Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a distinguished Group Captain in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and an accomplished test pilot, is gaining significant attention as he takes on the role of backup astronaut for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This pivotal commercial mission is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) through a partnership involving Axiom Space, SpaceX, NASA, and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), reflecting India’s increasing participation in international space endeavors.
Born on August 26, 1976, in Palakkad, Kerala, Nair’s career in the IAF has been nothing short of exceptional. He graduated with distinction from the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the fighter stream of the IAF in December 1998, earning the prestigious Sword of Honour for being the best-performing cadet at the Air Force Academy.
With over 3,000 hours of flight experience on various aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk, Nair has also served as the commanding officer of the IAF’s Su-30 squadron. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore and is recognized as a top graduate from the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College.
In 2019, Nair was chosen by ISRO to be part of India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. As part of this initiative, he underwent extensive astronaut training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center alongside three other IAF officers. By February 2024, he was publicly introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as one of the first astronaut-designates for Gaganyaan.
The Axiom Mission 4, set for launch in June 2025 using SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, marks a historic moment for India, as it features Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to travel to the ISS in four decades, serving as the prime pilot. Nair’s role as the backup pilot necessitated rigorous training alongside the primary crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he participated in all crucial pre-mission preparations.
Despite not being on the primary crew for the launch, Nair’s presence was crucial for ensuring the mission’s safety and success. His readiness to step in if any primary crew member faced health or technical issues underscores the importance of his role, while also illustrating India’s growing engagement in international space missions and showcasing Indo-US cooperation in space exploration.
Nair’s contributions to India’s space ambitions extend beyond the Ax-4 mission. He is poised to play an instrumental role in future Gaganyaan missions, with strong indications that he may command Gaganyaan-4, a key planned crewed flight for India.
His personal life gained attention when he married Malayalam film actress Lenaa Kumar in January 2024. Nair’s incredible journey—from his roots in Kerala to becoming a backup astronaut for a major global mission—serves as an inspiration, particularly in his home state, where he is celebrated as a role model.
Prasanth Nair’s story is not just significant for India’s scientific and aerospace community; it illustrates the burgeoning opportunities for Indian scientists, pilots, and engineers in the realm of global space exploration. It also reflects the deepening synergy between India’s defense and space sectors and the strengthening of collaborations with international partners.
Even in his role as a backup astronaut, Nair is making history by representing India on the world stage. His transition from fighter pilot to a pioneering figure in human spaceflight continues to motivate a new generation of Indians to dream bigger and reach for the stars.
