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NDTV
01-06-2025
- Science
- NDTV
"Gaganyaan Just Beginning": Astronaut Angad Pratap On India's Space Future
New Delhi: As India embarks on its ambitious Gaganyaan program, the journey of its astronaut designates offers a glimpse into the nation's future in human spaceflight. Among them is Group Captain Angad Pratap, a fighter pilot and test pilot of the highest order, who shared his experiences and insights into the rigorous training and the promise of India's space endeavours. The journey began in January 2020 when Mr Pratap and three other astronaut designates were selected for the prestigious Gaganyaan program, which is scheduled for launch early in 2027. "It's been a long journey till now. It's been five years. We trained for approximately 14 months at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, a place steeped in history and tradition. We were trained as cosmonauts in the Soyuz spacecraft and we had a bit of format training on the Russian segment of the International Space Station as well." After completing their training in Russia, the astronauts returned to India for another round of training at the astronaut training facility in Bangalore. "We have been trained on the human-rated launch vehicle, the basic theoretical subjects related to astronautics, as well as the Gaganyaan spacecraft," Me Pratap explained. "A portion of which is remaining, which we will restart closer to the mission." Reflecting on his experience at the Russian training school, Mr Pratap described it as "wonderful to begin with because that is a place with five decades of legacy". He noted the significance of training at a facility where astronauts from around the world have honed their skills. "From 2011 till about 2020, all astronauts of the world had to come to Moscow to train, since Soyuz was the only vehicle flying to space back then," he said. Standing beside a scale model of the crew module, Mr Pratap expressed confidence in the development of the actual spacecraft at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and the UR Rao Satellite Centre. "There is no denying the fact that not only me but all the other three astronauts as well-and I can say this for the entire space community-ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has a very big name in the world of space," Mr Pratap added. He cited ISRO's achievements, including the Mars Orbiter Mission and Chandrayaan-3, as examples of the agency's credibility. "There has to be a great level of trust between a space traveller and his agency. Being a test pilot, I'm aware of the kind of testing protocols and how robust they are before a final product is cleared for spaceflight." The astronaut designates have visited major ISRO testing facilities, which Mr Pratap said has been a major confidence booster. "It's worked as a very big confidence-building measure and a boost to our trust in the vehicle." Mr Pratap also expressed satisfaction with the human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3, which is nearing completion. "I am more than happy. In aerospace, we don't go for big changes very soon. If a system is already proven and working, you don't change it just for comfort. Changes introduce new failure points." He emphasised that ISRO has wisely chosen to rely on its most robust and tested systems for the Gaganyaan mission. "And when it comes to the GSLV Mk3, or LVM-3, the whole world has immense trust in it. It has an enviable 100 per cent success record." Despite the long wait for a flight assignment, Mr Pratap remains grounded and patient. "Spaceflight takes time. We were awarded our space wings just last year. Globally, astronauts wait five to six years after that. Thomas Pesquet waited almost eight years," he noted. He added, "Anyone who wants to be an astronaut must accept that most of their 15-year astronaut career will be spent on Earth, working for science. It's not just about the flight. It's about patience, training, and character building." Mr Pratap and his fellow astronaut designates continue to keep their training sharp through regular technical meetings with ISRO and occasional flying stints with the Indian Air Force. "We go back to IAF once in a while and fly. Our engagement with ISRO includes regular interaction with designers and hardware developers. So both our piloting and test piloting skills are being maintained." Looking ahead, Mr Pratap is optimistic about India's broader space ambitions. "We need to think as Indians first and consider what we are about to achieve in the next two decades in spaceflight." He praised ISRO's parallel strategy in developing human spacecraft, docking systems, space station modules and lunar return capabilities. "ISRO is building all of this in parallel. The same capability that will bring back lunar samples will one day take humans to the moon and bring them back," he said. With government support and new funding, India is also developing a next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. "It's for building bigger space stations in the future. The human space program is expanding, and things are looking good for us." When asked if he might one day go to the moon. Mr Pratap smiled and said, "It's too early to say. But what matters is that the nation progresses. Whether it's me or someone else, we should all be proud." As for Gaganyaan, he remains excited but measured. "Of course, I'm excited. But I'm also controlling my excitement. Let it happen at the right pace. Even if it's delayed by a year or more, what matters is that we have a successful mission."
