space traveller rakesh

Rakesh Sharma

First indian in space.

By Google Arts & Culture

Illustrations by Roshan Gawand

Rakesh Sharma: The first Indian to go into space by Roshan Gawand

On April 3, 1984, when Rakesh Sharma flew the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, he made history. He became the first Indian citizen to reach space. Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, (retired) was an Indian Air Force pilot on September 20, 1982 was chosen as a cosmonaut to be a part of the joint Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the Soviet Interkosmos space program. 

With Rakesh Sharma’s voyage, India became the 14th nation to send a person to outer space.

India 75 - Rakesh Sharma: The first Indian to go into space

On this journey to the space station Salyut 7, two Soviet cosmonauts, commander Yury Malyshev and flight engineer Gennady Strekalov accompanied him.

The Salyut crew had held a joint television news conference with the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and officials in Moscow. When Gandhi asked Rakesh how India looked from outer space, he said the iconic words, “ Saare Jahan Se Achha ” (tr. , the best in the world.)  These are words from a popular patriotic poem that was written by poet and politician Muhammad Iqbal while India was still under British colonial rule. 

Rakesh and the crew spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard Salyut 7. The crew conducted several experiments and technical studies, including 43 experimental sessions. Rakesh’s work majorly involved bio-medicine and remote sensing.  One of the experiments he performed was testing the effect of yoga on the body in microgravity. He also photographed India from space, saving India two years of aerial photography to map the same area.

While in space, one of the most remarkable things Rakesh saw from space was India’s coastline. He said in an interview decades later that the country’s coastline was visible for about four minutes over 24 hours.  After the completion of the mission, Rakesh and his crewmates landed in Kazakhstan on April 11. He was conferred with the honor of the Hero of the Soviet Union upon returning from space. India conferred its highest peacetime gallantry award, Ashok Chakra in 1985.

Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma had dreams of flying jets since his childhood. After graduating from the National Defence Academy, he joined the Indian Air Force in 1970 at the age of 21. He began his career flying supersonic jet fighters. In 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War, he flew 21 missions in a MiG-21 fighter jet. 

All before the age of 23. When the time finally came to travel to space, he was 35. "I had pretty much done it all before I went into space. So when the opportunity came, I went along. It was that simple" .  With this travel, he became the 128th human to travel to space.

In 1984, when Rakesh was launched into space, India did not have a space program let alone cosmonaut training facilities. For Rakesh, training to go to space was a challenge. As part of this training, he was to stay in a locked room with artificial lights for 72 hours at an aerospace facility in Bengaluru to check how he reacted to claustrophobia.

On completion of which he then went to Star City, a high-security cosmonaut-training facility, about 50 miles outside Moscow for the final phase of his training. Rakesh had to adapt not just to the freezing temperatures but also had to pick up Russian so he could communicate with this team. He was also put on a special 3,200-calorie diet and tested by Olympic trainers for strength, speed, and endurance.

An interesting fact about the pioneering astronaut is that he took with him some Indian food to space. The Defence Food Research Lab in Mysore packed some suji halwa (a dessert made with semolina), aloo chhole (chickpea and potato curry), and vegetable pulaov, which he shared with fellow astronauts. 

The decorated Air Force officer retired from duty as a Wing Commander and joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1987. He was HAL’s chief test pilot, and retired in 2001. 

The Indian government has recently allowed companies to build private space programs. In an interview, Rakesh said he would love to go back to space but this time as a tourist.  Rakesh Sharma rewrote how many young Indians dreamed. Years later, inspired by him, another young Indian, Kalpana Chawla undertook a similar journey into the great unknown. 

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Saare Jahan Se Achha: Space pioneer Rakesh Sharma’s story evokes national pride

Written by: amrita priya.

(September 4, 2023 ) “I think I was born a little early because I’m already 75 and the remarkable era of space exploration programmes begins now but as an Indian, I join my hands and congratulate ISRO for the great success,” said cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, on the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission while speaking to National Geographic.  

Whenever people talk about important milestones in India’s space exploration, the name of Rakesh Sharma is bound to come up. It’s a name that no well-informed Indian can ever forget.  

Though many Indian-origin people have gone to space; in the population of 1.4 billion people, Rakesh Sharma remains the first and the only Indian citizen so far to have achieved this feat.  

