ISRO Intends to launch Second Batch of Astronauts Gaganyaan with Civilian Duty.

A New Chapter in the Space adventure of India.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to choose a second group of astronauts to the Gaganyaan mission.This is not the first time that it will be a selection of something besides Indian Air Force test pilots. In the first instance, civilian STEM professionals can be added . This is a significant change in the human spaceflight programme in India.

First Batch and Training Background

In 2020, the first set of astronauts was chosen. All were Indian Air Force test pilots.

They were highly trained at the hands of Roscosmos in Russia. Their training included:

• Zero-gravity simulations
• Survival training
• Spacecraft operation drills

This paved the way to the first human space mission in India.

Second Batch to include civilians.

The astronaut team in the future will be more diverse. ISRO intends to pick approximately 10 astronauts:

• 6 military pilots
• 4 civilian specialists in STEM.

This combination will incorporate both operational skills and scientific expertise into the programme.

Selection Process Committee to Design.

ISRO has established a special committee to develop the selection system.

The committee will make decisions:

• Eligibility criteria
• Training methods
• Evaluation standards

This is being done by the current astronauts such as Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap. They are assisting in the development of future astronaut training.

Long-term Space Vision of India.

India is not concentrating on a single mission. This is a long-term plan.

Key goals include:

• Routine human space flights.
• A space station in the country.
• Human mission to the Moon by 2040.

ISRO is also infrastructurally developing facilities like training facilities, residential blocks and mission systems to facilitate this vision.

The importance of this step.

Incorporation of civilians will increase the talent pool of India. It will enhance research, innovation, and mission capability.

This is a move towards the realization of a full human spaceflight ecosystem in India.

Exam-Focused Points

• ISRO to choose second batch of astronauts to Gaganyaan.
• The first batch (2020) consisted of IAF test pilots