PM Modi Visits VSSC, Reviews Gaganyaan Mission, bestows ‘astronaut wings’ to the astronaut-designates

Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and inaugurated three important space infrastructure projects worth around Rs 1800 crores. The projects include the SLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota; the new ‘Semi-cryogenics Integrated Engine and Stage Test facility’ at ISRO Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri; and ‘Trisonic Wind Tunnel’ at VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram.  Shri Modi also reviewed the progress of the Gaganyaan Mission and bestowed ‘astronaut wings’ to the four astronaut-designates. The astronaut-designates are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

Prime Minister said that today is such an occasion for India when the present generation can take pride in the historic achievements of the nation in land, air, water and space. Recalling his statement about the beginning of a new ‘kaal chakra’ made from Ayodhya, Prime Minister Modi said that India is continuously expanding its space in the global order and its glimpses can be seen in the country’s space program. 

The Prime Minister said “An Indian is going into space after 40 years. However, now, the time, the countdown as well as the rocket belong to us.” Expressing delight in meeting and introducing the astronaut-designates to the nation, the Prime Minister wished them on behalf of the entire nation. PM Modi said, “ In this Amrit Kaal, an Indian astronaut will land on the Moon in an Indian rocket”. 

The Prime Minister was briefed about Gaganyaan. He expressed happiness that most of the equipment in Gaganyaan is Made in India. He noted the happy coincidence of Gaganyaan’s preparation with India’s upcoming entry into the top 3 economies of the world. He said that projects that were dedicated today will lead to new jobs and will raise India’s profile. He said Venus is also on the radar. He also stated that by 2035 India will have its own space station.

Praising the role of Nari Shakti in India’s space programme, the Prime Minister said “Whether it is Chandrayaan or the Gaganyaan, no such project can be imagined without women scientists”. He informed that more than 500 women are in leadership positions in ISRO.