‘Happy to Be His Wingman’: Astronaut’s Father Shares Pride as Backup Crew Member for Gaganyaan

In a heartwarming moment for India’s space community, Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, one of the backup astronauts for India’s Gaganyaan mission, received a special nod from his father — none other than retired Air Marshal B Chandra Sekhar. Speaking to the media, the senior officer expressed immense pride in being his son’s support system, saying, “I’m happy to be his wingman now.” The comment has struck an emotional chord with citizens across the country.

A Family of Firsts

Group Captain Nair has been selected as part of the crew training for India’s first human spaceflight mission, scheduled for launch in the near future. While he serves as a backup astronaut for the mission, his achievements are already historic — especially considering his father’s own illustrious career in the Indian Air Force.

Air Marshal Chandra Sekhar, who once led combat missions, now finds himself in a new role — cheering on the next generation. This rare father-son dynamic in India’s defence and space sectors has captured the imagination of many, particularly in Tier 2 cities where such achievements are deeply celebrated.

The Emotional Weight Behind a Scientific Milestone

While the Gaganyaan mission represents a technological leap for India, stories like this add a human layer to the achievement. For many families of defence personnel, watching a child reach new heights of national service is both emotional and fulfilling.

Air Marshal Sekhar shared that he had always raised his son to serve with integrity and excellence. Seeing him now step into the space programme marks a personal milestone for both — one in the sky, the other on the ground.

Tier 2 Inspiration: Dreams Beyond the Classroom

Across cities like Trivandrum, Bhopal, and Vizag, where aspirational youth often look to the defence and science sectors for career paths, the Nair family’s story holds special meaning. It shows that with discipline, training, and national spirit, even the sky is not the limit.

The Gaganyaan project, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space aboard an indigenous spacecraft, is more than just a space mission — it’s a signal to the younger generation that global benchmarks can be met right from Indian soil.

India’s Growing Astronaut Corps

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has trained four astronauts for the mission, and backup crew like Group Captain Nair play a vital role in ensuring mission readiness. While they may not fly in the first launch, they are equally trained, equally prepared, and crucial to the mission’s success.

The teamwork, commitment, and readiness of these officers reflect the quiet professionalism behind India’s bold step into human spaceflight.

Conclusion

As India inches closer to its first human space mission, stories like that of Group Captain Nair and his father bring warmth to a highly technical journey. It reminds us that behind every astronaut is a family, a story of sacrifice, and a legacy of service. And sometimes, even for a decorated officer like Air Marshal Chandra Sekhar, there’s no greater pride than saying — “I’m proud to stand behind my son.”