It’s Time India Stopped Hiding Its Fab Four

‘Of all animals, perhaps, man is the only one who can think and perceive a phenomenon beyond the range of his senses…’ The opening line of a lecture from 1972 by Satish Dhawan, considered the architect of India’s space programme, is well captured in what astronauts do — show us a glimpse of the world beyond our immediate understanding. The allure of becoming an astronaut has captivated minds for generations worldwide. Even in countries without space programmes, the idea of exploring the vast unknown holds unparalleled fascination. In India, too, this dream was ever-present, even before our human spaceflight ambitions took flight.Rakesh Sharma’s visit to space on a Russian mission was celebrated nationwide in 1984 — and for years thereafter. Much before that, even in the absence of live television, internet and social media, Yuri Gagarin, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, featured in animated Indian discussions.Cut to today and stories of global astronauts — the journey, stay and return of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, for instance — and even those taking part in commercial suborbital missions (being part of which doesn’t necessarily qualify one to be an astronaut) are read about and viewed with interest. The way Nasa and ESA advertise their astronauts, even potential ones picked for future missions, is something worth emulating.Addressing global challenges and driving innovation are inextricably linked to scientific literacy. Astronauts have an incomparable ability to serve as ambassadors. They have the power to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding, making the seemingly incomprehensible accessible and inspiring a love for knowledge.But over six years after Modi announced the human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, the four astronaut-elects — Group Captains Prashanth Nair, Shubhanshu Shukla, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Prathap — have been hidden behind high walls, out of the public eye, except on the day (Feb 27, 2024) when they were bestowed “astronaut wings”.The reasons establishments handling the Fab-4 — all IAF test pilots from the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment — proffered for the bar on making their profiles public ranged from ‘national security’ and ‘personal safety’ to allowing them to ‘focus’ on the job at hand. In fact, PM had said: “I request citizens and media to cooperate. The astronauts have continuously done penance for the past four years. They have done this without making themselves visible. They still have a long way to go, there are many challenges.”Many working in the establishments concede in private that none of the reasons cited is fully valid. The four men were shipped off for training — they spent about a year in Russia — where their identities weren’t hidden ‘as such’. Now, two of them, Shukla and Nair are in US. Shukla is slated to be part of the upcoming Axiom-4 mission (Ax-4) to International Space Station. This will make Shukla the first Indian astronaut to go to space in 40 years.On a visit to Axiom Space last month, your correspondent learnt that the other three astronauts who’re part of Ax-4 are telling their stories to their people. And their countries, Hungary and Poland, are celebrating stories of their astronauts. But not India.In fact, three of the four home countries of the Ax-4 team — India, Poland, Hungary — haven’t sent astronauts in about four decades. Mission commander Peggy Whitson (US), a decorated Nasa astronaut, now with Axiom, is the only experienced space traveller. The Polish and Hungarian astronauts are free to share their experiences. The Indian astronauts maintain radio silence. The only exception was a press conference in which Shukla participated. Nair wasn’t part of it. The other two preparing in India, Krishnan and Prathap, are behind even higher walls.These men are professionals. Only the best of IAF pilots go on to become test pilots, in itself testimony to their ability to get the job done without fear of ‘distractions’. It is time India takes their stories and journeys to the public. Why wait for them to go to space and return? In fact, it doesn’t at all matter if these four don’t make it to space as part of India’s first human spaceflight mission to make way for another batch. Sending anything to space, let alone humans, is extremely complex, even perilous, and delays in such missions only indicate caution not failure. But India should bring them out. Now. Their experiences will resonate deeply, particularly with young minds and students. Not only are they ambassadors of science but they can also become spokespersons for Gaganyaan — a mission that has piqued global interest. Training to be an astronaut in itself makes them powerful role models, demonstrating the rewards of perseverance, hard work, and dedication to learning. Their accomplishments will also underscore the importance of pursuing STEM, encouraging young people to pursue careers that drive scientific progress. By leveraging the unique influence astronauts can have, India can kindle a passion for science that transcends classrooms and laboratories, capturing the hearts and minds of people.