Group captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair, known as Papa, may not ride on the International Space Station (ISS) this time, but is growing proudly. Group as a backup nominated for Captain Shubanshu Shukla (Sh from), who is currently making history as the first Indian to fly to ISS, Papa says he is happy to be his wingman.The Camadari moves deeply between two IAF pilots, both trained test pilots, which were selected for India’s Human Spaceflight Program under Gaganan. In the last ten months, their journey simultaneously created a powerful professional bond, but will also shape India’s future human spacecraft.“Sholk is a great boy,” Papa said in a video shared by Axiom Space. “We met a few years ago through our work in the form of fighters and test pilots. I am really nine years older than him … In the last ten months of training, it is deeply satisfactory for me as his wingman – if I can use a bit of fighter pilot lingo. ,Papa speaks with praise of Shukla, highlighting his Razor-Sharp focus. “Once he decides a goal – such as becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS – he cleans all the distractions and gives it everything. And it is exactly that he got there.”Nevertheless, Papa’s own way is no less important. As Shukla’s backup, he trained with her in every way. That training, Papa believes that, not only prepared both for individual missions, but also laid a broad base for the future of the Indian spaceflight.“It never felt like work. It was like a large, exciting picnic, although a professional one,” he says, describing a broad, rigorous training that included collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, ESA, Spacex and other international partners. “Was just amazing to train with legends such as Paigi Whitson.”He recalls the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training experience in the US with special hobbies. “We survived with kayaked, limited resources through rough weather, and what we learned was: Your real strength in space is your team partner.”He says, space missions are very essence. “It is not only about knowing someone’s strength, but also their limits so that you are ready to step, support and cover. This makes a crew solid. ,In your favorite parts of training? Meal. “An army marches on his stomach, and astronauts also fly over them,” he jokingly. “Space food training was an attraction for me.”While Shukla currently has a gaze of the country, Papa is in a hurry to accept the collective spirit behind his journey. “I want to shout a big shout to my Prime Minister, ISRO president, my wife Leena, daughter Nandini and my parents. And of course, all my fellow Indians.”However, on the ground for now, Papa’s eyes remain on the sky. While Papa is happy to play Wingman on this mission, someone will have to wait and see if India has launched Gaganan on the pilot seat.
