Date of Birth: January 13, 1949
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: (Please note, Rakesh Sharma is alive as of the latest available information.)
Biography
Rakesh Sharma is an Indian Air Force pilot and cosmonaut who made history as the first Indian citizen to travel into space. Born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, India, Sharma joined the Indian Air Force in 1970. His career as a pilot saw him rise through the ranks quickly due to his exceptional skills and dedication. In 1984, as part of a joint space program between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Intercosmos space program, Sharma was selected to fly aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft. On April 3, 1984, he launched into space along with two Soviet cosmonauts, Yuri Malyshev and Gennady Strekalov. During his time in space, he conducted various scientific and technical experiments, including photography of India from space and studying the effects of space travel on the human body. Rakesh Sharma’s mission lasted 8 days, and he returned to Earth on April 11, 1984. Upon his return, he was celebrated as a national hero in India and received several awards, including the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration. After his space mission, Sharma continued to serve in the Indian Air Force and later worked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. He has remained an inspirational figure in India, advocating for the advancement of science and space exploration.
5 Interesting Facts about Rakesh Sharma
1. Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian citizen to travel into space.
2. He spent 8 days aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in 1984.
3. Sharma conducted scientific experiments and took photographs of India from space during his mission.
4. He was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime military decoration.
5. Sharma has also worked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited after his illustrious career with the Indian Air Force.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rakesh Sharma
1. “Saare Jahan Se Achha,” (India looks best in the whole world) when asked by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space.
2. “Space travel is a great equalizer. It forces people to look beyond national boundaries and think in terms of the broader perspective.”
3. “The technology of today is the foundation for the breakthroughs of tomorrow.”
4. “The journey to space changes you; it makes you realize how small and interconnected our world is.”
5. “Every astronaut’s mission is not just a personal milestone but a leap for mankind.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Rakesh Sharma’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but he has been a highly respected figure in aerospace and defense sectors in India.
Children
Rakesh Sharma has two sons, Kapil Sharma and Kunal Sharma.
Relevant Links
1. [Rakesh Sharma Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rakesh-Sharma
2. [Rakesh Sharma’s Space Mission on ISRO](https://www.isro.gov.in/first-indian-in-space
