ISRO to Open Astronaut Cadre to Civilians for First Time

ISRO's astronaut selection committee recommends inducting four STEM experts in the second batch of 10 astronauts as India prepares for sustained human spaceflight beyond the maiden Gaganyaan mission.

In a significant departure from its initial reliance on military test pilots, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to open its astronaut cadre to ordinary citizens with strong backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

An internal committee on astronaut selection and management has proposed that the second batch include four civilian specialists alongside six mission pilots drawn from military aviation backgrounds. This move aims to build a more diverse and robust talent pool for India's growing human spaceflight ambitions.

Sources familiar with the deliberations indicated that while the second batch will have these four civilians, they are likely to fly only from the fourth crewed Gaganyaan mission onward. The cautious approach reflects global practices where military pilots handle early missions until technologies mature sufficiently for broader participation.

First Crew Ready for Gaganyaan

India's maiden human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, remains on track for a targeted launch by 2027. The mission will send a crew of Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit at around 400 km for a short three-day duration before safe return.

The first batch of four astronauts, all Group Captains from the Indian Air Force, includes Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap. These experienced fighter pilots have been undergoing rigorous training, including international exposure, to ensure the success of this landmark mission.

One of them, Shubhanshu Shukla, has already gained valuable orbital experience through participation in an Axiom Space mission to the International Space Station in 2025.

Second Batch: Mixing Pilots and Specialists

According to the committee's recommendations, the second batch is planned at around 10 astronauts. Six would serve as mission pilots, potentially including not just fighter jet pilots but also combat helicopter pilots from the armed forces for added operational depth.

The inclusion of four civilian STEM experts marks the first formal opening of the cadre to non-military personnel. Officials noted that this expansion will help strengthen microgravity research capabilities and support the technological and scientific demands of future missions.

Initial estimates suggested seven astronauts might suffice operationally, but the number was revised upward to 10 to account for possible international collaborations, attrition, and a planned tempo of up to two crewed missions per year. Astronauts could potentially fly again after a gap of about two years.

Long-Term Vision for Space Station

The proposals extend well beyond immediate Gaganyaan flights. The committee has suggested increasing crew size from two to three astronauts starting around the seventh mission, enabled by upgrades to the crew module. This change aligns closely with India's plans for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, where sustained scientific utilisation will require a larger and more varied astronaut team.

For the third batch, projections indicate a need for about 12 astronauts, with a much higher proportion of specialists rather than pilots. Overall, the committee has recommended building a long-term astronaut cadre strength of up to 40 individuals to handle uncertainties and emerging opportunities.

Training timelines remain demanding. The full cycle of selection, preparation, and mission readiness is estimated at roughly 4.5 to 5 years. The second batch could be ready in about 72 months (six years), while the third batch may take up to 96 months.

Infrastructure and Challenges Ahead

While the selection strategy shows clear forward thinking, ISRO continues to address gaps in supporting infrastructure. The agency currently operates a temporary astronaut training facility and is yet to establish a full-fledged centre. Critical technologies, including advanced environmental control and life support systems, also require further maturation for reliable crewed operations.

Local reactions in Bengaluru's science community have been positive, with many young engineers and researchers viewing this as an encouraging signal that talent from academia and industry could one day contribute directly to India's space programme.

Experts believe the gradual inclusion of civilians will bring fresh scientific perspectives essential for long-duration missions and research aboard a future Indian space station.

ISRO has not yet released detailed selection criteria or timelines for the civilian intake. However, the committee's proposals are under active consideration as the agency gears up for the next phase of its human spaceflight roadmap.

As India moves from proving human spaceflight capability to establishing a regular presence in orbit, opening the astronaut cadre to STEM experts from ordinary backgrounds could prove a pivotal step in nurturing a broader national talent ecosystem for space exploration.