Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s most advanced ISRO facilities during a brief visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram. The facilities include the Trisonic Wind Tunnel and the Semi-Cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility (SIET). Additionally, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, and the PSLV Integration Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, Kerala Governor Dr Arif Mohammed Khan, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ISRO Chairman S Somanath, and numerous scientists.
PM Modi conducted a review of the progress made in the Gaganyan Mission during a visit to the Gaganyan Integration Facility Centre at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The Prime Minister dedicated facilities worth Rs 1800 crore to the nation during the program.
In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Modi revealed the names of the four astronauts selected for the Gaganyan Mission, all of whom are Bharat Air Force pilots. Group Captains Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajith Balakrishnan, Ankat Pratap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla were honored with Astronaut Badges by the Prime Minister. The announcement was made in the presence of Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, and other eminent scientists.
After a rigorous 39-week-long training and selection process, a four-member team has been chosen for the Gaganyan Mission, the final selection being completed by the end of 2019. Initially, 25 individuals were selected, which was later narrowed down to 12 before finalising the team of four. Following their selection, the team underwent training in Russia before returning to India for further advanced training.
It has been reported that the Gaganyan Mission is scheduled to be launched by mid-2025. As a precursor to the mission, the ‘Vyomamitra’ robot will be sent to space. Subsequently, the selected astronauts will embark on their journey. Additionally, two more unmanned missions are planned before the crewed mission.
The selected astronauts, who are Air Force Test Pilots, undergo extensive training to prepare for the challenges and stresses of space travel. Their experience as fighter and jet pilots equips them to handle tough situations effectively. The unique physiological responses of the human body in space require individuals who can adapt to such conditions, making Air Force Test Pilots well-suited for the mission.
The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) plays a pivotal role in the Gaganyan Mission, contributing to the manufacturing of essential devices such as Life Saving Modules, as well as conducting ongoing research and development of rockets.
During the inaugural program, Prime Minister Modi remarked that India’s advancements in space technology have instilled a sense of scientific curiosity among the nation’s youth. He highlighted the significance of the Gaganyan Mission, particularly amidst India’s rise as a prominent global economy. The mission is poised to open new frontiers in space science, propelling the country to the forefront of space technology.
During his visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the significant contribution of women in ISRO, noting that over 5000 women hold crucial roles within the organisation. He underscored the importance of women’s involvement in space science, citing the success of the Chandrayaan Mission in August 2023, which ignited hope among the youth.
PM Modi expressed Bharat’s commitment to further lunar missions, with plans to send astronauts to land on the moon’s surface. This endeavor marks Bharat’s first manned spaceflight in over four decades, symbolising the aspirations of its 1.4 billion citizens.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the VSSC marked a historic occasion for ISRO, as it was the first visit by a Prime Minister to the center in 40 years.
Following the ISRO program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large-scale BJP rally in Thiruvananthapuram, attended by over 50,000 party members and supporters. In his speech, the PM expressed the state’s resolve to secure a double-digit victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He emphasised BJP’s commitment to empowering all citizens and criticised the Congress-Communist alliance for promoting family rule and dynasty politics.
PM Modi highlighted Kerala’s transition from a state known for tourism and talent to one marred by corruption and lawlessness. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception received in Kerala and reiterated the widespread belief that the NDA would secure over 400 seats in the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The PM urged Keralites to reject negative politics and support BJP’s agenda for transforming Bharat. He noted the increasing support for BJP, predicting that the party would secure over 370 seats in the upcoming Parliamentary polls.
PM Modi reiterated BJP’s commitment to the development of Kerala, akin to its efforts in other states. He emphasised the party’s aim to instill confidence among the people of Kerala, citing initiatives such as conducting examinations in vernacular languages to facilitate nationwide participation.
PM Modi outlined the vision for ‘Modi 3.0’, asserting that under his leadership, Bharat would emerge as the world’s third-largest economy. He highlighted the significant strides made in poverty alleviation over the past decade, with 25 crore people lifted out of poverty. Additionally, ‘Modi 3.0’ aims to lead the country’s semiconductor industry and promote the generation of green hydrogen.
Regarding the Congress-Communist alliance, PM Modi quipped that they are “BFFs – Best Friends Forever!” He lamented Kerala’s shift from being recognised for its business opportunities and investments to being associated with unemployment and a lack of industries.
PM Modi took a dig at Rahul Gandhi, sarcastically referring to him as the “Crown Prince” during his address in Thiruvananthapuram. PM Modi highlighted the Left Front’s attempt to oust Rahul, often dubbed as the “Yuvaraj,” from the Wynad parliamentary constituency in Kerala. He remarked on the contradictory stance of Congress and the Left, portraying them as enemies within Kerala but close allies outside the state. PM Modi accused both fronts of prioritising family rule over the welfare of the country, asserting that the people of Kerala are becoming increasingly aware of this dynamic and will respond accordingly in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
During his address in Thiruvananthapuram, PM Modi outlined the BJP’s vision for Kerala’s educational development in its third term. Emphasising the struggles of Kerala’s poor and middle-class families to access higher education, PM Modi pledged to focus on enhancing educational institutions in the state under “Modi 3.0.” He promised increased opportunities for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. PM Modi also took a swipe at the opposition, asserting that they have conceded defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls 2024. He criticised their lack of a development roadmap and highlighted their singular focus on criticising him. PM Modi expressed confidence that Kerala will reject such negativity and instead support the BJP and NDA for nation-building initiatives, citing the growing support for the BJP across the nation as a significant indicator.
PM Modi asserted that under “Modi 3.0,” Bharat would emerge as the world’s third-largest economy, guaranteeing this transformation. He emphasised a renewed focus on combating corruption in the third term. Criticizing the political logic behind Rahul Gandhi’s contest from Kerala, PM Modi highlighted the state’s comparatively smaller representation in the Lok Sabha. He suggested that Rahul’s decision may stem from fear of the BJP’s dominance in Uttar Bharat. PM Modi reiterated the BJP’s commitment to “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas,” expressing confidence in Kerala’s support for the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Union Minister V. Muraleedharan, BJP state president K. Surendran, and other prominent leaders were present during the address.
