Of the four astronauts undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming human mission, "Gaganyaan" one of them, Group Captain Shukla, has been selected to join the mission to the International Space Station, while others remain in an intensive preparatory phase to ensure mission success.
This was stated in the Lok Sabha today by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh. He asserted that India’s space ambitions are set to reach new heights in reply to a question , while revealing crucial details about the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 mission.
The mission, which will feature multiple advanced docking technology and lunar sample collection, is poised to be a major step toward India’s goal of establishing its own space station by 2040.
Beginning his reply in the Lok Sabha to a discussion on Chandrayaan 4 and India's Space missions, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh shared with the House that Sunita Williams had landed back on the surface of Earth this morning at 3.27 AM after spending more than 300 days in the Space and our message of congratulations was put out by the social media soon thereafter around 4 AM defining this "as a moment of glory, pride and relief".
The Minister referred to PM Narendra Modi's letter to Sunita Williams in which he had conveyed his good wishes and extended her invitation to visit India. He also recalled that when Sunita came to India last time in 2007, he had met Shri Modi who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of Chandrayaan-4 in strengthening India's space capabilities. “This mission will not just be about landing on the Moon but also about mastering docking and undocking procedures, a key requirement for future interplanetary missions and space station operations,” he said.
The Minister further noted that India’s long-term objective includes sending an Indian astronaut to the Moon, with Chandrayaan-4 serving as a precursor to that historic feat. The mission will involve two launch vehicles carrying five components in total.
These modules will execute complex manoeuvres, including docking in Earth’s orbit before proceeding to the Moon. Upon reaching lunar orbit, the modules will separate, with the descender collecting samples while the ascender returns to dock with the remaining modules.
The return module will then make its way back to Earth, simulating key aspects of crewed lunar missions. Dr. Jitendra Singh also touched upon the broader applications of space technology in governance and development.
He emphasized that space-based innovations are now integrated into urban planning, disaster management, healthcare, and agriculture, demonstrating how India's advancements in space science are benefiting the general public.
Additionally, he addressed queries about India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, confirming that the selected four astronauts are undergoing rigorous training. While one astronaut, Group Captain Shukla, was selected to participate in a mission to the International Space Station, the others remained in an intensive preparatory phase to ensure mission success.
India’s space program has gained global recognition, and with Chandrayaan-4, the country aims to take another significant leap. As the mission takes shape, it is expected to further cement India’s standing in the global space race and pave the way for future deep-space exploration.