As India prepares to send its first batch of astronauts to space as part of Gaganyaan mission, common Indian citizens could soon get an opportunity to venture into the region beyond the planet as well.
The Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) has partnered with Jeff Bezos-led Blue Origin to offer Indian citizens a chance to become astronauts.
This groundbreaking collaboration aims to democratise space travel and provide opportunities for individuals from countries with limited space presence.
Blue Origin's New Shepard, a reusable suborbital rocket, will carry selected astronauts on an 11-minute journey beyond the Karman line, the internationally recognised boundary of space at 100 km above Earth's surface.
Passengers will experience several minutes of weightlessness before returning to Earth.
Joshua Skurla, Co-Founder of SERA, expressed enthusiasm about India's inclusion in the program, citing the country's recent space achievements, including the successful landing on the Moon's southern pole.
Indian citizens can participate in this historic opportunity by registering for a nominal fee of approximately $2.50, which covers verification checks. The selection process involves public voting, allowing citizens to have a voice in choosing their nation's space representative.
Candidates must meet Blue Origin's physical requirements and can campaign for votes through various platforms. The voting process will progress through three phases of elimination, with the public voting only for candidates from their respective nations or regions.
Sam Hutchison, Co-Founder of SERA, emphasized that this approach will spark national conversations about space and foster international collaboration in space exploration. The program's minimal physical requirements and training for New Shepard's flight aim to encourage diverse and inclusive participation.
Phil Joyce, SVP of New Shepard, reiterated Blue Origin's commitment to making space accessible to everyone and expressed pride in supporting SERA's efforts to send an Indian citizen to space.
The selected astronauts will undergo a three-day training program at Blue Origin's launch site in West Texas prior to their flight. This initiative not only offers a unique opportunity for Indian citizens but also aligns with India's growing ambitions in space exploration and research.
As India continues to make strides in its space program, this collaboration with SERA and Blue Origin opens up new possibilities for Indian citizens to contribute to and participate in the future of space exploration.
