New Delhi, India

Russia is backing India in its first manned mission to space--Gaganyaan by training the astronauts. 

Advertisment

Gaganyaan will be sent in the year 2022. 

By November of 2019, four selected Indian astronauts will go to Russia for 15 months training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. It will be followed by training in India for six to eight months.

Given increased cooperation between India and Russia for the Gaganyaan mission, a special Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) unit will be established in Indian mission in Moscow.

Advertisment

Glavkosmos, a Russian launch service provider and a subsidiary of the state corporation Roscosmos had signed a contract with ISRO for the training of Indian astronauts.

India is taking help from Russia for Gaganyaan because of the country's huge experience in terms of human space flight and sees the latter as a reliable long term partner over the last 50 years. Russia is helping adapt its technology for Indian requirement. 

During National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's visit to Russia last week, he met with Roscosmos's Director General Dmitry Rogozin.

Advertisment

A release from Roscosmos said, "The sides discussed possible Indian crewed flight carrier rocket aerodynamic tests, as well as piloted vehicle and crew rescue system. It is planned to reach an agreement until the end of August 2019." 

Adding further Roscosmos said, "Russia and India are expecting to negotiate the contracts to supply windows, crew seats and spacesuits for the Indian crewed mission."

PM Modi announced Rs 10,000 crore Gaganyaan project during his Independence day speech on August 15, 2018.

The mission involves three members of Indian crew being sent to space for seven days.

After this manned mission, India will be the fourth country after Russia, US and China to send humans in space.