Categories: Science

Grandpa in India tracking Sirisha Bandla’s new-era flight into space

<p>
Sirisha Bandla, the India-born aeronautical engineer who will fly into space on July 11 marking a new era, was described by her grandfather, Dr Rajaiah, who lives in Andhra Pradesh, as strong and brave in decision-making.</p>
<p>
"I, along with my friends and relatives, wish her a successful and happy return to the land after completion of her journey," ANI news agency cited Dr Ragaiah as saying on Sunday in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/science-news/amazon-founder-jeff-bezos-will-board-his-company-s-rocket-for-first-space-flight-93669.html">Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will board his company’s rocket for first space flight</a></p>
<p>
"I'm very happy. From the beginning, she was very fascinated with the sky. Now she's going to space with five other members. She is brave and strong in decision-making," said Dr Ragaiah.</p>
<p>
Sirisha Bandla will be one of the six space travellers aboard VSS Unity of Virgin Galactic which is scheduled to take off for its journey into space on July 1.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read:</strong>  <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/videos-news/meet-sirisha-bandla-another-indian-woman-after-kalpana-chawla-to-fly-into-space-mission-unity-100035.html">Meet Sirisha Bandla, Another Indian Woman After Kalpana Chawla To Fly Into Space | Mission Unity 22</a></p>
<p>
Sirisha, who was brought up in Houston will become the second India-born woman to fly into space after Kalpana Chawla.</p>
<p>
Sirisha appeared to be in high spirits as she tweeted: “I am so incredibly honoured to be a part of the amazing crew of Unity22, and to be a part of a company whose mission is to make space available to all.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: </strong> <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/tech-news/after-kalpana-chawla-another-indian-american-woman-set-to-fly-into-space-99742.html">After Kalpana Chawla, another Indian American woman set to fly into space</a></p>
<p>
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also took to Twitter to share pictures of Sirisha Bandla and the space-bound team.</p>
<p>
"Indian-origin women continue to break the proverbial glass ceiling and prove their mettle. On July 11th, Sirisha Bandla with Telugu roots is set to fly to space aboard VSS Unity with Richard Branson and the team marking the dawn of the new space age, making all Indians proud! " he tweeted.</p>
<p>
UK billionaire and founder of the Virgin Galactic company Richard Branson announced on June 2 that he will make a spaceflight on July 11.</p>
<p>
"I've always been a dreamer. My mum taught me to never give up and to reach for the stars. On July 11, it's time to turn that dream into a reality aboard the next @VirginGalactic paceflight," he tweeted late Thursday.</p>
<p>
The company confirmed the information and published a video, presenting six crew members of the next spaceflight.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

Baloch Yakjehti Committee releases documentary to honour Karima Baloch’s legacy

On the 4th death anniversary of human rights activist Karima Baloch, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee…

12 hours ago

EAM Jaishankar to visit US from December 24-29

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit the US from December 24-29 to discuss key…

12 hours ago

Balochistan: Medical students protest campus closure, security crackdown

Students at the Bolan Medical College (BMC) in Balochistan's Quetta entered the 27th day of…

13 hours ago

Climate change, health risks escalate amid surge in PoGB deforestation

The intensifying cutting of trees for firewood in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) is not only worsening…

14 hours ago

India’s retired judges, bureaucrats call for “immediate end” to attacks on minorities in open letter to Bangladesh

A group of retired judges, bureaucrats, Army officials and other civil society members have penned…

15 hours ago

Israel, Slovakia sign historic USD 582 million deal to boost Air Defense capabilities

Israel and Slovakia signed a 2 billion shekel (USD 582 million) agreement on Monday to…

15 hours ago