Published By: Sayan Paul

On This Day, 1984: Rakesh Sharma Became First Indian in Space - What was the Mission About?

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.

Rakesh Sharma's Mission

Here's the Mission Overview

  • Spacecraft: Soyuz T-11
  • Launch Date: April 3, 1984
  • Launch Site: Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan
  • Mission Duration: 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes
  • Landing Date: April 11, 1984

Crew Members

  • Commander: Yury Malyshev
  • Flight Engineer: Gennady Strekalov
  • Research Cosmonaut: Rakesh Sharma

(Credit: ISRO Spaceflight)

Mission Highlights

  • Space Station Docking: The crew docked with the Salyut 7 space station on April 4, 1984.
  • Scientific Experiments: During their stay, they conducted various experiments, including Earth observations, life sciences, and materials processing.
  • Yoga in Space: Sharma practiced yoga daily to study its effects in microgravity.
  • Earth Observation: He captured photographs of India to assist in assessing natural resources and environmental conditions.
  • Communication with Earth: Sharma had a televised conversation with India’s Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, during which he described India as "Sare Jahan Se Accha" ("Better than the entire world").

(Credit: thebetterindia)

Mission Conclusion

The crew returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz T-10 spacecraft, landing safely near Arkalyk, Kazakhstan.

About Rakesh Sharma's Journey

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.

(Credit: Ministry of Education)

From Space Hero to a Life of Peace - What is Sharma Doing Now? 

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.

(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!