For everyone who dreams of going to space, Rakesh Sharma is an inspiration.
- Upar se Bharat kaisa dikhta hai aapko? (asked the then Indian PM, Indira Gandhi)
- Sare jahan se achcha. (replied Sharma from space)
On April 3, 1984—exactly 41 years ago—Rakesh Sharma made history by becoming the first Indian citizen to enter space. But his journey wasn’t just a personal win. It was a bold statement to the world that India, too, could reach for the stars! His mission not only elevated India's stature in the global space arena but also ignited a spark of ambition for future generations. Even today, whenever India achieves a milestone in space exploration—for example, the Chandrayaan-3 mission—Sharma’s legacy comes to our minds.
Rakesh Sharma in his space suit
But have you ever wondered what his mission was about? As we commemorate that historic feat, let’s dive into the fascinating details of his journey beyond our planet.
Here's the Mission Overview
Crew Members
OTD in 1984, Wing Cmdr. Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to go to space!! 🇮🇳
— ISRO Spaceflight (@ISROSpaceflight) April 3, 2024
He flew on a Soviet spacecraft & rocket.
Exactly 40 years later, we're only 3 mo. away from the launch of our own crewed spacecraft on our own rocket & will launch our own Vyomnauts in 2025! #ISRO pic.twitter.com/wdxoQj9Lx1
(Credit: ISRO Spaceflight)
(Credit: thebetterindia)
The crew returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz T-10 spacecraft, landing safely near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan.
Sharma was born in Patiala, Punjab, on January 13, 1949, into a family where curiosity and ambition ran deep. From a young age, he was drawn to the skies, excelling in his studies and eventually joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970 as a test pilot. He earned a reputation as a skilled pilot and showcased his skills in numerous instances.
But little did anyone know that it would take him far beyond the boundaries of Earth. In 1982, he was selected to be a part of a historic joint mission between the Indian Air Force and the Soviet Intercosmos space program. After months of intense training at the prestigious Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Moscow, Sharma was ready for the ultimate challenge.
Rakesh Sharma as an Air Force pilot
And finally, on April 3, 1984, he boarded the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, making history as the first Indian to venture into space. Upon returning to Earth, Sharma was celebrated with the highest honors, including India’s Ashoka Chakra and the Soviet Union’s Hero of the Soviet Union medal. His legacy lives on, not just as a symbol of India’s achievements in space, but as a reminder that no dream is too big to reach for.
Rakesh Sharma, Indian military pilot and cosmonaut, the first Indian citizen to enter space, the man who created history for his nation and enjoys the distinction of having been awarded India's highest peacetime military decoration, Ashok Chakra.
— Ministry of Education (@EduMinOfIndia) October 10, 2019
(Credit: Ministry of Education)
After retiring from the Indian Air Force as a Wing Commander, Sharma didn’t just sit back. He took on the role of Chief Test Pilot at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), where he worked from 1987 until 2001, furthering India’s aerospace achievements. His flying career ended in 2001, but his contribution to India's aviation didn’t stop there.
Today, he lives a simple, peaceful life in Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, with his wife, Madhu. Away from the media spotlight, he enjoys quiet activities like golfing, gardening, reading, and practicing yoga — embracing the calm that comes with retirement after years of being a hero.
Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, became the first Indian citizen to travel to space in 1984. His journey to space was a remarkable feat. #GaganyaanMission #ISRO #IndianAstronaut #RakeshSharma #RavishMalhotra #India #KirtiChakra pic.twitter.com/57yFKJmFKQ
— The Better India (@thebetterindia) February 28, 2024
(Credit: The Better India)
But even in this serene phase of life, Sharma’s connection to space remains strong. He’s an active member of ISRO’s National Advisory Council for the Gaganyaan mission, which is India’s first human spaceflight mission. He is guiding the next generation of Indian astronauts as they prepare for their own journeys beyond Earth.
At 76, Rakesh Sharma continues to inspire millions, balancing his peaceful life with a continued passion for India’s space journey. We send him best wishes for all his endeavors!