Rakesh Sharma Biography: Birth, Age, Education, Career, Awards and More About Indian Astronaut

On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian to travel to space. He spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station. With his mission, India became the 14th country to send a person into outer space.

Rakesh Sharma Biography: Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian and the 138th person to journey into space. He spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes on the Salyut 7 space station. With this mission, India became the 14th country to send a person into space.

Rakesh Sharma Biography

Rakesh Sharma Biography: Birth, Age, and Education

Rakesh Sharma was born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, India. He attended St. George’s Grammar School and Nizam College in Hyderabad, and he graduated from the 35th National Defence Academy.

Rakesh Sharma Career

Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force as a pilot 1970 and flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

On September 20, 1982, he was selected to become a cosmonaut in a joint program between India and the Soviet Union. Sharma trained for two years at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow. As part of his preparation, he was tested for claustrophobia by being locked in a closed room at an IAF facility in Bangalore for 72 hours. Wing Commander Ravish Malhotra was the backup pilot.

First Indian to go to space

Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, which was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on April 3, 1984. The rocket carried Sharma and two Soviet crew members, Commander Yury Malyshev and Flight Engineer Gennadi Strekalov, to the Salyut 7 Space Station.

Rakesh Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes on the Salyut 7 space station. During his mission, he participated in scientific and technical experiments, including 43 different tests. His specific tasks included working on biomedicine and remote-sensing studies.

The Soviet-Indian crew held a joint TV news conference with Moscow officials and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When asked what India looked like from space, Sharma famously replied, “Sare Jahan Se Achcha” (better than the entire world).

• Smt Indira Gandhi asked, “How does India look from space?”

• Sq Ldr Rakesh Sharma replied, “Saare Jahan Se Acha” 🇮🇳

• On this day in 1984, India launched its first space mission with support from the Soviet Intercosmos program. Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space.

• Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space.

Rakesh Sharma advanced through the ranks and retired as a Wing Commander. In 1987, he joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a chief test pilot in Nashik. He moved to the Bangalore division in 1992 and retired from flying in 2001.

Rakesh Sharma: Wife and Children

Rakesh Sharma is married to Madhu, and they have two children: Kapil and Krittika. Their son, Kapil, is a film director, while their daughter, Krittika, works as a media artist.

Rakesh Sharma: Awards and Honours

When Rakesh Sharma returned from space, he was awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union, making him the only Indian to receive this honor. Along with the other two mission members, Malyshev and Strekalov, he also received India’s highest peacetime award, the Ashoka Chakra.

Interesting Facts

1-  For Rakesh Sharma’s space journey, the Defense Food Research Lab in Mysore prepared dishes like suji halwa, aloo chole, and veg pulao.

2- In 1984, he practiced zero-gravity yoga to manage space sickness.

3- He took photos of India from space, which saved two years of aerial mapping. He also spotted a fire in Myanmar (formerly Burma).

4- Sharma took portraits of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, President Zail Singh, Defence Minister Venkataraman, and soil from Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat into space.

Rakesh Sharma: Current Life

Rakesh Sharma is a well-known motivational speaker and author of several books about his space journey. He is also a member of ISRO’s National Advisory Council for Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight program.

Now living a quiet and fulfilling life with his wife, Madhu, in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, Sharma stays out of the spotlight but continues to support India’s space efforts through his work with ISRO.

Conclusion

Rakesh Sharma’s journey from a pilot to becoming the first Indian in space is a remarkable story of dedication and achievement. Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, India, Sharma’s educational background laid a solid foundation for his future. After being commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1970, he gained recognition for his service during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

In 1984, Sharma made history by traveling to space aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11, spending 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes on the Salyut 7 space station. His mission not only showcased India’s growing space capabilities but also cemented his place as a national hero. He was honored with the Hero of the Soviet Union award and India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra.

Post his space journey, Sharma made significant contributions to India’s aerospace sector, serving as a chief test pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and supporting ISRO’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission. Residing in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, with his wife Madhu, Sharma remains a source of inspiration through his motivational speaking and writings. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of space enthusiasts and contributes to India’s ongoing advancements in space exploration.

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