Gaganyaan astronauts revealed; here is how the mission will impact Indian space sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday bestowed 'astronaut wings' to the four astronaut-designates of India's human space flight mission Gaganyaan slated to be launched in 2024-25.

The astronaut-designates are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. Gaganyaan mission aims to launch a three-member crew into Earth's lower orbit and bring them back after three days.

During an event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi said that the Gaganyaan mission is going to take our space sector to new heights. He also commended the role of Nari Shakti in India's space programme.

"Whether it is Chandrayaan or the Gaganyaan, no such project can be imagined without women scientists," PM Modi said, adding that more than 500 women are in leadership positions in the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Referring to India’s resolution to become a developed nation, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of the space sector. "Space science is not just rocket science, but it is also the biggest social science. Society benefits the most from space technology," he said.

How the Gaganyaan mission will impact India’s space sector

The successful execution of the Gaganyaan mission would enhance the reputation of ISRO and the country's space sector, potentially attracting international collaborations. ALSO READ: Govt allows up to 100 per cent FDI in space, all you need to know about the key change

The mission will also boost investor confidence in space-related stocks. Companies associated with space exploration technologies and satellite manufacturing could witness investor interest if the Gaganyaan mission is successful.