PM Modi to unveil identities of astronauts for Gaganyaan Mission

India's historic first manned space mission Gaganyaan is set for lift off, with four air force pilots selected as the nation's first astronaut crew.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally introduce the pilots on Tuesday during a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center in Kerala. The identity of the crew - either wing commanders or group captains named Prashanth Nair, Angad Prathap, Ajit Krishnan and Chauhan - was revealed in a recent report.

The astronauts have undergone rigorous training at ISRO's facility in Bengaluru ahead of the ambitious Gaganyaan mission, slated for launch in 2024-2025. PM Modi will review the mission's progress and present the pilots with their 'astronaut wings' as they stand poised on the edge of history.

"It is a very happy occasion to have the PM visit our centre," said ISRO chairman S Somanath, as excitement builds for this landmark moment.

Gaganyaan aims to send a three-person crew into low earth orbit for a three-day mission before safely splashing down in Indian waters. The project has galvanised ISRO and India's space industry to develop homegrown expertise and cutting-edge technologies alongside international collaboration.

Last week, ISRO successfully completed crucial cryogenic engine tests for the human-rated GSLV Mk III rocket that will power the capsule into space. The milestone brings India a step closer toward becoming only the fourth nation to independently send humans into space, solidifying its status as a space power.

After years of preparation, the selected pilots can now dream of stepping into the skies aboard India's first manned spacecraft. PM Modi's visit signifies the country is firmly on the launchpad as the Gaganyaan countdown enters its final phase.