Gaganyaan Civilian Selection marks a major step as Indian Space Research Organisation prepares to choose a new group of astronauts. This time, the focus is not only on military pilots but also on skilled civilians from science and technology fields.

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Second Astronaut Batch for Gaganyaan Civilian Selection

Earlier, in 2020, astronauts were selected only from the Indian Air Force test pilots. These astronauts received advanced training in Russia with Roscosmos, where they learned survival skills, zero-gravity exercises, and spacecraft operations. Now, ISRO is planning a second batch to support future missions and expand its human spaceflight programme.

Civilians from STEM Fields in Gaganyaan Civilian Selection

For the first time, Gaganyaan Civilian Selection may include civilians from STEM backgrounds. ISRO is likely to form a team of around 10 astronauts, including both military pilots and civilian experts. This move will help create a more diverse and skilled astronaut group for upcoming missions.

Committee Plans Gaganyaan Civilian Selection Process

ISRO has set up a special committee to design the selection process. This includes deciding eligibility, training systems, and evaluation methods. Current astronaut trainees like Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap are also helping in building training systems and infrastructure for the next phase.

India’s Future Vision Behind Gaganyaan Civilian Selection

Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight mission led by ISRO. The expansion of astronaut selection shows India’s long-term vision in space. The country aims to build its own space station and send humans to the Moon by 2040. New training centres, living facilities, and mission systems are also being developed to support a larger astronaut programme.