The conversation between astronaut Rakesh Sharma and the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi while he was in space is still widely remembered. His response, ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’ (better than the entire world), when she asked how India looked from space, became a source of pride for the entire country. This interaction contributed to Rakesh Sharma’s status as a national hero.

Rakesh Sharma

From space the world seems borderless 

“When you go into the space, the first thing you do when you look out from the window is to look for your country. You say, ‘yes, it’s quite like what the Geography books have said’. After seeing it over and over again when you shift your focus, you look at the neighbouring countries and then you start realising from up there that boundaries are not visible – that they are man-made, and then you start developing that global outlook,” Rakesh Sharma told children when he visited one of the schools. 

When you have the tricolour on your arms, your performance goes beyond your potential. It’s like having a purpose higher than yourself, and when you have that purpose, things become a lot easier. Rakesh Sharma remarked

The trailblazer’s story  

In January 1982, a decision was made that an Indian would go to space on a Soviet spacecraft. It was a joint mission of ISRO and the Soviet Interkosmos Space Programme. 

This big decision inspired Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma to volunteer for this tough mission. After a very careful selection process, including a thorough medical test, he was chosen as one of the two candidates to become astronauts from a group of 150 highly qualified Indian Air Force pilots. 

Once he was selected, Sharma went through extensive astronaut training at the Yuri Gagarin Centre in the USSR. During this time, he showed strong dedication and commitment, which impressed the experts of the Soviet Space Programme. The Squadron Leader successfully finished a very tough training programme, standing out for his exceptional professionalism and great performance. 

Then, on April 3rd, 1984, he scripted history by becoming the first Indian to complete a space mission in orbit. Throughout the joint Indo-Soviet Space Mission, he did all the planned scientific experiments and other tasks really well, showing impressive skill and excellence. Through his achievements, Rakesh Sharma not only earned his place among respected space pioneers but also brought a lot of honour and pride to the country. 

Rakesh Sharm with his team members Yury Malyshev and Gennadi Strekalov

It takes your breath away… 

Right from his childhood Rakesh Sharma was captivated with the news of space. He followed every development related to space and the lives of the astronauts, oblivious of what the future beholds for him.  

“There were no television sets then but our generation closely followed each and every information that they came across in the print media to know all about the astronaut training and experiences in space,” he told the school children.

I was the 128 th guy in the world to go to space. By that time, there was already a lot of information available in the print, audio and visual media. So, I was pretty much prepared for what to expect but still, it takes your breath away when you go up there. Rakesh Sharma shared

Sharma’s space odyssey 

The first Indian citizen to travel into space accomplished the historic feat by embarking on a journey aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, which was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic on April 3, 1984. The spacecraft carried a crew that included Sharma, the ship’s commander Yury Malyshev, and flight engineer Gennadi Strekalov to the Salyut 7 Orbital Station. 

During his time aboard the Salyut 7, which lasted for 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes, Sharma and his team conducted a range of scientific and technical studies. These encompassed 43 experimental sessions, with a primary focus on fields like bio-medicine and remote sensing.  

In their celestial voyage, they captured mesmerising views of space in the absence of gravity. 

The crew held joint television news conferences from space, connecting with officials in Moscow and India’s Prime Minister at the time, Indira Gandhi. This mission made India the 14th nation to achieve the remarkable milestone of sending a human into outer space.  

All praise for ISRO 

 “ISRO was working on a very carefully crafted plan of the luminaries like Vikram Sarabhai who envisioned that all our efforts on space must have a socio-economic focus and everything must trickle down to the common man,” he said. 

Speaking highly of ISRO, Sharma remarked, “It has never competed with any other nation, and has received spectacular success.” 

Yoga and music in space 

“One problem with space flight is that people can become less productive because of space sickness in the environment of zero gravity,” Rakesh Sharma mentioned.  

While aboard, his other two Russian crew members followed their own training profile to address the space sickness issue but Rakesh Sharma had strong belief in Yoga.  

“Two-three months before the launch of our space programme, I had stopped training as per their profile. I did only yoga. It was my way to check whether yoga would prove to be helpful in addressing the space sickness problem,” he remarked. “The other two were experienced cosmonauts so they adjusted pretty well to zero gravity and I being the first timer did not face any problem either,” added the Global Indian .   

The crew was allowed to take one kilogram of personal stuff in space. The Russian astronauts carried a guitar while Sharma carried a cassette player and a cassette of his favourite music.  

A naughty child  

Rakesh Sharma was born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab. Growing up in a modest household he had an affinity for flying from a young age.   

