Group Captain Angad Pratap serves as a test pilot for the Indian Air Force and a gaganyatri candidate for the Indian Space Research Organisation. Identified in 2019 for the nation's human spaceflight initiative, he remains at the forefront of India's efforts to establish a crewed presence in low Earth orbit through the Gaganyaan mission.
Early Education and Military Service
Born in 1982 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Pratap attended Springdales School during his formative years. He subsequently pursued military education at the National Defence Academy and the Air Force Academy. On 18 December 2004, he received his commission into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. Over his career, he has accumulated more than 2,900 flight hours across diverse platforms, including the Antonov An-32, Dornier Do 228, MiG-21, MiG-29, and the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI.
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Before transitioning into the human spaceflight sector, Pratap developed expertise as both a flying instructor and a test pilot. These roles provided the technical foundation required for his selection into the aerospace domain. His experience in evaluating high-performance aircraft served as a prerequisite for his eventual transition to the Indian human spaceflight programme.
Gaganyaan Mission Preparation
In 2019, the Institute of Aerospace Medicine shortlisted Pratap for the Gaganyaan project. Between 2020 and 2021, he completed intensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia. Following this international rotation, he conducted mission-specific preparation at ISRO's Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. On 27 February 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation formally presented him as a member of the crew for the Gaganyaan mission. As of 2025, he holds the rank of group captain and continues his training in anticipation of the first crewed flight scheduled for 2027.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Prayagraj
- Citizenship: India
- Current Rank: Group Captain
- Commission Date: 18 December 2004
- Flight Experience: Over 2,900 hours
- Space Agency: Indian Space Research Organisation
- Primary Mission: Gaganyaan
- Training Centers: Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, ISRO Astronaut Training Facility
Questions readers ask
What is the expected timeline for the Gaganyaan crewed mission?
The first crewed mission for the Gaganyaan project is currently anticipated to take place in 2027.
Which aircraft has Angad Pratap piloted?
His flight experience includes the Antonov An-32, Dornier Do 228, Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, Mikoyan MiG-29, and Sukhoi Su-30 MKI.
Achievements
- Recorded as astronaut
