CNBC TV18
By Priyanka Deshpande
Published Feb 27, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27 revealed the names of 4 Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission to space.
Image: Narendra Modi/X
Meet the 4 astronauts who are currently undergoing rigorous training for India's first-ever human space flight mission.
Born on August 26, 1976, in Thiruvazhiyad, Kerala, Nair is an NDA alumnus and received the Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned on December 19, 1998, in the IAF fighter stream, he's a Cat A Flying Instructor and Test Pilot with around 3000 flying hours.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
Nair piloted various aircraft like Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc. An alumnus of the United States Staff College, he served as a DS at DSSC, Wellington, and FIS, Tambaram. Additionally, he commanded a premier Su-30 Squadron.
Image: Narendra Modi/X
Born on April 19, 1982, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Krishnan is an NDA alumnus, awarded the President’s Gold Medal and Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy. Commissioned on June 21, 2003, he joined the IAF in the fighter stream.
Group Captain Ajit Krishnan
Krishnan's a Flying Instructor and Test Pilot with around 2900 flying hours, having operated various aircraft like Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dornier, An-32, etc. Additionally, he is an alumnus of DSSC, Wellington.
Image: Narendra Modi/X
Born on July 17, 1982, in Prayagraj, Pratap, an NDA alumnus, was commissioned in the IAF fighter stream on December 18, 2004. A Flying Instructor and Test Pilot, he has approximately 2000 flying hours, handling various aircraft like Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc.
Group Captain Angad Pratap
Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, UP, Shukla, an NDA alumnus, was commissioned in the IAF fighter stream on June 17, 2006. Serving as a Fighter Combat Leader and Test Pilot, he has approximately 2000 flying hours, operating various aircraft like Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, An-32, etc.
Wing Commander Subhanshu Shukla