He was a naughty child who often got punished by his teachers who made him stand at the back of the class. 

After completing his schooling from St. George Grammar School, Hyderabad, and graduation from Nizam College, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) as an air force plebe. Subsequently he joined the Indian Air Force as a test pilot in 1970. Sharma was only 21 then. 

Maths was never my favourite subject – English literature, English language and biology was. But during my test pilot training I did a master’s level aeronautical science course with mathematics as an important subject. Maths was coming out of my ears but I did manage to finish that course. Sharma said in an interaction with children evoking laughter.

Difficulty in getting parents’ consent 

Rakesh Sharma’s father worked for Punjab National Bank and later switched to state government service. His mother was an educationist. “I had difficulty in getting consent from my parents to allow me to fly fighter aircraft because we didn’t have any other family members in the air force except for a cousin of mine who had died in an air crash two months after he was commissioned,” he shared. 

But looking at how adamant he was to join the Airforce, Sharma’s parents gave in. However, his mother set a condition. “I want you to promise that you will be very good at what you are choosing because that will keep you ahead of the game, and that’s the only way you will be safe,” she said. 

Sharma’s dedication and skill earned him the opportunity to fly various aircrafts. While serving as a military pilot, he participated in dangerous combat missions on board a MiG-21 aircraft during the 1971 Bangladesh War.  

From fighter pilot to astronaut 

Progressing through numerous levels, Sharma was promoted to the rank of squadron leader in the IAF. 

It was his exceptional performance as a pilot that caught the attention of the authorities when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sought to send an Indian into space. In 1982, Rakesh Sharma was chosen for this historic mission. 

If it hadn’t been for my career as a fighter pilot, I wouldn’t have gone to space. If I were to live my life again I would again try to become a fighter pilot. It still remains an interesting job with new verticals like automation and artificial intelligence added to it now. Rakesh Sharma remarked

Awards and honours 

After his return from space, Sharma was conferred the prestigious title of the Hero of the Soviet Union. He continues to hold the unique distinction of being the sole Indian recipient of this honour. 

In India, Sharma and his two Soviet mission companions, Malyshev and Strekalov were honoured with the highest peacetime gallantry award, the ‘Ashoka Chakra’. 

Life after retirement  

After retiring as a wing commander of the Indian Air Force, Sharma joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in 1987, assuming the role of chief test pilot at the HAL Nashik Division. In 1992 he moved on to HAL’s Bangalore division. In 2001, his flying career came to an end. 

Immediately after that, Sharma held the position of non-executive chairman at Cadila Labs, a company based in Bengaluru that specialises in innovative automation solutions. He also played a significant role in ISRO’s Gaganyaan National Advisory Council, supervising the astronaut selection programme.  

Sharma has been leading a life full of tranquillity in the quietude of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu with his wife, Madhu. They savour the pleasures of golfing, gardening, yoga, reading, watching films and listening to music which ranges from Hindustani classical, to western and Sufi numbers.

Rakesh Sharma during an interaction session with students

Inspiration for all 

Rakesh Sharma has extensively travelled across schools and colleges of India sharing his first-hand experience of being in space with youngsters. 

Sharma’s impact reverberates through the pages of history books and India’s journey among the stars. He continues to symbolise boundless exploration of space and the aspirations of humanity.

Looks like Mahendra singh Dhoni . both are great Indians.

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Flying high: Astronaut Raja Chari is reaching for the stars

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Sky is not the limit: Indian astronauts who made us proud

Apr 12, 2023

​International Space Flight Day

International Space Flight Day is observed on April 12 each year to celebrate the historic achievement of humans venturing into space. On the same day in 1961, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into space. Here are Indian astronauts who were a part of space expeditions.

Credit: Wikipedia

​Rakesh Sharma

Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot and astronaut, is the first Indian citizen to travel to space. In 1984, he flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 as part of an intercosmic flight programme between the Soviet Union and India.

Credit: BCCL

​One step, giant leap​

During his eight-day stay on the Salyut 7 space station, Sharma conducted scientific experiments and communicated with the former PM Indira Gandhi. He uttered the historic words – “Sare jahan se accha (the best in the world),” answering her question on how India looked from up there.

​Kalpana Chawla​

Chawla was the first woman of Indian-origin to travel to space. She was born in Haryana, India and moved to the United States in 1982 to pursue aerospace engineering.

