India Joins SERA: Human Spaceflight Programme

The U.S.-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) announced on Monday that India will join its human spaceflight programme. This programme aims to launch six citizen astronauts from various countries into space.

Collaboration with Blue Origin

This initiative, conducted in partnership with Blue Origin, targets countries that have sent “few or no astronauts” to space. Citizens selected for the programme will embark on an 11-minute journey in Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket, New Shepard. They will receive training at Blue Origin’s launch site in West Texas.

“We aim to make space accessible to everyone and are delighted to offer this opportunity to an Indian citizen eager to experience space travel,” stated SERA Co-Founder Joshua Skurla.

Application and Selection Process

Applicants must pay $2.50 for verification checks and meet specific physical criteria, according to SERA. The public will select the final candidate through a public vote.

“This public voting approach will spark national discussions on space and promote international collaboration in space exploration,” noted SERA Co-Founder Sam Hutchison.

India’s Recent Achievements in Space

India has recently reached significant milestones in the space sector. Notably, it became the first country to land on the unexplored south pole of the moon. Additionally, India launched its first solar mission in September and is collaborating with SpaceX to launch a communications satellite.

Government Support and Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recently re-elected for a third term, has prioritised the privatisation and commercialisation of the space sector. He aims to enhance India’s role in a global arena dominated by the U.S. and other major space-faring nations.