Indian Air Force Air Commodore and astronaut-designate Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair has been awarded the Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry honour, for extraordinary courage, devotion to duty, and distinguished service.
The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu during the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Known widely as “Papa” Nair, the Kerala-born officer is among the four astronauts selected for India’s first human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.
A highly decorated test pilot, Nair has accumulated more than 3,000 flying hours across multiple aircraft platforms, including fighter jets and transport aircraft. He has also served as a flying instructor and squadron commander in the Indian Air Force.
The honour also recognizes his contributions to India’s human spaceflight ambitions and his role as a backup astronaut for the Axiom mission to the International Space Station.
Nair’s achievement marks a proud moment for both India’s defence and space communities, highlighting the growing synergy between military aviation expertise and the country’s expanding space programme.