​An inspiration for many​

In 1995, she became a member of NASA and went on her first space mission in 1997. She was also a crew member on the STS-107 mission in 2003, which ended tragically when the spacecraft Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members, including Chawla.

​Sunita Williams​

Sunita Williams is a famous American astronaut of Indian descent. She has made significant contributions to space exploration, and accomplished several feats during her career as an astronaut.

Credit: NASA

​Maximum number of days spent in space by an Indian​

She has flown on two space missions and has spent a total of 322 days in space. During the time, she set several records, including the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman and the most spacewalks by a woman.

​Sirisha Bandla

Sirisha Bandla, an astronaut and aeronautical engineer of Indian descent, is employed at Virgin Galactic. She was born in Andhra Pradesh, India, and grew up in Houston, Texas.

Credit: Twitter

​Third Indian-origin woman to fly into space​

Sirisha was part of the crew of Virgin Galactic's Unity 22 mission and flew into space in July 2021, becoming the third Indian-origin woman to do so after Chawla and Williams.

Credit: LinkedIn

​Dr Swati Mohan​

Though she has not gone into space, Dr Swati Mohan, an Indian-American aerospace engineer and scientist, was the lead guidance and controls operations engineer for NASA's Mars 2020 mission in February 2021, ensuring the successful landing of the spacecraft on the Martian surface.

​Living her dream​

Mohan got interested in space after watching Star Trek at the age of nine and later decided to switch from their original plan of becoming a pediatrician. She got her master's degree and PhD in aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

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Gaganyaan astronauts revealed: When Indira Gandhi dialled Rakesh Sharma in space

Wing commander rakesh sharma, the first indian to travel to space, had an unforgettable conversation with then prime minister indira gandhi in 1984..

Listen to Story

• The conversation showcased the nation's growing aspirations in the cosmic realm.
• Rakesh Sharma embarked on a historic journey aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11
• During his time in space, Sharma had a memorable interaction with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday handed wings to four astronauts, who are currently in training to be the first Indian astronauts to go to space from India on an indigenous space vehicle.

The four astronauts are Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap, Wing Commader Shubhanshu Shukla.

WATCH THEN PM INDIRA GANDHI SPEAKS TO ASTRONAUT RAKESH SHARMA

On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma embarked on a historic journey aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This mission was part of a joint Indo-Soviet space endeavor, marking a significant leap for India into space exploration.

Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, spent eight days in space, orbiting Earth and living aboard the Salyut 7 space station. His mission included conducting scientific and technical studies, which spanned forty-three experimental sessions focusing mainly on bio-medicine and remote sensing.

However, it was his response to Gandhi's question about how India looked from space that left an indelible mark.

"Saare Jahan Se Achha," Sharma replied, using the title of a patriotic poem by Muhammad Iqbal, which translates to "Better than the entire world." This phrase resonated deeply with a sense of national pride and unity.

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Rakesh Sharma: First Indian to conquer space

The first indian and the 138th person to travel in space, this cosmonaut spent eight days in the salyut 7 space station in april 1984. he retired from the indian air force as a wing commander. his feat made india the 14th nation to send a man to outer space..

Born on January 13, 1949 in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma attended St. George’s Grammar School, Hyderabad and graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. He was admitted to the National Defence Academy (NDA) at Khadakvasla, Pune, in July 1966 and became a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970.

Having joined the IAF as a test pilot, Rakesh Sharma flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the 1971 Bangladesh war. He went on to fly a wide range of aircraft and on September 20, 1982 was chosen to become a cosmonaut as part of a joint initiative that involved the space research bodies Interkosmos, representing the Soviet Union as well as the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Destination space

He along with a large number of fellow candidates went through many tests first at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bangalore and then to Moscow. The large batch was gradually reduced to a shortlist of four candidates, before a final round of medical tests left just two candidates – Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra – both of them being IAF pilots. It was made clear at the outset that even though only one of them would finally make the grade for the space odyssey, the other one would be a standby for any eventuality. However, the identity of who exactly would be the lucky one would be taken only towards the last stage before the actual space flight.

