Question

Who is the first Indian astronaut onboard the International Space Station (ISS)?

• A. Prashant Balkrishnan Nair
• B. Shubhanshu Shukla
• C. Angad Pratap
• D. Ajit Krishnan

Hint:

Remember: \textbf{Rakesh Sharma} was the first Indian in space, while \textbf{Shubhanshu Shukla} is the first Indian onboard the ISS.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the context of the question.
The question relates to India’s participation in international human spaceflight missions.
Specifically, it asks about the first Indian astronaut to go onboard the International Space Station (ISS).
This is an important milestone in India’s space and scientific history.
Step 2: Analyse option (A) — Prashant Balkrishnan Nair.
Prashant Balkrishnan Nair is one of the astronaut-designates selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
However, he has not flown to the International Space Station.
Hence, option (A) is incorrect.
Step 3: Analyse option (B) — Shubhanshu Shukla.
Shubhanshu Shukla is an Indian Air Force officer and astronaut-designate.
He was selected to participate in the Axiom Mission to the International Space Station.
He became the first Indian astronaut to go onboard the ISS.
Therefore, option (B) is correct.
Step 4: Analyse option (C) — Angad Pratap.
Angad Pratap is not associated with any ISS mission or human spaceflight programme.
Hence, option (C) is incorrect.
Step 5: Analyse option (D) — Ajit Krishnan.
Ajit Krishnan is also among the Gaganyaan astronaut-designates.
However, he has not travelled to the ISS.
Hence, option (D) is incorrect.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Among the given options, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian astronaut to go onboard the International Space Station.
Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).