Thiruvananthapuram
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has expressed a preference for female fighter test pilots or female scientists to participate in its highly anticipated human space flight program, the Gaganyaan mission. ISRO’s Chief, S Somanath, made this announcement on Sunday, underlining the agency’s commitment to promoting women in space exploration. Somanath also disclosed that ISRO intends to send a female humanoid, a robot designed to resemble a human, on its unmanned Gaganyaan spacecraft next year. The Gaganyaan mission has set ambitious goals to send humans into space for a Low Earth Orbit mission, reaching an altitude of 400 kilometers for three days, followed by a safe return to Earth. While discussing the inclusion of women in the program, Somanath stated, There is no doubt about it, but we have to identify suitable women candidates in the future. His statement came after ISRO’s successful launch of the TV-D1 test vehicle, a significant milestone in preparation for the Gaganyaan human space flight mission. The manned mission is expected to take place by 2025 and will be of relatively short duration. Somanath highlighted two potential routes for involving women in the program. The first option is to select women from the Air Force as fighter test pilots, although currently, this category does not include women. He stated, Currently, we do not have women fighter test pilots. So, once they become available, that will be one route. The second option is to consider women scientists as potential astronauts. Somanath believes that as scientific activities in space exploration grow, there will be more opportunities for women to participate. He explained, When there is more scientific activity, scientists will be selected as astronauts. At that time, I believe that more opportunities for women will arise. Currently, the possibilities are limited because there are no women fighter test pilots. ISRO’s commitment to inclusivity underscores its dedication to fostering diversity in space exploration.
