Births on January 13

Rakesh Sharma, Indian commander, pilot, and astronaut

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, AC, a distinguished former pilot of the Indian Air Force, etched his name in history on 3 April 1984. Born on 13 January 1949, he became the first and, to date, only Indian citizen to journey into space. His momentous voyage occurred aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11, as an integral part of the Soviet Union's Interkosmos programme, a significant international collaboration in space exploration.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma was awarded the Ashok Chakra (AC), India's highest peacetime gallantry award, for his exceptional courage and pioneering achievement in space. Prior to his cosmic journey, Sharma was a decorated test pilot with the Indian Air Force, showcasing remarkable skill and dedication throughout his flying career. His selection for the ambitious joint Indo-Soviet space mission underscored his elite capabilities.

The historic mission of Soyuz T-11, launched on 3 April 1984, involved docking with the Salyut 7 orbital station. During his eight-day stay in space, Rakesh Sharma conducted various scientific experiments and observations. These included studies on yoga in space for potential benefits to astronauts, bio-medicine, and remote sensing, which involved photographing India from orbit for geological and oceanographic mapping. The Interkosmos programme, under which Sharma flew, was a Soviet initiative designed to facilitate joint space missions with friendly nations, fostering scientific cooperation and strengthening diplomatic ties through shared advancements in space technology. Sharma was part of a three-member crew aboard Soyuz T-11, which also included the Soviet cosmonauts Yury Malyshev and Gennadi Strekalov.

Rakesh Sharma holds the unparalleled distinction of being the sole Indian citizen to have travelled into the cosmos. While he remains the only one with Indian citizenship, it is important to note that other remarkable individuals of Indian origin have also ventured into space, contributing significantly to human spaceflight. Notable figures include Kalpana Chawla, an American astronaut who tragically perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and Sunita Williams, another American astronaut renowned for her multiple long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station. These individuals, though of Indian heritage, held American citizenship at the time of their spaceflights, making Wing Commander Sharma's achievement uniquely Indian.

Accompanying Wing Commander Sharma through the rigorous selection and training process was Air Force Pilot Ravish Malhotra. He served as the backup cosmonaut for the Soyuz T-11 mission, prepared to step in if any unforeseen circumstances prevented Sharma from flying. This demanding training, undertaken in the Soviet Union, was incredibly comprehensive, encompassing everything from advanced flight dynamics and spacecraft systems to survival training and scientific protocols, underscoring the high standards required for human spaceflight and the depth of talent within the Indian Air Force.

Following his historic space mission, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma continued his distinguished career, contributing his invaluable experience to the Indian aerospace sector. His journey remains a powerful symbol of India's aspirations in space and a source of immense national pride, inspiring generations of scientists, engineers, and aspiring astronauts across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about India's First Cosmonaut

Who was the first Indian citizen to go to space?

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a pilot from the Indian Air Force, was the first and only Indian citizen to travel into space. He flew aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984.

When did Rakesh Sharma go to space?

Rakesh Sharma embarked on his historic space journey on 3 April 1984.

How long was Rakesh Sharma in space?

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma spent eight days in orbit during his mission aboard the Salyut 7 space station.

What was the Interkosmos programme?

The Interkosmos programme was a Soviet Union initiative that facilitated joint space missions with cosmonauts from allied and friendly nations, allowing for scientific cooperation and shared advancements in space exploration.

Are there other astronauts of Indian origin who have been to space?

Yes, while Rakesh Sharma is the only Indian citizen, other notable astronauts of Indian origin, such as Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, have also flown in space. However, they held American citizenship during their missions.

Who was Ravish Malhotra?

Ravish Malhotra was another Indian Air Force pilot who underwent rigorous training alongside Rakesh Sharma and served as the backup cosmonaut for the Soyuz T-11 mission.