"Saare Jahaan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara!"

These immortal words, spoken by Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma from the vast expanse of space in 1984, When the then Prime Minister of India Smt Indira Gandhi asked Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma, how does India look from space, then this is how Rakesh Sharma replied. This marked India’s first footprint beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Now, more than four decades later, India is on the brink of another historic moment—one that will establish the nation as a true spacefaring power, joining the elite club of a very few countries like America, China and Russia.

The ambitious Gaganyaan mission, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will send three Indian astronauts into space aboard an indigenously built spacecraft, orbiting 400 kilometers above Earth for three days. This mission is not just about reaching space; it is about proving India’s technological prowess, securing its place among elite space nations, and laying the foundation for even greater celestial conquests.

Gaganyaan was a dream that took flight. The seeds of Gaganyaan were sown in 2007 when ISRO first envisioned India’s own human spaceflight program. The journey from concept to reality has been marked by relentless dedication, cutting-edge research, and the spirit of exploration that defines India’s scientific community. With a massive budget of ₹10,000 crores, Gaganyaan is not just a project; it is a declaration—India is ready to conquer space on its own terms.

The Daring Spirit of Astronauts: The Few Who Brave the Cosmos

Space travel is not for the faint-hearted. It demands an iron will, unshakable courage, and the ability to stare into the unknown with unwavering determination. Astronauts who embark on such perilous journeys are not just scientists or pilots; they are warriors of the cosmos, pioneers who dare to tread where few have gone before.The vast emptiness of space is an uncharted battlefield—one where there is no air to breathe, no gravity to anchor you, and no second chances. An astronaut must be prepared to survive in a realm where the slightest miscalculation can mean instant disaster. Whether it’s a sudden failure of life-support systems or the harrowing silence of a spacewalk gone wrong, these explorers must be ready to act with precision, speed, and nerves of steel. Space travel is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one. Cut off from Earth, floating in a metal shell amidst the infinite void, astronauts must endure extreme isolation, claustrophobia, and the psychological weight of knowing that home is a distant speck in the cosmos. Only those with an indomitable spirit, an unyielding resolve, and the ability to remain calm under crushing pressure can survive the rigours of such a mission.

Considering all the requirements, the Indian Air Forces had selected a team of pilots. They have undergone extensive training in India and in Russia. The finalists who excelled during their hectic training were announced by Prime Minister Modi in a ceremony held on 27 February 2024. They are;

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla

Group Captain Prashant Nair

Group Captain Ajit Krishnan

Group Captain Angad Pratap

Out of them, three will undertake space travel. Two of them will also undergo training sessions in NASA. There will also be a surprise astronaut accompanying them, her name is Vyom Mitra!

Vyommitra: India’s First Spacefaring Humanoid

In the grand saga of India’s space ambitions, Vyommitra stands as a remarkable technological marvel—an astronaut without a heartbeat, yet one designed to conquer the cosmos. Named after two Sanskrit words, Vyoma (space) and Mitra(friend), this semi-humanoid robot is poised to pave the way for India’s first manned spaceflight, Gaganyaan. But make no mistake—Vyommitra is no ordinary machine. It is a bold step towards a future where humans and artificial intelligence work hand in hand to push the boundaries of exploration. Unlike traditional spacefaring robots, Vyommitra is built to mimic human astronauts in both form and function. Unlike bulky robotic arms or mechanical rovers, Vyommitra has a humanoid face, a beautiful girl’s expressive eyes, and a speech system—giving it the ability to interact with real astronauts in a natural way. Vyommitra can recognise human speech and respond in multiple languages, including Hindi and English. It can hold conversations with astronauts, issue warnings, and even provide mission updates.

This robotic astronaut can operate the Gaganyaan spacecraft’s onboard systems, simulate emergency procedures, and assist with crucial technical tasks—all without human intervention. Unlike humans, Vyommitra does not need oxygen, food, or water. It can endure the harsh environment of space indefinitely, making it an ideal candidate for dangerous test missions before human astronauts embark on their journey. The humanoid will perform microgravity experiments, monitor cabin conditions, and test how space affects human-like physiology—crucial data that will aid future manned missions.

