Happy to be his wingman, says Papa, Shux’s backup astronaut | India News

Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, identified fondly as Papa, could not be aboard the International Space Station (ISS) this time, however he’s hovering with satisfaction. As the designated backup to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), who’s presently making historical past as the primary Indian to fly to the ISS, Papa says he’s glad to be his wingman.The camaraderie runs deep between the 2 IAF pilots, each skilled take a look at pilots, who have been chosen for India’s human spaceflight programme below Gaganyaan. Their journey collectively over the past ten months has not solely solid a strong skilled bond however can even form India’s future human spaceflight.“Shux is a fantastic guy,” Papa stated forward of Shux’s docking, in a video shared by Axiom Space. “We met a few years ago through our work as fighter and test pilots. I’m actually nine years older than him… Over the last ten months of training, it’s been deeply satisfying for me to be his wingman — if I may use a bit of fighter pilot lingo.”Papa speaks of Shukla with admiration, highlighting his razor-sharp focus. “Once he decides on a goal — like becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS — he clears out all distractions and gives it his all. And that’s exactly what’s got him there.”Yet, Papa’s personal path has been no much less important. As Shukla’s backup, he skilled alongside him each step of the way in which. That coaching, Papa believes, has not solely ready each of them for particular person missions however has additionally laid a broader basis for the way forward for Indian spaceflight.“It never felt like work. It was more like one big, exciting picnic, though a professional one,” he says, describing the in depth, rigorous coaching that concerned collaboration with Axiom Space, Nasa, ESA, SpaceX, and different worldwide companions. “To train with legends like Peggy Whitson was just marvellous.”He recollects the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) coaching expertise within the US with specific fondness. “We kayaked through rough weather, survived with limited resources, and what we learnt was this: your real strength in space is your teammate.”That, he says, is the very essence of area missions. “It’s not just about knowing someone’s strengths, but also their limitations so that you’re ready to step in, support and cover. That’s what makes a crew solid.”Among his favorite elements of coaching? The meals. “An army marches on its stomach, and astronauts too fly on theirs,” he jokes. “The space food training was a highlight for me.”While Shukla presently has the nation’s gaze, Papa is fast to acknowledge the collective spirit behind their journey. “I want to give a big shout-out to my Prime Minister, Isro chairman, my wife Leena, daughter Nandini, and my parents. And of course, to all my fellow Indians.”Though grounded for now, Papa’s eyes stay on the skies. While Papa is glad to play wingman on this mission, one has to wait and see if could be within the pilot’s seat when India launches Gaganyaan.