Sun Jun 29 19:19:21 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

An article published by The Hindu on June 30, 2025, explores the diverse terminology used for space travelers across different nations (astronaut, cosmonaut, taikonaut, vyomanaut, vyomanaut). It delves into the reasons behind these differing names and their significance for India’s burgeoning space program. It references the recent journey of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the second Indian in space on June 26, 2025, and the deeper implications of naming conventions in the context of national identity and the global space race.

**News Article:**

**India’s Space Aspirations Spark Debate on “Vyomanaut” Identity**

**New Delhi, June 30, 2025** – Following the successful launch of Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station as part of the Axiom-4 mission on June 26th, a new discussion has emerged in India surrounding the appropriate title for Indian space travelers. An article published by The Hindu today delves into the diverse global terminology used for those who venture beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

While the term “astronaut” is widely recognized, the article highlights that other nations employ distinct names like “cosmonaut” (Russia), “taikonaut” (China), and now potentially “vyomanaut” for India.

“As India makes significant strides in the global space race, the question of what to call our space explorers becomes more than just semantics,” the article states. “It’s about defining our national identity, honoring our legacy, and contributing to the shared human dream of reaching for the stars.”

The article, authored by Aniket Singh Chauhan, explores the historical context of these naming conventions and their connection to each nation’s unique space program and cultural identity. It draws a line from Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, to the current era of private space missions, urging India to consider its own distinct designation for its spacefaring pioneers.

With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rapidly advancing and increasingly ambitious space missions on the horizon, the debate surrounding the title “vyomanaut” (from the Sanskrit word “vyoma” meaning space) is expected to intensify, symbolizing India’s rising prominence in the cosmos.

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