Tough training regime

AS part of the rigorous training they underwent for nearly two years at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center at Star City in the outskirts of Moscow, the duo of Sharma and Malhotra were even locked inside a closed room at an IAF facility in Bangalore for 72 hours to detect if they suffered from claustrophobia. Sharma performed yoga for 10 minutes daily to maintain better fitness in space, as well as zero gravity yoga to combat space sickness. On April 2, 1984, Sharma become the first Indian to go into space when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 that was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The rocket docked and transferred the three member Soviet-Indian international crew which included the spaceship commander Yury Malyshev and flight engineer Gennadi Strekalov, to the Salyut 7 Orbital Station. Over the years, he rose up the ranks and, in 1984, was appointed squadron leader in the IAF. He retired as wing commander and, in 1987, joined the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) wherein he was the chief test pilot at the HAL Nashik and Bangalore divisions, respectively, until 1992. He was also associated with the project involving the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

Achievements, awards

The honour Hero of the Soviet Union was conferred upon Sharma on his return from space, making him the lone Indian recipient. India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, was also conferred on him.

Personal life

Sharma with his wife Madhu has a son, Kapil who is a film director, and a daughter Kritika, who is a media artist.

INTERESTING FACTS

1. Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station. He photographed India from space and the photos he took saved India two years of aerial photography to map the same area. The mission conducted scientific and technical studies, including 43 experimental sessions, but his work involved bio-medicine and remote sensing. He also observed a fire in Burma (Myanmar).

2. The crew held a television conference with Moscow officials and then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. She asked him how India looked from space, Sharma replied, ‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’.

3. Sharma’s Russian companions aboard enjoyed Indian food in space. The dishes were prepared by the Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore which included Pulao, Alu chholey and Sooji halwa.

4. Sharma carried with him portraits of the then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, President Zail Singh, defence minister, Venkataraman and soil from Rajghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s samadhi.

Source: Wikipedia, gallantryawards.gov.in and britannica.com

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Chanakya Defence Foundation

Rakesh Sharma: India’s Star Voyager

 Early Life and Military Career

Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma’s early life was much like any other Indian boy’s, filled with dreams and aspirations. However, his destiny was to be written among the stars. He graduated from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970, quickly establishing himself as a skilled and dedicated fighter pilot. His excellence in the field was evident, and he rapidly rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers and superiors alike.

 The Space Odyssey

The turning point in Sharma’s career came when he was selected for a joint space program between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Interkosmos space program. This selection was a testament to his exceptional skills and physical fitness, as the criteria for selection were incredibly stringent.

On April 2, 1984, Sharma, along with Soviet cosmonauts Yuri Malyshev and Gennady Strekalov, blasted off into space aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. This mission marked a significant milestone for India, as he became the first Indian citizen to travel in space. During his eight days aboard the Salyut 7 space station, Sharma conducted scientific and technical experiments, including photography and remote sensing of the earth, biomedicine, and remote sensing.

One of the most iconic moments of his journey was when the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, asked him how India looked from outer space. Sharma’s response, “Saare Jahan Se Achha” (better than the entire world), a line from a patriotic poem by Iqbal, resonated with pride and patriotism across the nation.

 Post-Space Career and Legacy

After returning to Earth, Sharma’s life was no longer just his own; he became a national hero, an embodiment of India’s scientific and technological prowess. Despite the fame and attention, he continued his service in the IAF until his retirement as a Wing Commander.

Post-retirement, Sharma did not fade away from the public eye. Instead, he transitioned into the corporate sector, taking on leadership roles and continuing to inspire young minds. His journey from a fighter pilot to a cosmonaut has been a source of motivation for many in India, especially those aspiring to careers in aviation and space exploration.

 Impact and Inspiration

Rakesh Sharma’s space journey was not just a personal achievement but a landmark event for India. It showcased the nation’s growing capabilities in space technology and its potential to contribute significantly to global space research.

Sharma’s story is not just about the technological triumph of a space mission. It’s a narrative of relentless pursuit, courage, and the human spirit’s capacity to transcend earthly boundaries. His journey continues to inspire a new generation of Indians to look up at the stars and dream big.

As India advances in its space endeavours, with missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, the legacy of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma serves as a beacon, reminding us of the moment an Indian first ventured into space, broadening the horizons for many to follow. His story remains a testament to the fact that with perseverance and determination, the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.

 The Continued Influence of Rakesh Sharma

The legacy of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma extends beyond his historical space flight. It resides in the ongoing advancement of India in space technology and in the hearts of countless Indians who see him as a symbol of national pride and scientific achievement.

 Educational and Cultural Impact

Sharma’s journey has had a profound impact on the educational and cultural landscape of India. His achievements have sparked a renewed interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among young Indians. Schools and educational institutions often cite his story as an exemplary tale of courage, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge. His life’s journey continues to be a part of curriculum discussions, inspiring future generations to dream big and aim high.

