Ascending to Space: India's New Astronaut Heroes

Astronauts Angad Pratap and Ajit Krishnan, designated for India's Gaganyaan project, gained instant fame after being named for their roles in the country's first human spaceflight. Pratap, Krishnan, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Prashanth Nair are slated for various missions, marking a significant milestone in India's space endeavors.

Angad Pratap, India's astronaut-designate, humorously remarked that he had 'cast his feet in cement' as he and fellow astronaut Ajit Krishnan were swarmed by admirers at a recent conference. The public's interest in the astronauts has skyrocketed since their announcement for the Gaganyaan mission, India's inaugural human space venture.

Slated for a historic spaceflight, the astronauts include fighter pilots Pratap and Krishnan, who participated in the Global Space Exploration Conference last week. Krishnan returned to duty at the Indian Air Force post-training, while Pratap is on leave pursuing a PhD.

Astronaut training involves extensive psychological, physical, and behavioral preparation. Pratap shared the overwhelming sense of responsibility felt by the team, representing India's scientific community and endeavoring to bring the nation's space dreams to fruition.

(With inputs from agencies.)