On National Space Day 23 August, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Indian astronaut pool will include women and civilians of different backgrounds in future, breaking away from old tradition of selecting just experienced Indian Air Force pilots and aiming to expand India’s human spaceflight ambitions.
During the early stages of Gaganyaan Mission are experienced Indian Air Force test pilots were selected for their experience in high stress situation and complex aerospace system.
But now that the mission is growing the focus is shifting to have more versatile and inclusive pool of astronauts to support wider range of future missions.
In future missions will conduct more complex research in fields like life sciences and biotechnology.
A diversified astronaut pool brings in a wider array of skills and perspectives to maximize scientific returns for both India and humanity.
India will be sending Gaganyaan Mission to space in 2027, also aims to include a permanent space station ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station’ and send a manned mission to the moon.
This will require a permanent pool of 40 – 50 astronauts all from diverse backgrounds to support the mission and fulfil the role that these ambitions projects will require.
This is a strategic shift driven by long-term ambitions, inclusivity goals, and a desire to reflect global trends in space exploration.
