The US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) announced on Monday that India has been selected as a partner country in its human spaceflight program. This initiative will involve six citizen astronauts from various parts of the world being sent into space. The program, conducted in partnership with Blue Origin, targets individuals from nations that have sent 'few or no astronauts' to space, according to SERA. The chosen participants will embark on an 11-minute journey aboard Blue Origin's reusable suborbital rocket, New Shepard, following training at the launch site in West Texas.
"We aim to democratize space access and are thrilled to provide this exclusive chance to an Indian citizen eager to explore the marvels of space travel," stated Joshua Skurla, SERA Co-Founder. Interested individuals must pay $2.50 for verification checks and fulfill specific physical criteria, as outlined by SERA. The ultimate selection of the candidate will be determined by a public vote.
"This public voting method will spark national discussions about space and promote international cooperation in space exploration," commented Sam Hutchison, another SERA Co-Founder. India has recently marked significant achievements in the space sector, including being the first nation to land on the unexplored south pole of the moon. Additionally, India launched its inaugural solar mission in September 2023 and is collaborating with SpaceX to launch a communications satellite. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who began his unprecedented third term last month, is advocating for greater privatization and commercialization of the space sector, aiming to enhance its global role alongside India and the US.
