IAF completes 1st phase of process to select astronauts for India's manned space mission, Gaganyaan

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has completed the first phase of the selection process for astronauts for India's manned space mission, Gaganyaan, which is scheduled for 2022.

Ten shortlisted IAF fighter test pilots were put through extensive physical and psychological evaluation at the Institute for Aviation Medicine at Bengaluru.

"The Human Space Flight Programme is being managed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Human Space Flight Centre and Project Director have been appointed. IAF will be closely involved in selection and training of Gagannauts," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had told SP's in an interview earlier this year

"IAF completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests & evaluation on various facets of their psychology," the IAF declared in a Tweet on September 6.

The shortlisted personnel will be sent for extensive training for the space mission to Russia. The IAF is calling the prospective Indian space mission crew 'Gagannauts'.

#MissionGaganyaan -IAF completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine. Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests & evaluation on various facets of their psychology. pic.twitter.com/O3QYWJYlQd

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 6, 2019

"The Human Space Flight Programme is being managed by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Human Space Flight Centre and Project Director have been appointed. IAF will be closely involved in selection and training of Gagannauts," Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had told SP's in an interview earlier this year.

SP's has also learnt that the first and only Indian national to have travelled in space, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retired) will also be involved in the selection process.

Sharma flew with a Russian crew aboard the Soyuz T-11 on April 2, 1984 and spend 7 days in the Salyut orbital station as part of the Interkosmos programme.