Astronauts on Gaganyaan likely to be pilots, hints ISRO

The astronauts on the human space mission Gaganyaan will mostly be pilots, hinted Indian Space Research Organisation scientists on Friday.

"We are looking for people with sufficient flying experience," said an ISRO scientist requesting anonymity.

ISRO Chairman K Sivan said the Indian Air Force and other agencies will play a major role during the selection of astronauts for the human space mission project.

Another scientist said the Defence Research and Development Organisation too will play a major role in this endeavour.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Sivan said the first unmanned mission for Gaganyaan has been planned for December 2020, the second unmanned mission for July 2021 and the final manned mission by December 2021.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the 'Gaganyaan' project envisaging sending three humans to space by 2022.