India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, represents a historic “inflection point” for the nation, astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said on Wednesday. Despite technical complexities and unavoidable delays, Shukla emphasized that the programme’s success would place India among a select group of countries capable of sending humans into space independently.

Addressing the media, the Ashoka Chakra awardee stressed the scale of the mission demands national patience and sustained resolve. “What we are attempting with Mission Gaganyaan has only been done by three other countries in the world,” he said, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the endeavour and the challenges involved in safely sending and returning a three-member crew.

Gaganyaan, under development by ISRO, aims to launch a three-day manned mission, with the crew returning safely to Earth. The mission is currently targeted for launch in 2027, with four astronauts, including Shukla, selected for the flight. Shukla acknowledged the hurdles ahead, noting that unknown challenges are part of such a complex undertaking, but affirmed that enthusiasm and commitment remain unwavering.

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Group Captain Prasanth Nair, another astronaut selected for Gaganyaan, urged the public to remain patient regarding delays. He described the mission as a defining “Gaganyaan moment” when India will successfully launch an astronaut from an Indian rocket, capsule, and spaceport, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space journey.

Shukla also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, citing his experience on the Axiom mission as an example of how partnerships can accelerate space exploration. He noted that global cooperation opens doors for future advancements, demonstrating India’s growing role in the international space community.

Both astronauts underscored that a successful Gaganyaan mission would make India only the fourth country to achieve independent human spaceflight. Nair added that India’s achievement would not only be a national milestone but also inspire nations worldwide, reiterating the government’s principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” in the realm of science and exploration.

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