Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the astronauts selected for India’s landmark Gaganyaan mission, has been honored with the Kirti Chakra, the nation’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the prestigious recognition during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, acknowledging Nair’s distinguished service and dedication to the country.
The Kirti Chakra is awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage, unwavering commitment to duty, and exceptional service during peacetime. Nair received the honor partly in recognition of his involvement in the Axiom-4 mission, where he served as a backup astronaut as India expanded its participation in missions connected to the International Space Station. His name had earlier appeared on the list of gallantry award recipients announced before this year’s Republic Day celebrations.
Nair’s journey reflects decades of commitment and excellence. Originally from Kerala, he began his military path at the National Defence Academy before earning his commission in the Indian Air Force. Throughout his career, he accumulated significant flight experience across multiple aircraft platforms, eventually establishing himself as a highly accomplished test pilot admired for his professionalism and expertise.
In 2019, Nair was selected as one of four astronauts chosen for the Gaganyaan program, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight initiative. The selected astronauts underwent demanding training programs in both India and Russia to prepare for the physical, technical, and psychological challenges associated with space travel.
The Gaganyaan mission represents a major milestone in India’s scientific progress. The project aims to demonstrate the country’s capability to independently launch astronauts into orbit and safely return them to Earth aboard an Indian spacecraft. Successful execution would place India among a limited number of nations possessing independent human spaceflight capabilities.
As an integral member of the astronaut team, Nair has contributed extensively to mission readiness, training exercises, and outreach activities designed to inspire public interest in space science. His efforts support India’s broader vision of sustained human presence in space and future exploration initiatives.
The Kirti Chakra further elevates Nair’s already impressive legacy, celebrating both his exemplary military career and his role in shaping a defining chapter of India’s space aspirations. Separately, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla was awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry distinction, in recognition of his 18-day mission associated with the International Space Station.
