On this day, April 3, 1984, India took a giant leap into space history as Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma soared beyond Earth’s atmosphere, becoming the first Indian citizen to travel to space. His remarkable journey aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft not only marked a significant milestone in India’s space aspirations but also cemented his place among the stars as a national hero. His mission was a testament to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration and remains a source of immense pride for the nation.
Early Life and Career
Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, Rakesh Sharma developed an early passion for aviation. He joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and later became a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970. Sharma quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional pilot, flying various aircraft such as the MiG-21. His skill and dedication earned him a place in the Indo-Soviet space program, making him the perfect candidate to represent India in space.
A Historic Mission
Rakesh Sharma’s spaceflight was part of the Indo-Soviet Intercosmos program, a collaborative effort between India and the Soviet Union to promote space research. He was selected from among the Indian Air Force’s top pilots and trained extensively at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia. On April 3, 1984, he lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan alongside Soviet cosmonauts Commander Yury Malyshev and Flight Engineer Gennady Strekalov. This mission made India the 14th nation to send a human into space.
Seven Days Among the Stars
During his time aboard the Salyut 7 space station, Sharma spent 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes in orbit, conducting a series of scientific experiments. His primary focus was on remote sensing applications, capturing images of the Indian subcontinent to aid in agricultural and geological studies. Additionally, he carried out biomedical research, studying the effects of microgravity on the human body. These experiments provided valuable insights that contributed to future space missions.
In an extraordinary display of discipline and adaptability, Sharma also practiced yoga in zero gravity, demonstrating the potential benefits of the ancient Indian practice for astronauts facing prolonged space travel. This groundbreaking experiment showcased India’s cultural contributions to space science.
The Iconic Conversation with Indira Gandhi
One of the most celebrated moments of Sharma’s mission was his video call with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. When asked how India appeared from space, his response resonated with the spirit of patriotism: “Saare Jahan Se Accha” (Better than the rest of the world). This phrase, taken from a famous poem by Muhammad Iqbal, captured the emotion and pride of an entire nation witnessing its first citizen in space. His words continue to inspire generations of Indians to dream big and reach for the stars.
A Hero’s Welcome and Recognition
Upon his return to Earth, Sharma was greeted with national and international accolades. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, and was also honored as a Hero of the Soviet Union. His mission was widely celebrated, and he became a national icon, inspiring countless young Indians to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
Post-Spaceflight Career
Following his historic mission, Sharma continued his service with the Indian Air Force before retiring as a Wing Commander. He later worked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, contributing to India’s defense and aerospace sectors. He has also been a strong advocate for India’s human spaceflight programs and has continuously encouraged young minds to engage with science and space research.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Sharma’s journey paved the way for India’s future in human spaceflight. His mission inspired the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to pursue ambitious projects, including the upcoming Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space independently. His achievements serve as a reminder of what India can accomplish with determination, scientific excellence, and international collaboration.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to make strides in space technology, Rakesh Sharma’s mission remains a testament to the nation’s early foray into human spaceflight. His historic journey reminds us that with courage, vision, and perseverance, even the sky is not the limit.
On this day, we celebrate not just an individual but an entire nation’s dream that touched the stars. Rakesh Sharma’s name will forever shine as a symbol of India’s cosmic aspirations.