The head of India's space agency expressed his desire to increase female representation in the country's space missions during his statement on Tuesday.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S. Somanath emphasised that his wish not only echoes the sentiments of the nation but also resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.
It has been clarified that women will not be able to participate in the first mission of Gaganyaan. This mission aims to safely take astronauts into space and bring them back, and as such, the astronauts have already been selected and trained, according to a news agency cited by NDTV.
For future Gaganyaan missions, Somanath expressed optimism regarding increased participation of women.
The ISRO chief spoke at a function at the Pournami Kavu temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. On this special day, Somanath introduced children to the enchanting world of letters, as they took part in the traditional Vidyarambam ceremony, which is being celebrated today on the occasion of Vijayadasami.
The ISRO chief recently announced that the space agency has a preference for women fighter test pilots or women scientists for the manned space programme, Gaganyaan. He said it's possible to send them in the future.