India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has expressed a preference for female fighter test pilots or female scientists to be part of its highly-anticipated human space flight program, the Gaganyaan mission, which could potentially become a reality in the future, as confirmed by ISRO Chief S. Somanath. He also disclosed ISRO’s intention to dispatch a female humanoid, a robot closely resembling a human, aboard its unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft in the coming year.
This ambitious mission’s objective is to send humans into space, specifically to a Low Earth Orbit situated 400 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, for a three-day duration before safely returning them to our planet. Somanath said, “No doubt about it…but we have to find out such possible (women) candidates in the future.” This statement followed the successful launch of ISRO’s TV-D1 test vehicle, a crucial precursor to the human space flight mission Gaganyaan.
Somnath further revealed that the manned mission is slated for realization by 2025 and would be of relatively short duration. According to him, currently, the primary pool of candidates is expected to be drawn from Air Force fighter test pilots, a unique category. But, at present, there are no women fighter test pilots available. However, Somanath alluded to two avenues through which this objective could be achieved. Firstly, with the advent of women fighter test pilots, ISRO could select candidates from this group. Secondly, as more scientific activities unfold, scientists might be recruited as astronauts, potentially creating more opportunities for women. Currently, the options are limited due to the absence of women fighter test pilots.
Somnath stated, “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. 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 also addressed ISRO’s long-term objective, which is to establish a fully operational space station by the year 2035. This vision underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing space exploration and research. Notably, ISRO recently overcame initial challenges and successfully launched the TV-D1 test vehicle as part of the Gaganyaan program, conducting simulations of emergency situations to ensure the safety of crew members in their Crew Module, marking a significant milestone in India’s space endeavors.
