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First Astronaut of India, Rakesh Sharma, created history on April 3, 1984, by becoming the first Indian to travel into space. He spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 Space Station, making India the 14th country in the world to send a human into outer space.
- Rakesh Sharma Biography: Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian and the 138th person to travel into space. He spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station. This remarkable mission made India the 14th country to send a person into space.
Rakesh Sharma Biography
| Birth | 13 January 1949 |
| Age | 73 years |
| Education | St. George’s Grammar School, HyderabadNizam College Hyderabad35th National Defence Academy |
| Occupation | Fighter Pilot at IAFResarch Cosmonaut at ISROTest pilot at HAL |
| Awards | Hero of the Soviet UnionAshoka ChakraPaschimi Star Sangram MedalSainya Seva Medal Videsh Seva Service Medal 9 Years Long Service Medal25th Anniversary of Independence Medal |
| Wife | Madhu |
| Children | Kapil and Krittika |
Rakesh Sharma Biography: Birth, Age, and Education
Rakesh Sharma was born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, India. He completed his early education at St. George’s Grammar School and Nizam College in Hyderabad, before graduating from the 35th National Defence Academy.
Rakesh Sharma Career
In 1970, Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force as a pilot, flying 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. On September 20, 1982, he was selected as a cosmonaut for a joint program between India and the Soviet Union. Sharma underwent two years of training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow, including a 72-hour claustrophobia test in a closed room at an IAF facility in Bangalore. Wing Commander Ravish Malhotra served as the backup pilot.
First Indian to go to space
On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian in space when he flew aboard the Soviet rocket Soyuz T-11. Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the mission carried Sharma alongside Commander Yury Malyshev and Flight Engineer Gennadi Strekalov to the Salyut 7 Space Station.
Rakesh Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 Space Station. Throughout his mission, he took part in 43 scientific and technical experiments, focusing on areas such as biomedicine and remote-sensing studies. His work contributed to valuable research in these fields, advancing knowledge in space science.
The Soviet-Indian crew held a joint TV press conference with Moscow officials and Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When asked about India’s appearance from space, Rakesh Sharma famously responded, “Sare Jahan Se Achcha,” meaning “better than the entire world.”
- Prime Minister Indira Gandhi asked, “What does India look like from space?“
- Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma proudly responded, “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” meaning “Better than the entire world.” This response reflected his deep love and pride for India while viewing it from space.
- On this day in 1984, India marked a historic milestone by launching its first-ever space mission with the collaboration of the Soviet Intercosmos Program. During this mission, Rakesh Sharma created history by becoming the first Indian to travel to space.
- Rakesh Sharma holds the honour of being the first Indian to journey into space.
Rakesh Sharma rose through the ranks in the Indian Air Force and retired with the title of Wing Commander. In 1987, he joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a Chief Test Pilot in Nashik. Later, in 1992, he was transferred to the Bangalore division, where he continued his service until he retired from flying in 2001.
Rakesh Sharma: Wife and Children
Rakesh Sharma is married to Madhu Sharma, and together they have two children, Kapil and Krittika. Their son, Kapil Sharma, is a renowned film director, while their daughter, Krittika Sharma, is a talented media artist.
Rakesh Sharma: Awards and Honours
After returning from space, Rakesh Sharma was honoured with the prestigious title of Hero of the Soviet Union, becoming the only Indian to receive this rare recognition. Additionally, along with his fellow crew members, Yury Malyshev and Gennadi Strekalov, he was also awarded India’s highest peacetime gallantry award — the Ashoka Chakra.
Interesting Facts
1. For Rakesh Sharma’s historic space mission, the Defense Food Research Laboratory (DFRL) in Mysore specially prepared Indian dishes such as suji halwa, aloo chole, and veg pulao to provide him with a taste of home while in space.
2. In 1984, Rakesh Sharma practised zero-gravity yoga during his space mission to effectively combat space sickness and maintain his physical well-being in a weightless environment.
3. Rakesh Sharma captured remarkable photographs of India from space, which helped save two years of aerial mapping efforts. During his mission, he also spotted a massive fire in Myanmar (formerly Burma) from space.
4. Rakesh Sharma carried portraits of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, President Zail Singh, and Defence Minister Venkataraman along with soil from Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat during his historic space journey.
Rakesh Sharma: Current Life
Rakesh Sharma is a renowned motivational speaker and the author of several inspiring books based on his extraordinary space journey. He also serves as a member of ISRO’s National Advisory Council for Gaganyaan, India’s ambitious human spaceflight mission.
Currently, he leads a peaceful and content life with his wife, Madhu, in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu. While staying away from the media spotlight, Sharma continues to contribute to India’s space program through his valuable association with ISRO.
Conclusion
Rakesh Sharma’s extraordinary journey from an Air Force pilot to becoming the first Indian in space stands as a true symbol of dedication and excellence. Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, his strong educational background prepared him for a stellar career. Commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 1970, he earned admiration for his bravery during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma created history by travelling to space aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, spending 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7 space station. His mission highlighted India’s growing strength in space exploration and earned him immense national pride. For his achievements, he was honoured with the prestigious Hero of the Soviet Union title and India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra.
After his historic spaceflight, Sharma played a key role in India’s aerospace sector, serving as a chief test pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and actively contributing to ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission. Now living in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, with his wife Madhu, he continues to inspire the nation through his motivational talks and writings. His legendary journey remains a guiding light for future generations and a proud chapter in India’s space exploration history.