 Role in Promoting Space Exploration

Post his space mission, Sharma has been actively involved in promoting space science and exploration in India. He has been a regular speaker at various academic and scientific forums, where he shares his experiences and insights about space travel. His advocacy for space research has played a crucial role in igniting a passion for space sciences in many young minds.

 Advisor and Mentor

Beyond his public appearances, Sharma serves as an advisor and mentor to various space and science-related projects and organizations. His insights, drawn from his first-hand experience in space, provide invaluable guidance to new space missions and research projects.

Global Recognition

Wing Commander Sharma’s achievements have earned him global recognition as well. He is often invited to international space conferences and seminars, where he represents India’s early forays into space exploration. His interactions at these global forums not only highlight India’s contributions to space exploration but also foster international collaborations and partnerships.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Despite his extraordinary achievements, Sharma remains a humble and grounded individual. He often speaks about the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the need to stay curious. His philosophy revolves around the belief that space exploration is not just about technological advancement but about understanding our place in the universe and working towards the betterment of humanity.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s journey is not just a tale of a man reaching for the stars; it is a narrative of a nation’s aspirations and capabilities in the realm of space exploration. As India continues to make strides in space technology and exploration, Sharma’s odyssey serves as a constant reminder of the possibilities that lie beyond our planet. His story is a testament to the power of dreams and the endless potential of human endeavour. As we look towards the stars, we remember the man who first showed us that for India, the sky was never the limit.

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Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla

Soldiers for soldiers.

2023 Chanakya Defence Foundation

NASA Administrator Meets Rakesh Sharma, The First Indian To Fly To Space

Rakesh Sharma went on to become the first Indian citizen to reach outer space on April 2, 1984, when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic.

Bill Nelson, who is on a visit to India, said that the story of Rakesh Sharma lit up the room.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator Bill Nelson expressed delight at meeting students at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and the first Indian to fly to space, Rakesh Sharma on Wednesday.

Mr Nelson, who is on a visit to India, said that the story of Rakesh Sharma lit up the room.

Sharing on his social media X, NASA Administrator stated, "It was a great honor to speak with students in Bengaluru today with Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to fly to space. His story lit up the room! To the Artemis Generation in India and beyond: Work hard, dream big, and reach for the stars. The universe is the limit!"

He spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes in space and took India to become the 14th nation to travel to outer space. Sharma's work was mainly in the fields of bio-medicine and remote sensing.

Mr Sharma conducted several scientific studies and experiments, his work including remote sensing and bio-medicine. The crew even held a conference with officials from space. When the then PM of India, Indira Gandhi asked Mr Sharma how India looked from outer space, Mr Sharma said "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha".

He said that the most beautiful moments in space were sunrise and sunset.

Meanwhile, Mr Nelson touched down in India on Tuesday, expressing his enthusiasm for a week of meetings and events aimed at strengthening the partnership between NASA and ISRO.

He emphasised that India is a leader in space and is looking forward to a productive visit.

He will also be visiting the UAE for a series of meetings with key government officials.

Mr Nelson will also meet with space officials in both countries to deepen bilateral cooperation across a broad range of innovation and research-related areas, especially in human exploration and Earth science, the American space agency NASA said in a release.

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Mr Nelson's visit to India will fulfil a commitment as part of the US and India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology initiated by President Joe Biden.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Rakesh Sharma Birthday: Interesting facts about India's first space traveller

Rakesh sharma birthday special: here are some interesting facts about the first indian astronaut to reach outer space.

• Updated Jan 13, 2020, 3:54 PM IST

Rakesh Sharma was born in Patiala on January 13, 1949. He is the first Indian citizen to reach outer space on April 2, 1984. He spent 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes in space.

He went to space as a part of a joint programme between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Intercosmos space programme.

Interestingly, Rakesh Sharma had taken Indian food to space with the help of Defense Food Research Lab situated in Mysore. They had packed suji halwa, aloo choley and veg pulao which Sharma shared with fellow astronauts. His work in space was focused on areas of biomedicine and remote sensing. In order to cope with space sickness, Sharma took to 'zero gravity yoga'.

When the then PM of India, Indira Gandhi asked Sharma how does India look from the outer space, Sharma said "Saare Jahaan se Achcha". He said that the most beautiful moments in space were that of sunrise and sunset.

