Mumbai, April 27: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a groundbreaking decision to open its astronaut cadre to the general public for the first time. This recommendation comes from ISRO’s Astronaut Selection Committee, although the specific criteria for selection have yet to be announced.
The committee has proposed that the second batch of astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission will include six Air Force pilots along with four civilian specialists. These civilians will have backgrounds in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
First Batch Exclusively for Pilots, Second Batch Includes Civilians
- First Batch: Exclusively Air Force pilots for the initial Gaganyaan mission.
- Second Batch: A mix of pilots and civilian scientists for future missions and research.
Training Duration and Timeline
Training for an astronaut takes approximately 4.5 years (54 months) from selection to mission preparation. The committee aims to have the second batch ready within the next 72 months, with a third batch prepared in 96 months.
Civilians to Fly in Fourth Gaganyaan Mission
Although civilians will be included in the second batch, they will not be sent to space immediately. According to the committee’s plan, civilian astronauts will be part of the crew for the fourth human mission. Traditionally, military pilots are sent first before civilians are included, ensuring the technology is mature.
First Batch of Astronauts
The Gaganyaan mission is ISRO’s first crewed spaceflight program, set to launch by 2027. This three-day mission will send three astronauts 400 km into space, designed to safely return them to Earth.
The first batch consists of four astronauts, all test pilots from the Indian Air Force (IAF), selected to ensure the safe execution of the first crewed mission.
Future Plans for Third Batch
After the seventh mission, ISRO plans to enhance its capabilities, allowing three astronauts to travel to space simultaneously. The third batch will consist of 12 astronauts, with a significant shift in ratio, including only two mission pilots and ten civilian specialists.
Establishing a Permanent Astronaut Cadre
ISRO is working towards establishing a permanent astronaut cadre, planning to conduct two human missions annually. The committee estimates that India should prepare a robust pool of 40 astronauts to meet long-term needs and international opportunities.
Challenges Ahead
Amidst these preparations, ISRO faces challenges related to infrastructure. Currently, there is only a temporary training center for astronauts, and the establishment of a permanent facility is yet to begin. Additionally, the development of critical technologies, such as the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) for the first unmanned mission, is still underway, which is essential for sustaining human life in space.