India has made remarkable contributions to space exploration, and one of its most iconic achievements was sending the first Indian into space. This historic event not only showcased India’s potential but also inspired millions to dream big. The story of this astronaut is a testament to courage, dedication and groundbreaking accomplishments in space science.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space. He flew on April 03, 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft SoyuzT-11. During his mission, he conducted experiments and proudly described India as “Sare Jahan Se Achha” (better than the whole world). His journey made India the 14th country to send a person to space.
Birth date: 13th January 1949
Birthplace: Patiala, Punjab
Parents: Devendranath Sharma; Tripata Sharma
Wife: Madhu Sharma
Alumnus: 35th National Defence Academy
Rakesh Sharma attended St. Ann’s High School and St. George’s Grammar School for his early education. He graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. His pivotal training was at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla, Pune, setting the path for his historical space journey.
Rakesh Sharma rose through the ranks of the Indian Air Force, eventually becoming a test pilot. His dedication and skills led to his selection in 1982 for a unique opportunity to join the Soviet Interkosmos space program. After rigorous training in the USSR, he was ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime space mission.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space. On 3rd April 1984, he was on board Soyuz T-11, launched from Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic’s Baikunor Cosmodrome. The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft docked and transferred the three-member Soviet-Indian International crew at Salyut-7, they spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut-7. The team performed technical and scientific studies, part of which were 43 experimental sessions. Rakesh Sharma mostly worked in remote sensing and bio-medicine. In a joint TV news conference with the then PM Indira Gandhi, Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma how India looked from outer space; he quoted Iqbal, saying ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’. Rakesh Sharma’s venture into the space made India 14th nation to have sent a human into space and the 128th man to go to space.
Rakesh Sharma had received several awards for his accomplishments, these are:
After retiring as a Wing Commander, Sharma worked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a chief test pilot. He retired from active flying in 2001. Sharma is married to Madhu Sharma and they have two children, Kapil, a film director, and Krittika, a media artist.
Rakesh Sharma is the first Indian to venture into outer space, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration. His historic mission to the Salyut 7 space station, lasting seven days, 21 hours and 41 minutes, is a monumental achievement in Indian and global space history.
Rakesh Sharma attended St. Ann’s High School and St. George’s Grammar School for his early education. He graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. His pivotal training was at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla, Pune.
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