Who was the First Man in Space from India?

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.

First Man in Space from India

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.

Personal Details of Rakesh Sharma

Birth date: 13^th January 1949

Birthplace: Patiala, Punjab

Parents: Devendranath Sharma; Tripata Sharma

Wife: Madhu Sharma

Alumnus: 35^th National Defence Academy

Educational Life of Rakesh Sharma

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.

Career in the Indian Air Force

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.

Space Journey

Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space. On 3^rd 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 14^th nation to have sent a human into space and the 128^th man to go to space.

Awards presented to Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma had received several awards for his accomplishments, these are:

• 25^th Anniversary of Independence Medal
• 9 years long service medal
• Ashoka Chakra
• Hero of the Soviet Union
• Paschimi Star
• Sainya Seva Medal
• Sangram Medal
• Videsh Seva Service Medal

Later Life of Rakesh Sharma

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.