LVM3: India’s Most Powerful Rocket – The Backbone of Gaganyaan

The LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3), formerly known as GSLV Mk-III, is India's most powerful rocket, engineered to carry heavy payloads into space. It is the chosen launch vehicle for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission, which will send astronauts into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 400 km. With its three-stage design, high payload capacity, and proven reliability, LVM3 is India’s gateway to human spaceflight and future deep-space missions. It has three boosters,each booster is 26.2 meters tall, nearly the height of an 8-story building! It has a proven track record of successfully launched Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and OneWeb satellites, proving its capability for complex missions. It also integrates Crew Escape System (CES) In case of emergency, the rocket is equipped with an abort system to eject the crew safely.

Gaganyaan Spacecraft

The Gaganyaan spacecraft, India’s first crewed orbital vehicle, consists of two major components:

Crew Module (CM) – The Astronauts' Safe Haven

Service Module (SM) – The Powerhouse & Navigator

Together, these two modules will ensure the safety, functionality, and success of India's first human spaceflight mission.

The Crew Module (CM) is the heart of the Gaganyaan spacecraft. It is the pressurized capsule where astronauts will live, work, and control the mission while orbiting 400 km above Earth for three days. It has Earth-like conditions with controlled oxygen & nitrogen. It has microgravity protection with the help of handholds, footholds, and restraint systems for astronauts.

The Service Module (SM) is the unpressurized section of the spacecraft that supports the Crew Module by providing propulsion, power, life support, and thermal control.Keeps the spacecraft on course, powers critical systems, and ensures the Crew Module operates safely in space. I t ensures precise positioning during the orbit. It also maintains communication with ISRO ground stations.

What do astronauts eat while in space 

Don’t assume that they will survive on just bread and biscuits while in space! So, what exactly is on their menu? A grand selection of around 35 different food items has been prepared for them.

Breakfast:

Idli

Upma

Avalakki (Poha)

Paratha

Lunch:

Chicken Biryani

Veg Pulao

Paneer Masala

Dal and Rice

Dinner:

Soup

Spring Roll

Dal Makhani

Chapati

Sabzi (Vegetable Curry)

Snacks & Beverages:

Cashews

Almonds

Fruit Juice... Quite a feast, isn’t it?

But who prepares all this? Are they taking a chef along? No! Their food is specially prepared and packaged by the Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysuru, ensuring it remains fresh, nutritious, and suitable for space conditions

Re-entry of Gaganyaan Astronauts: The Journey Back to Earth

After completing their three-day mission in Low Earth Orbit (400 km altitude), the Gaganyaan crew will begin their daring descent back to Earth. Re-entry is one of the most critical phases of space travel, where the spacecraft must survive extreme heat, high speeds, and precise landing maneuvers.The Service Module (SM), which provides propulsion and power, is jettisoned before re-entry. The Crew Module (CM), carrying the astronauts, begins its controlled descent towards Earth. 

The CM enters the Earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speeds (about 25 times the speed of sound). Intense friction with the atmosphere generates temperatures up to 1,600°C, but the ablative heat shield protects the astronauts inside. As the module slows down, drogue parachutes deploy to stabilise it. Main parachutes (35 meters in diameter) open at around 7 km altitude, reducing the speed to 10–12 m/s for a safe splashdown. The splashdown is likely to occur in the Bay of Bengal near Andaman and Nicobar coast. The Indian Navy personnel will collect the Crew Module.

As the countdown to launch begins, the selected astronauts—India’s new space pioneers—are undergoing rigorous training in India and Russia, preparing for a mission that will etch their names in history. Their journey will be fraught with challenges: enduring microgravity, operating in a confined spacecraft, and facing the vast, silent abyss of space. Yet, their courage, much like the spirit of Indian explorers before them, will propel them toward success.

When the Gaganyaan crew finally gazes down upon our blue planet, they may very well echo the words of Rakesh Sharma—"Saare Jahaan Se Accha, Hindustan Hamara!"

India is ready. The stars await

Wing Commander BS Sudarshan is a former Indian Air Force pilot with over 12,000 flying hours. He participated in Operation Pawan and Operation Cactus before he transitioned to civil aviation. A passionate writer, he has authored six books, including "Hasiru Hampe", appreciated by S L Bhyrappa, and the latest "Evergreen Hampi". He is a regular contributor to the Verandah Club.