Odisha resident shortlisted for ISRO’s first manned space mission Gaganayaan

An Odisha resident has made it to the preliminary list of astronauts to undertake training for ISRO’s first manned mission to space. Wing Commander Nikhil Rath hails from Odisha's Bolangir district.

Balangir(Odisha): While everybody is talking about mission Chandrayaan 2, ISRO is aiming for its next big project Gaganayaan. A Bolangir resident working with Indian Air Force was shortlisted for the much-awaited project of ISRO. Wing Commander Nikhil Rath has been included in the preliminary list of astronauts to undertake training for ISRO’s first manned mission to space.

The first Gaganyaan flight scheduled for 2022 will carry three astronauts, who will be picked from among the test pilots in the armed forces.

Russia will help train Indian astronauts for the manned space mission -- the Gaganyaan project.

Nikhil completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya in 1998 and 12th from Delhi Public School in 2000. He was selected for National Defence Academy while pursuing his graduation at Hindu College. He joined the Indian Air Force in 2003.

"It is a matter of pride and honour for us. He is a very hardworking and dedicated person" said his father who is a renowned advocate and leader of Bolangir district.

His mother is a Mahila Commission and is extremely happy for the opportunity. "His hard work finally paid off. He will definitely qualify in next level for the space project," she said.