IAF pilots clear first test for Mission Gaganyaan

New Delhi: The Indian Air force on Friday announced the completion of level-1 selection of Indian astronauts for Mission Gaganyaan, the country's first human mission to space.

Taking to Twitter, the IAF said, "Completed Level-1 of Indian Astronaut selection at Institute of Aerospace Medicine.

Selected Test Pilots underwent extensive physical exercise tests, lab investigations, radiological tests, clinical tests and evaluation on various facets of psychology. #MissionGaganyaan."

In May this year, the IAF signed an agreement with the Indian Space Research Organisation for crew selection and training for the Gaganyaan mission.

Under the programme, aimed to be launched by 2021, a three-member crew will spend a minimum of seven days in the space.

A human-rated GSLV Mk-lll will be used to carry the orbital module, which will have necessary provisions for sustaining a three-member crew for the duration of the mission.

Gaganyaan was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi.

The mission worth Rs 10,000 crore is expected to be launched in December 2021 and was approved by the Union Cabinet last year.