Apart from being the first Indian to stay in space, Rakesh Sharma is also the first Indian to have been conferred with the 'Hero of Soviet Union' award. He was also awarded Ashok Chakra alongwith his Russian co astronauts Yuri Malyshev and Genadi Strekalov.

Sharma retired from the Indian Air Force as a Wing Commander.  He joined the HAL in 1987 and was a chief test pilot in the Nashik Division of HAL.

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Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee in Bengaluru; Writing by Kanjyik Ghosh in Mumbai; Editing by Alexandra Hudson

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Nivedita writes about the business of space, space-startups and other related developing technologies that have the potential to impact the journey of humankind. Previously, she has covered the U.S apparel industry, the Indian tech-startup boom and other market and industry defining stories in her 14 years with Reuters. When not chasing her own stories, she is a desk editor.

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India reveals astronauts for its Gaganyaan space mission

Country plans to launch a habitable space capsule over the next year.

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On Tuesday, India introduced four crew members for its maiden Gaganyaan space voyage, as it aims to become the world's fourth country to send a crewed mission into space, just months after a historic landing on the south pole of the moon.

Gaganyaan, or "sky craft" in Hindi, is the first mission of its kind for India and will cost about 90.23 billion rupees ($1.5 billion Cdn). It involves the launch of a habitable space capsule over the next year to an orbit of 400 kilometres, and its return via a landing in the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded the four crew members — all of them air force officers — "astronaut wings" at a space centre in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala state on Tuesday, in their first public appearance after months of rigorous training.

The four officers are Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Ajit Krishnan, Angad Pratap and Shubhanshu Shukla, a government statement said.

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ISRO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ISRO</a> reveals the identities of the four astronaut designates for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaganyaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaganyaan</a>'s first crewed mission! 👨‍🚀<br><br>• Group Captain Prashanth BalaKrishnan Nair<br>• Group Captain Ajit Krishnan<br>• Group Captain Angad Prathap<br>• Wing Commander Shubhansku Shukla<br><br>🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳<a href="https://t.co/08bLavQxBT">pic.twitter.com/08bLavQxBT</a> &mdash; @ISROSpaceflight

It was not clear if all four astronauts would be on board the mission.

Gaganyaan is a "historic" achievement for India, Modi said on X and in a statement, coming four decades after air force officer Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space with a Soviet mission.

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"Time is ours, countdown is ours and so is the rocket," Modi told space scientists.

Only the United States, Russia, and China have sent their own crewed missions into space.

Astronauts from more than three dozen other countries have made space trips aboard either U.S. or Russian missions.

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Before NASA’s Raja Chari, the astronauts who took India into space

Chari will become the fourth person of indian origin to go to outer space. the first indian to enter space was rakesh sharma, when he flew aboard the soviet rocket soyuz t-11 in 1984..

Indian-American US Air Force Colonel Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari made history this week , when he was named among 18 astronauts who have been selected by NASA for its ambitious manned mission to the moon and beyond on December 9.

The 43-year-old is the sole Indian-origin member of NASA’s diverse Artemis Team, which is set to land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface by the end of the decade, the American space agency said.

Proud to be a small part of the huge @NASA team working to get humans to the moon to stay. We need explorers, engineers, and dreamers to get #Artemis there https://t.co/H3GaLjLe8K — Raja Chari (@Astro_Raja) December 10, 2020

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With this, Chari will become the fourth person of Indian origin to go to outer space. The first Indian to enter space was Rakesh Sharma, when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11 in 1984.

Read| Indian-American astronaut among 18 in NASA’s manned Moon mission

While India is yet to launch a manned space flight, four Indian astronauts will soon complete their training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow in preparation for the country’s first crewed Gaganyaan project.

Here is a list of all Indian and Indian-origin astronauts

Rakesh Sharma

In 1984, former Indian Air Force pilot Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to travel into space. He was selected as a cosmonaut for a space mission launched jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation ( ISRO ) and the Soviet Intercosmos space programme.

On April 3, 1984, he flew aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 rocket to the space station Salyut 7. When then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked him what India looked like from outer space, Sharma famously said, “Saare Jahaan se Achcha”.

Soon after he returned from space, he was conferred with the ‘Hero of Soviet Union’ award, making him the first Indian to receive the prestigious honour. He also received India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra.

Prior to becoming a cosmonaut, the seasoned IAF test pilot had flown 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the Bangladesh war of 1971.

