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Shubhanshu Shukla Urges Space Infrastructure for National Security

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla emphasized the need for stronger space infrastructure to bolster national security, citing satellites as the backbone for operations like surgical strikes. He highlighted that human space missions, such as ISRO's Gaganyaan, are far more complex than satellite missions due to the need to preserve human life. Shukla noted ongoing initiatives like SBS-3 are working toward sovereign and self-sufficient space capabilities. Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair added that preparations include prototype training in Leh and design reviews of the Gaganyaan capsule.

Key Points: Space Infrastructure for National Security: Shukla

  • Astronaut urges space infrastructure for national security
  • Indigenous satellites backbone for surgical strikes like Operation Sindoor
  • Gaganyaan mission more complex than satellite missions
  • Human life preservation key challenge in space missions
3 min read

Need to create space infrastructure for national security: Shubhanshu Shukla

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla calls for stronger space infrastructure for national security, discusses Gaganyaan mission complexity.

"We need to create a space infrastructure for national security. Our backbone should be strong. - Shubhanshu Shukla"

New Delhi, April 24

Astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain, Shubhanshu Shukla, on Friday urged for the creation of space infrastructure for national security. Further, dwelling on the preparations for the much-hyped Gaganyaan mission, he underlined that human space missions are "more complex".

Speaking to IANS, Shukla agreed that indigenous communication through satellites has been the backbone behind India successfully striking adversaries during surgical strikes like 'Operation Sindoor'.

He said, "Yes it is the backbone which we have to make stronger. We need to create a space infrastructure for national security. Our backbone should be strong."

"There are many initiatives, like the SBS-3, which has just been released. It is working in the same direction. I think very soon, our sovereign infrastructure for these things will be very strong and self-sufficient from the perspective of national security," he added.

Meanwhile, Shukla will be a part of the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) first human space flight programme, Gaganyaan.

About the mission, he emphasised that there is much difference between a satellite mission and a human space mission.

"A human space mission is much more complex. Many technologies need to be developed for this because in this case a human life needs to be preserved when he or she is sent into the space. That is why it takes time," he said.

"Especially in the developmental programme there is a period of great uncertainty for any astronaut about when will the mission take place, what will be it's duration or definition."

He explained that initially a mission begins with some concept but later on it gets modified into something else. "This is a part of the process. I am happy that work is being done on these things on a fast track basis," the astronaut mentioned.

However, he refused to comment on any particular timeline for the mission.

"Only after the test mission will we get the confidence level to know when exactly we will be able to carry out this mission," he added.

Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, another astronaut selected for the Gaganyaan mission, told reporters that in India "we are always prepared".

Describing the preparations for the mission, he said, "Everything is going on well. Like recently we had a prototype training in Leh. We will also have psychological and medical training with the Aerospace Medicine Department."

Apart from this, Nair added, "At ISRO, we are doing design reviews of the Gaganyaan capsule."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's reassuring to hear that ISRO and IAF are taking a cautious approach with Gaganyaan. The complexity of keeping humans alive in space is no joke. But we also need to remember that huge budgets for space shouldn't come at the cost of basic healthcare and education. Balance is key.
J
James A
As someone who follows space tech closely, I respect India's deliberate pace. The US and Russia took decades to perfect human spaceflight. India's progress in 10-15 years is remarkable. The comment about 'sovereign infrastructure' hits the nail on the head—we need our own capabilities, not dependence on others.
V
Vikram M
Operation Sindoor was a game-changer, and it showed how satellite tech can give us the edge. But Shukla is right—we can't rest on our laurels. The world is watching, and our adversaries aren't sleeping. More investment in space-based surveillance and communication is the need of the hour.
S
Sarah B
I appreciate the honesty about not giving a timeline. Space missions are unpredictable. But I do wish we'd hear more about the scientific goals beyond national security. What about asteroid mining, space stations, or even Mars? Security is important, but let's also dream big for science!
K
Kavya N
Watching the progress of Gaganyaan makes me proud. From Chandrayaan to Mangalyaan, ISRO has shown they can deliver on a budget. The Leh training for astronauts sounds tough—glad they're preparing for all conditions. Hope the next generation of kids gets inspired to join ISRO! 🌟

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