ISRO prefers woman fighter test pilots for its manned mission, possible in future, says Somanath
PTI, Oct 22, 2023, 3:48 PM IST
image for representation
ISRO prefers woman fighter test pilots or female scientists for its much-awaited human space flight programme Gaganyaan mission and it is possible to send them in the future, the space agency chief S Somanath said on Sunday.
He also said ISRO would send a female humanoid – a robot that resembles a human – in its unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft next year. The ambitious mission aims to send humans into space on a Low Earth Orbit of 400 km for three days and bring them safely back to the Earth.
”No doubt about it…but we have to find out such possible (women) candidates in the future,” Somanath told PTI over phone in response to a query.
His statement came a day after the ISRO successfully launched its TV-D1 test vehicle ahead of the human space flight mission Gaganyaan. He said the manned mission is expected by 2025 and that it will be a short duration mission.
”Right now, the initial candidates are to be from Air Force fighter test pilots…they are a bit different category. Right now, we are not having women fighter test pilots. So, once they come, that is one route,” the Chairman said.
The second option was when there would be more scientific activity, he said.
”Then, scientists will come as astronauts. So, at that time, I believe that more possibilities for women are there. Currently, possibilities are lesser because there are no women fighter test pilots,” Somanath explained.
To a question, he said the ISRO’s target is to put a fully operational space station by 2035.
ISRO had successfully launched TV-D1 test vehicle ahead of the human space flight mission Gaganyaan on Saturday. After overcoming initial hiccups including delays, the space agency successfully launched the test vehicle with payloads related to the country’s ambitious Gaganyaan programme. Scientists simulated an abort situation for the Crew Escape System to carry the Crew Module of the test vehicle out as they made a splash into the Bay of Bengal with planned precision.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
BTS2024: If India can make rocket sensors, it can also make car sensors, says ISRO chief Somanath
World COPD Day: Know your lung function
SpaceX successfully launches ISRO’s 4,700 kg communication satellite from US
As AI and megaplatforms take over, the hyperlinks that built the web may face extinction
Plastic waste could double by 2050, researchers find, suggest policies to address issue
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Siddaramaiah says confident of winning all three bypolls in Karnataka
Hop on! IT Minister Priyank Kharge checks out Uber Shuttle at Bengaluru Tech Summit
Actress Kasthuri released from jail, says ‘I thank those who made me raging storm’
Kidnapped for ransom in 1998, 26/11 survivor Gautam Adani faces biggest trial
AIMPLB to hold its annual general sessions in Bengaluru from November 23
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.