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Astronaut, IISc prof pitch for back-up control for safer re-entry
BENGALURU: Isro astronaut Group Captain Angad Pratap and Assistant Professor Jishnu Keshavan from IISc, are in the final phases of their research to demonstrate the viability of a manual control system as an additional safety measure during the critical atmospheric re-entry phase of a manned spacecraft returning to Earth. The re-entry phase involves complex aerodynamics and narrow margins for error. Too steep an entry could lead to excessive heating, while too shallow a path risks the capsule skipping off the atmosphere. Pratap and Keshavan's research focuses on a possible scenario of a failure in the primary automatic Navigation, Guidance and Control (NGC) system of a crew module during re-entry. To address this, the team explored whether an astronaut could manually guide the spacecraft in such conditions with support from a partially degraded NGC system. Their system is not being designed to replace the primary NGC architecture but to complement it. The objective of automated guidance during re-entry is to ensure accurate tracking of a predefined reference trajectory all the way to touchdown. This requires designing a guidance law capable of countering potential disturbances that could otherwise alter the spacecraft's descent profile and cause deviations from the intended landing point—an outcome that must be avoided in practice. As per the abstract of their research presented at the recently concluded Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025), to mitigate this possibility, the study explored the feasibility of incorporating 'a novel bank-angle based manual control scheme in a manned spacecraft during re-entry in the atmospheric altitudes of 120km - 10 km'. 'Bank-angle manipulation' used here is the same fundamental principle employed by automated systems, but adapted for human operation, as per the abstract titled 'Robust Manual Guidance Law For Manned Spacecraft Re-Entry Applications'. Using sophisticated 6-DOF (six degree-of-freedom) modelling incorporating both translational and rotational dynamics, researchers demonstrated that human pilots could successfully guide a representative manned spacecraft from re-entry altitude to parachute deployment while maintaining all critical parameters within safe limits. Manual mode is proposed as an additional backup to the multiple chains of automated modes of reentry control in case of the flight profile either exceeding predefined perturbation models, or identical failure across all automated control chains. Incorporating this additional degree of manual redundancy may enhance mission reliability for the crew capsule. The manual control scheme was explored from the standpoint of guiding the manned spacecraft manually from a predefined reentry altitude to the terminal altitude thus guaranteeing subsequent touchdown at the predefined target location. The study describes the design and testing of a 'reduced-order' flight display and manual control setup intended for emergency use. Drawing from operational precedents such as Nasa's Apollo missions, the system provides a pilot with essential information through an intuitive interface. This would allow the crew to steer the capsule towards a pre-designated landing area, even in the absence of automated controls.
Indian Express
17-05-2025
- Science
- Indian Express
Machine moves fast but your brain must be faster: Gaganyaan astronaut
From his training and selection to the moment his terminally ill mother met the Prime Minister months before she passed away, one of India's four astronaut-designates, Angad Pratap, talks about his journey since being selected for Gaganyaan — the country's first crewed spaceflight mission scheduled for 2027. Pratap (43), an IAF test pilot who believes space should be accessible to all, spoke to The Indian Express during an ISRO-backed event in the national capital. At the venue, he patiently clicked photographs with all those who approached him, asked students about their studies, reassured a shy child by saying he looked 'very handsome' — and eventually had to remove his astronaut jacket to leave without further delay. Edited excerpts from the interview: There are definitely certain parallels between the two domains — while saying this, I do not want to imply that piloting is essential for becoming an astronaut. Astronautics is all about doing science in space; it should be accessible to one and all. We need people from all communities — scientists, doctors, engineers, philosophers, those from the arts and commerce world, as well as pilots. When space becomes accessible to everyone — more and more human beings sent from across the world — we will start thinking of ourselves as representatives of our planet. That is when we will grow beyond the smaller issues we are embroiling ourselves in. It just so happens that space travel is all about aviating: if you want to go to space, you need to traverse the atmosphere, and when you come back, you again need to traverse the atmosphere. What this requires is a lot of quick decision-making and staying ahead of a very, very fast-moving machine. The speed at which the machine is moving requires your brain to function even faster… A lot of these things are experienced by pilots here on Earth. Experientially, piloting is very close to being an astronaut. It's not that others aren't capable; they're simply not trained for it. So, test pilots — by virtue of their academic prowess and their experience aviating inside fast-moving vehicles — are more suitable and more easily trainable, and thus are given preference whenever a prototype spaceflight starts. Anyone who had cleared the test pilot examination — the most difficult examination in the Indian Air Force — was considered eligible. There were IQ tests, flying-skills assessments, and stress-tolerance evaluations. In the process, what I realised was that your knowledge can always be prepared. I'll draw an analogy with a computer: if you have an adequate hard drive and RAM, you can load any program. So the selection process was really about checking the size of the processor capability. In fact, there were many people brighter than us in various fields who did not make it. There were essentially a number of boxes you had to tick, and if even one box was unchecked, you could be the brightest human being but still get rejected. I know of brilliant test pilots who lost out due to factors beyond their control — for example, the medical evaluation. So, you have to thank your stars if you do make it. Normally, space experiments are conducted inside large, almirah-sized racks onboard a space station. But Gaganyaan only has the crew module — no racks, just a small, box-like apparatus. Most experiments, as worldwide, will be in microbiology, materials science, and combustion engineering. These three fields can propel space exploration to the next level — interplanetary travel. The best way to perform any experiment is to have the scientist onboard the station so settings can be tweaked and improvised to get good results. That may not always be possible. Instead, there are short-duration experiments with many autonomous features. So someone with some knowledge of how the experiment works, what results are expected, and an understanding of data purity and integrity can initialize the sequences. None of this develops overnight — you train for a good five to six months on a lot of maths and statistics. An astronaut has to train for many things that other human beings don't, because they enjoy the comforts of our planet… There is a lot of attention that comes with being an astronaut — your life becomes public. I learn so much from interacting with people: their dreams inspire me and have deeply impacted my personal growth. I've seen other astronauts share the same view. It's one of our responsibilities to further the cause of science and to inspire others to take up science. I always tell young students to stay in India, not chase quick money, but invest in unique opportunities such as working with ISRO. The interaction was a bit personal. Last year, my mother — who was terminally ill — came all the way from Bengaluru for the ceremony. I requested the Prime Minister, 'Can you please meet her?' and he obliged. Normally, to meet the PM you have to undergo a Covid test and follow strict protocol. He said it didn't matter and that he would meet her. He is magnanimous that way. This was in February last year, and I lost her in August. More important, however, was his vision for space. ISRO has laid out a solid roadmap, but we all need to understand that it requires sustained financial support. It's encouraging that the Government is handholding my parent space agency and that ISRO is also committing its resources. Anonna Dutt is a Principal Correspondent who writes primarily on health at the Indian Express. She reports on myriad topics ranging from the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to the problems with pervasive infectious conditions. She reported on the government's management of the Covid-19 pandemic and closely followed the vaccination programme. Her stories have resulted in the city government investing in high-end tests for the poor and acknowledging errors in their official reports. Dutt also takes a keen interest in the country's space programme and has written on key missions like Chandrayaan 2 and 3, Aditya L1, and Gaganyaan. She was among the first batch of eleven media fellows with RBM Partnership to End Malaria. She was also selected to participate in the short-term programme on early childhood reporting at Columbia University's Dart Centre. Dutt has a Bachelor's Degree from the Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune and a PG Diploma from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. She started her reporting career with the Hindustan Times. When not at work, she tries to appease the Duolingo owl with her French skills and sometimes takes to the dance floor. ... Read More
News18
12-05-2025
- Science
- News18
'Best Job On Planet': Gaganyaan Astronaut-Designate Angad Pratap On Carrying A Billion Dreams
Last Updated: Group Captain Angad Pratap reflects on his journey from piloting fighter jets in the Indian Air Force to now training for India's most ambitious space mission yet – Gaganyaan. 'When the opportunity came, I was thrilled to be considered for what I believe is the best job on the planet." For Indian Air Force test pilot Angad Pratap, being named as one of the four astronaut-designates for Gaganyaan was more than just a career milestone, it was the moment he became a symbol of the hopes and dreams of over a billion people. 'The feeling is yet to sink in," he says, on the sidelines of Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX)-2025 in New Delhi, as he patiently sat and signed autographs for a long queue of enthusiastic people. Children clutching notebooks and youngsters holding out jackets waited eagerly for a chance to meet one of the four men poised to make history for India. The Indian Space Research Organization has never undertaken a human spaceflight in its five-decade history. So, when Gaganyaan lifts off in 2027, it will mark the first time Indian astronauts venture into space from a home-grown launch pad, aboard an indigenous rocket and return to Earth. Group Captain Pratap, along with Gp Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajeet Krishnan and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla are among the four astronaut-designates for the much-anticipated Rs 20,000 crore mission. Transition from Military Duty to Becoming An Astronaut 'It is challenging, but exciting," he says after a pause. 