Happy to be his wingman, says Papa, Shux's backup astronaut
Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, known fondly as Papa, may not be aboard the International Space Station (ISS) this time, but he's soaring with pride. As the designated backup to Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
(Shux), who is currently making history as the first Indian to fly to the ISS, Papa says he's happy to be his wingman.
The camaraderie runs deep between the two IAF pilots, both trained test pilots, who were selected for India's human spaceflight programme under Gaganyaan. Their journey together over the last ten months has not only forged a powerful professional bond but will also shape India's future human spaceflight.
'Shux is a fantastic guy,' Papa said ahead of Shux's docking, in a video shared by Axiom Space. 'We met a few years ago through our work as fighter and test pilots.
I'm actually nine years older than him… Over the last ten months of training, it's been deeply satisfying for me to be his wingman — if I may use a bit of fighter pilot lingo.'
Papa speaks of Shukla with admiration, highlighting his razor-sharp focus. 'Once he decides on a goal — like becoming the first Indian to reach the ISS — he clears out all distractions and gives it his all. And that's exactly what's got him there.'
Yet, Papa's own path has been no less significant.
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As Shukla's backup, he trained alongside him every step of the way. That training, Papa believes, has not only prepared both of them for individual missions but has also laid a broader foundation for the future of Indian spaceflight.
'It never felt like work. It was more like one big, exciting picnic, though a professional one,' he says, describing the extensive, rigorous training that involved collaboration with Axiom Space, Nasa, ESA, SpaceX, and other international partners.
'To train with legends like Peggy Whitson was just marvellous.'
He recalls the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) training experience in the US with particular fondness. 'We kayaked through rough weather, survived with limited resources, and what we learnt was this: your real strength in space is your teammate.'
That, he says, is the very essence of space missions. 'It's not just about knowing someone's strengths, but also their limitations so that you're ready to step in, support and cover.
That's what makes a crew solid.'
Among his favourite parts of training? The food. 'An army marches on its stomach, and astronauts too fly on theirs,' he jokes. 'The space food training was a highlight for me.'
While Shukla currently has the nation's gaze, Papa is quick to acknowledge the collective spirit behind their journey. 'I want to give a big shout-out to my Prime Minister, Isro chairman, my wife Leena, daughter Nandini, and my parents. And of course, to all my fellow Indians.'
Though grounded for now, Papa's eyes remain on the skies. While Papa is happy to play wingman on this mission, one has to wait and see if may be in the pilot's seat when India launches Gaganyaan.
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