Astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla emphasized the need for space infrastructure to bolster national security. He highlighted the complexity of human space missions, especially in the context of the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. Shukla acknowledged the vital role of indigenous satellite communication in India’s strategic operations like ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Shukla stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s space infrastructure for national security purposes. He mentioned ongoing initiatives like SBS-3 that aim to enhance India’s sovereign capabilities in space. Shukla, who will be part of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, pointed out the significant differences between satellite and human space missions.
The astronaut noted the intricate nature of human space missions, requiring the development of specialized technologies to ensure the safety of astronauts in space. He highlighted the uncertainties involved in the developmental phase of such missions and expressed satisfaction with the progress being made. Shukla refrained from providing a specific timeline for the Gaganyaan mission, emphasizing the need for successful test missions to determine readiness.
Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, another astronaut selected for the Gaganyaan mission, affirmed India’s readiness for space endeavors. He detailed the ongoing preparations for the mission, including training sessions in Leh and reviews of the Gaganyaan capsule’s design at ISRO.