Kalpana Chawla

On February 1, 2003, the space shuttle Columbia flight STS-10 disintegrated over Texas during its re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts who were aboard the craft. Amongst them was Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian woman to travel to space, who quickly became a national hero and icon.

Born in Karnal, Chawla received a degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College before moving to the United States for her masters and PhD. In 1994, she was selected as an astronaut candidate at NASA.

Chawla first travelled to space aboard the ill-fated space shuttle Columbia flight STS-87. The shuttle made 252 orbits around the Earth in a little over two weeks, before the tragic accident that took place in February while it was returning to Earth.

Sunita Williams

NASA astronaut and former US Navy test pilot Sunita Williams has set many records over the course of her career. During her two flights to the International Space Station (ISS), she has logged more than 321 days in space, making her one of the most experienced female astronauts in the United States.

She holds the record of longest spaceflight (195 days) for a female space traveller as well as the most spacewalking time by a woman — at 50 hours and 40 minutes over seven career excursions.

She famously participated in the Boston Marathon while in space by running approximately 42.2 km on the ISS’ treadmill.

Ravish Malhotra

While Rakesh Sharma became a household name after he became the first Indian to enter space, Air Commodore (Retd) Ravish Malhotra’s story is often forgotten. He was the man who was trained alongside Sharma as his backup astronaut for the Indo-Soviet space mission. However, despite rigorously preparing for the journey, the Kirti Chakra recipient did not get to go to space.

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Indian-American US Air Force colonel Raja Chari is among 18 astronauts, who will form NASA’s Artemis Team and help pave the way for the next lunar missions. He was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class.

After completing the initial astronaut candidate training, Chari is now eligible for a mission assignment. Before his NASA career, he was an Air Force pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying time.

The Gaganyaan team

A team of four Indian Air Force pilots have been undergoing intense training at Russia’s Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center near Moscow for India’s maiden manned mission ‘Gaganyaan’.

“We have selected 4 IAF pilots for our first manned space mission in 2021-22. Three of them will go into space to orbit around the earth for a week and conduct experiments in micro-gravity and bio-science,” ISRO chairman K Sivan announced earlier this year.

Their training was briefly paused in May due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, but has since resumed. However, ISRO officials have said that the mission may now be delayed by a year.

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The largest country in the world at 17,075,400 square kilometres (or 6,592,800 sq mi), Russia has accumulated quite an impressive reputation. Covering more than an eight of the Earth's land area, 142 million people live there making it the ninth largest nation by population . Still known for its impressive days as the expansive Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), Russia was the world's first and largest constitutionally socialist state. A recognized superpower, the USSR was known for its excellence in both arts and science winning many awards in both fields.

Russia changed drastically after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, but it continues to be a powerful and important nation. It has one of the world's fastest growing economies and the world's eight largest GDP by nominal GDP. Russia is also one of the five countries which officially recognized nuclear weapons states. In conjunction with this title, Russia is also a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the G8, APEC and the SCO, and is a leading member of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

A European city in a country that lies over a vast part of Asia, Moscow holds one-tenth of all Russian residents . The city is located in the western region of Russia and is the capital and epicentre of political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation happenings. "Muscovites" , as residents are known, tend to be cultured and worldly. This may be due to the many scientific, educational, and artistic institutions that are based here. An intoxicating mix of the exotic and the familiar, it is the largest city in Europe with the Moscow metropolitan area ranking among the largest urban areas in the world.

The city is situated on the banks of the Moskva River which flows through much of central Russia. Moscow is actually located in a basin for the Volga, Oka, Klyazma, and Moscow rivers. The city of Moscow is 994 sq. km with 49 bridges spanning the rivers and canals that criss-cross the city.

Forests are another part of Moscow's make-up. They coveer over a third of the territory in the region. A variety of animals like elk, wild boar, deer, foxes, weasels, lynx, martens, and birds make their home here.

Located in the UTC+3 time zone , Moscow has a humid continental climate. The summers tend to be warm and humid and the winters are long, cold, and hard. High temperatures occur during the warm months of June, July and August at about 23 °C (73 °F). Heat waves sometimes grip the city anywhere between May to September with temperatures spiking up to 30 °C (86 °F). Winters are harshly chilly with temperatures dropping to approximately 9 °C (15.8 °F). There is consistent snow cover for 3 to 5 months a year, usually from November to March.

Update 10/07/2009

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