First ever Odia to travel space on 2021

(Reporters Today, Bolangir): India will launch ‘Gaganayan’, the Country’s first ever Space journey programme carrying a man on 2021. The selection process for the Astronauts which was conducted by the Indian Air Force has been completed. Wing Commander Nikhil Rath of Bolangir district in Odisha has brought pride for the State as the first Odia to be nominated to travel space ever. The primary stage of the selection process for mission ‘Gaganayan’ held at the Institute of Aerospace Medicines, Bangalore.

Nikhil’s father Ashok Rath is an advocate while his mother Kusum Rath is a Member of  the State Women Commission. Born and brought up in Bolangir after completing his study Nikhil was selected to National Defence Academy (NDA). Later he joined Indian Air Force. Now he is serving as a fighter pilot in Indian Air Force.

The space journey programme will commence by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by the end of 2021.