New Delhi, 27 Feb (IANS) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the names of the four Indian Air Force officers who will be part of India’s Gaganyaan mission. Group Captains Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap, along with Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, have been selected for this prestigious mission.
Group Captain Nair, born in Kerala’s Thiruvazhiyad, is an alumnus of the NDA and has a vast flying experience with various aircraft. He is a Category A flying instructor and a test pilot with over 3000 hrs of flying experience. He has also commanded a premier fighter Su-30 squadron.
Group Captain Krishnan, hailing from Chennai, is an alumnus of the NDA and holds the President’s Gold Medal and Sword of Honour. With over 2900 hrs of flying experience, he too has flown a variety of aircraft. He is also an alumnus of the DSSC, Wellington.
Group Captain Pratap, born in Allahabad, is another accomplished officer in the IAF’s fighter stream with expertise in various aircraft. He is a flying instructor and a test pilot with around 2000 hrs of flying experience.
Wing Commander Shukla, born in Lucknow, is a fighter combat leader and a test pilot. With approximately 2000 hrs of flying experience on different aircraft, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the Gaganyaan mission.
These highly skilled officers are set to represent India in the prestigious Gaganyaan mission, showcasing the nation’s prowess in space exploration. Their experience and expertise make them valuable additions to this historic endeavor.
