Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair: India's Representative in Axiom Mission 4 Backup Crew
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, a highly decorated Group Captain in the Indian Air Force (IAF) and an experienced test pilot, is gaining attention as the backup astronaut for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). This significant commercial mission to the International Space Station (ISS) is spearheaded by Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX, NASA, and ISRO. Nair's involvement is a notable milestone in India's increasing participation in global space endeavors.
Born on August 26, 1976, in Palakkad, Kerala, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has cultivated an impressive career within the Indian Air Force. After graduating from the esteemed National Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned into the IAF fighter stream in December 1998, earning the coveted Sword of Honour at the Air Force Academy as the top cadet.
With a flight record exceeding 3,000 hours on aircraft such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk, Nair has led the IAF’s Su-30 squadron as a commanding officer and is a distinguished graduate from the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College. His academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore.
Nair’s path to becoming an astronaut began in 2019 when he was chosen by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight initiative. Alongside three other IAF officers, he underwent comprehensive astronaut training at Russia’s Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center. By February 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially introduced him as one of India’s initial astronaut-designates for the Gaganyaan mission.
The Axiom-4 mission, launched in June 2025 with SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, stands out for India as it includes Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS in 40 years as the lead pilot. Prasanth Nair served as the backup pilot for this mission, undertaking training with the primary crew at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and participating in all essential mission preparations.
Although Nair did not participate in the primary launch, his role was crucial for the mission’s safety and success. He was ready to step in should any main crew member encounter medical or technical difficulties. His presence on the backup team underscores India's growing role in international space initiatives and the robust Indo-US space collaboration.
Nair’s involvement in the Axiom-4 mission complements his long-standing dedication to India’s space agenda. He is anticipated to have a pivotal role in upcoming Gaganyaan projects, with suggestions that he might lead Gaganyaan-4, one of India’s intended crewed spaceflights.
His training and preparation for both the Ax-4 and Gaganyaan missions enhance India’s reputation in human spaceflight and support ISRO’s aspiration to emerge as a global leader in space exploration.
In January 2024, Nair married Lenaa Kumar, a well-known Malayalam film actress, an event that captured widespread attention in Indian media. His journey—from a young boy in Kerala to a backup astronaut on an international mission—has inspired many, particularly in his home state, where he is hailed as a role model.
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair’s trajectory illustrates India’s growing presence in space exploration. As a backup crew member for Ax-4 and a significant participant in the Gaganyaan program, Nair represents a new generation of Indian astronauts prepared to engage in both domestic and international missions.
His story highlights:
The expanding opportunities for Indian scientists, pilots, and engineers in global space exploration.
The increasing synergy between India’s defense and space sectors.
The strengthening of Indo-US collaboration in space initiatives.
Conclusion
Though serving as a backup astronaut, Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has already made history by representing India on an international stage. His progression from fighter jets to the forefront of human spaceflight continues to inspire a generation of Indians to aim beyond the skies.
