components, executing complex maneuvers such as in-orbit docking before reaching the Moon. The descender module will collect lunar samples, while the ascender module will dock with orbiting components before returning to Earth, simulating crewed lunar mission procedures.
Dr. Singh emphasized that Chandrayaan-4 will help India master docking and undocking techniques, essential for future interplanetary missions and space station operations. The mission is part of India’s long-term objective of sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, with Chandrayaan-4 serving as a precursor to this historic feat.
Highlighting space technology’s impact beyond exploration, he noted that India’s advancements now aid urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture, benefiting the general public.
In a touching tribute, Dr. Singh also acknowledged Sunita Williams, who returned to Earth today after spending over 300 days in space. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s congratulatory message and his earlier meeting with Williams in 2007, when he was Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
With Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-4, India is positioning itself as a global space leader, paving the way for deeper space exploration and future lunar missions.