Narendra Modi first PM to visit ISRO’s VSSC in 4 decades, meets Gaganyaan astronauts

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 27 (IANS) Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, made history by being the first Prime Minister to visit ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in four decades. He met the four astronaut-designates of India’s Gaganyaan Mission, led by Group Captain Prashanth B. Nair, and dedicated three important space infrastructure projects.

Upon landing at the airport at 10.50 a.m., the Prime Minister proceeded to the VSSC to review Gaganyaan-related activities alongside ISRO Chairman S Somanath. Chairman Somanath briefed Modi on India’s ongoing space programme and showcased various items on display.

Following a brief video show, the Prime Minister met the four astronaut-designates of India’s Gaganyaan Mission, including Group Captain Prashanth B. Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla. He presented them with ‘astronaut wings’ and praised them as the pride of today’s India.

“I am happy that today I got the opportunity to meet these astronauts and present them in front of the country,” Modi said. “I want to congratulate them on behalf of the entire country.” Before meeting the astronauts, he dedicated three crucial space infrastructure projects at VSSC, including the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, which aims to boost the frequency of PSLV launches.

The significance of Modi’s visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre lies not only in his historic presence as the first Prime Minister to visit in four decades but also in his acknowledgment and encouragement of India’s space program and the astronaut-designates of the Gaganyaan Mission. The dedication of new space infrastructure projects signals a promising future for India’s space exploration capabilities.