Rakesh Sharma is an Indian astronaut and former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer who etched his name in history as the first Indian citizen to travel to space. Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, his journey to becoming a cosmonaut is an inspiring tale of dedication and achievement.

India’s First Cosmonaut

Early Life and Education

Sharma’s educational journey began at St. Ann’s High School in Secunderabad and St. George’s Grammar School in Hyderabad. He graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. In July 1966, Sharma joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) as an air force cadet.

Military and Aviation Career

In 1970, Rakesh Sharma was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force. As a MiG-21 pilot, he gained valuable experience. He flew 21 combat missions during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Progressing through his IAF career, Sharma became a test pilot. By 1984, he had risen to the rank of Squadron Leader.

Selection and Training as a Cosmonaut

In 1982, Rakesh Sharma was selected for a joint Soviet-Indian spaceflight as a cosmonaut. This opportunity came through a joint program between the Indian Air Force and the Soviet Interkosmos space program. Sharma underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow for two years. He even underwent a claustrophobia test in Bengaluru, where he was confined to a room for 72 hours.

The Historic Spaceflight

On April 3, 1984, Rakesh Sharma embarked on his space journey aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. The launch took place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. The Soyuz T-11 docked with the Salyut 7 Orbital Station, where Sharma joined Soviet cosmonauts Yury Malyshev (commander) and Gennady Strekalov (flight engineer).

During his time on Salyut 7, Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes conducting various scientific and technical studies. These experiments included work in remote sensing and bio-medicine. He also participated in 43 experimental sessions and studied the effects of yoga on the human body in weightlessness.

A memorable moment occurred during a joint TV news conference with Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When asked how India looked from space, Sharma quoted Iqbal, saying, “Sare Jahan Se Accha” (better than the whole world). This patriotic response resonated with the entire nation. Sharma’s flight made India the 14th nation to send a human into space. He was the 128th man to go into space.

Post-Retirement

In 1987, Rakesh Sharma retired from the IAF as a Wing Commander. He then joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as a chief test pilot. Sharma retired from flying in 2001 and settled in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.

Awards and Recognition

Rakesh Sharma received numerous awards and honors for his historic achievement:

  • Hero of the Soviet Union
  • Ashoka Chakra
  • 25th Anniversary of Independence Medal
  • 9 Years Long Service Medal
  • Paschimi Star
  • Sainya Seva Medal
  • Sangram Medal
  • Videsh Seva Service Medal

Rakesh Sharma’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. His pioneering journey into space remains a symbol of national pride and a testament to the power of human ambition.

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