PM Narendra Modi Speaks to Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, Reviews Gaganyaan Mission Progress

NEW DELHI, India – In a significant move to review the progress of the Gaganyaan mission and boost the morale of the nation’s first space voyagers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke with astronaut-designate Shubhanshu Shukla. The direct conversation, held via video link, underscored the government's close monitoring and unwavering support for India's ambitious human spaceflight program.

During the interaction, PM Modi is said to have inquired about the training and preparation status of the Gaganyaan team. Shubhanshu Shukla, one of the four chosen astronaut designates, is undergoing rigorous training to prepare for the historic mission. The Prime Minister expressed the nation's immense pride in their dedication and reiterated his vision of 'Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan' (Hail Science, Hail Research), which has been guiding India's scientific advancements.

The conversation comes as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) intensifies its efforts for the mission's next phases. The Gaganyaan project aims to send a crew of three into orbit for three days and bring them back safely to Earth. This mission is a cornerstone of India's long-term space strategy, positioning the country among a select few nations capable of undertaking crewed spaceflight.

Sources from the Prime Minister's Office indicated that such personal interactions are meant to provide direct encouragement to the team, reinforcing the nation’s confidence in their historic endeavor. The successful completion of the Gaganyaan mission will not only be a monumental technological achievement but also a powerful symbol of India's scientific prowess on the global stage.