'Life in the military is tough as such. There are certain qualities that you develop through military service, right from an early age, that have been invaluable in our journey to becoming astronauts. As fighter pilots, we learn a lot about the machines we fly, and how to operate them in combat. We go way deeper – that experience certainly gives us an edge when transitioning to astronautics." But the uncertainty and vastness of space requires much more – proficiency in multiple disciplines, not just one. 'You have to switch between roles very fast. One day you focus on the study; the next day you push your body through physical training. Add to that psychological and behavioral training. It is a continuous challenge. Simply travelling to space once does not make you an astronaut. Their journey continues well beyond the first mission," he adds matter-of-factly. The Weight of A Billion Dreams… For a space-faring nation like India, Gaganyaan marks a pivotal moment – after almost 40 years since Cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma flew into space as the first Indian astronaut aboard a Soyuz spacecraft. There is pressure and expectations. 'I remind myself that I represent all the scientists, technicians, engineers, and the countless individuals at ISRO, academic institutes, and supporting industries. We carry their hopes when we travel to space. I think some of the weight of dreams would be carried by Shuks (Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla) on his upcoming flight (Axiom Mission-4). I'm really proud and excited for this mission. We have trained together, and it's truly an honour to be on this journey with him, and Gp Captain Nair and Gp Captain Krishnan," he smiles. Family And Nervous Moments India plans to send three astronauts into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) aboard its heaviest launcher LVM Mk3. The target is to position the module in a ~400 km circular orbit around earth for a few days and bring it safely back to Earth. 'When the opportunity came knocking, I was thrilled to be considered for what I believe is the best job on the planet. This journey truly changes you as a person," he says. As for the family's nerves, he says, 'I'm not assigned to a mission yet, but for any astronaut, and their family, the reality hits once you're officially assigned, and you have a set date, and certainty of going. That moment has not come yet." top videos View all Gaganyaan, initially targeted for launch during India's 75th year of independence, is now expected to take off in 2027 – pending the successful completion of three un-crewed and two crewed successful launches in the next two years. The first un-crewed orbital flight is slated to launch later this year. 'Timelines do get stretched a bit, but the four of us have been very lucky. In February 2024, February, we officially completed our training and were awarded the space wings by the Prime Minister. It does not matter which one of us eventually flies into space – what matters is that an Indian is finally going up. This truly marks a turning point for India. It's the way forward. It will open the doors for many others," he signs off. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Gaganyaan Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 12, 2025, 11:31 IST News india 'Best Job On Planet': Gaganyaan Astronaut-Designate Angad Pratap On Carrying A Billion Dreams | Interview
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
IAF pilot chosen for Gaganyaan mission recalled for active duty amid Indo-Pak tensions
NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force Group Captain Ajit Krishnan , one of the four astronaut-designates chosen for the , has been urgently recalled by the IAF amid rising military tensions with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'I have been called back by the IAF... due to the current situation,' said Group Capt Krishnan while attending the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2025) in Delhi's Yashobhoomi Convention Centre on Wednesday. Group Capt Krishnan was attending the 3-day international space conference with another astronaut-designate Angad Pratap when he received the information from the IAF to return to active duty. Krishnan, who had received specialised training for space journey along with Group Capt Pratap, Group Capt Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Capt Prasanth B Nair in Russia and later at an IAF facility in Bengaluru in preparation for India's first human spaceflight mission, is an ace pilot. Commissioned in 2003, Group Captain Krishnan is a flying instructor and test pilot with nearly 2,900 flying hours. His experience spans aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Dornier, and An-32 aircraft. His expertise in various fighter aircraft showcases his adaptability and proficiency in the air. During the space event, Krishnan said his training for the Gaganyaan manned mission will likely continue until the programme is launched, slated for lift-off in 2027. Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member crew into low Earth orbit for three days before returning them safely to Earth. Born in Chennai on April 19, 1982, Krishnan is an alumnus of NDA, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, and a recipient of President's Gold Medal and Sword of Honour at Air Force Academy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He was commissioned into the fighter stream on July 21, 2003, marking the beginning of a distinguished career. Krishnan and Angad Pratap are currently training in India, while the other two, Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth B Nair, are in the US preparing for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, which is likely to be launched in June.
