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Astronaut Rakesh Sharma Profile, Biography, Career, Achievements, Awards
India's First and Only Astronaut Rakesh Sharma Profile, Biography, Career, Space Flights, Achievements, Awards
Rakesh Sharma was The first Indian to fly into space.
Rakesh Sharma was born on January 13, 1949 in Patiala, Punjab, India.
Rakesh Sharma studied at St. George's Grammar School, Hyderabad, India. In 1966, Rakesh Joined As An Air Force Cadet in NDA.
Rakesh Sharma joined the Indian Air Force in 1970 as a pilot officer after joining the NDA as an IAF cadet in 1966.
Rakesh Sharma was a squadron leader with the Indian Air Force when he flew into space in 1984 as part of a joint program between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Intercosmos space program.
Rakesh Sharma was selected on 20th September 1982 to become a cosmonaut and was trained for 18 months for the eight-day trip. In 1984 he became the first Indian citizen to go into space.
Rakesh Sharma spent eight days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station (Soviet/Russian). He joined two other Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft which blasted off on April 2, 1984.
Rakesh Sharma was chosen out of hundreds of applicants to undergo training with the Russians as part of their space programme.
Rakesh Sharma immortalized himself in Indian History and made his way into many Indians hearts by his answer to the then PM Indira Gandhiji’s question on how India looked from outer space. Rakesh Sharma replied “Saare Jahan Se Achha”.
That was also a proud moment for millions of Indian TV viewers who watched India become the 14th nation to send a man to outer space.
Rakesh Sharma was conferred with the honor of Hero of Soviet Union upon his return from space.
