The shiny blue ground suit worn by the four astronauts, the first crew of the Gaganyaan mission, were designed by a team from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bengaluru.

The team had presented 70 designs to the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) before the blue suit was finalised.

Led by Dr Jonali Bhajpai and Dr Mohan Kumar, the Nift team consisting of Lamia Aneez, Samarpan Pradhan, and Tulia D, delved deep into the essence of what these suits represented - not just as protective gear but as a symbol of national pride and technological prowess.

With over 150 designs presented, including 70 distinct options for the Gaganyaan mission alone, Dr. Bhajpai and her team worked closely with the astronauts, understanding their needs and preferences to ensure functionality without compromising on aesthetics.

What makes the suit unique is its asymmetrical style of design. "Asymmetry is like having equal visual weight on both sides. Nowhere do you see asymmetry in other space agencies," Dr Mohan Kumar said as reported by IndiaToday.

The chosen colour of blue stands for peace and prosperity. "From space, when you look at Earth, you see blue. It's a colour that's not very loud. India has arrived," Dr Bhajpai remarked, highlighting the significance of the colour choice in reflecting India's serene yet assertive arrival on the global space exploration stage.

The design process was comprehensive, catering to three categories: basic, mid-range, and loud designs, offering a spectrum of choices from subtle to vibrant.

The final designs were not only about meeting the technical requirements of space travel but also ensuring that the astronauts felt fashionable and confident. "The Gaganauts wanted to look fashionable. That fashion quotient is there in everyone," Dr Bhajpai noted, emphasising the importance of incorporating style into the functionality of the suits.

The suit comes with four pockets for astronauts to keep their essentials.

A unique aspect of the design was the inclusion of a wing logo, nestled between which is the Ashoka Chakra, symbolising the strength and courage of India.