India’s legacy in space exploration began with Rakesh Sharma in 1984. Four decades later, the flag returns to orbit—not through an ISRO launchpad, but through an international mission led by a remarkable Indian Air Force pilot: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. This is not just the story of an astronaut. It’s the story of discipline, preparation, and national ambition converging in one man. Early Life and Academic Journey Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla showed signs of independence and determination from an early age. Raised in a traditional, middle-class family, he studied at City Montessori School,...
Rakesh Sharma: India’s First Astronaut – A Journey from Skies to Space
Inspirational /
Jun 28th, 2024
Introduction On April 3, 1984, India made history when Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel into space. His journey aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T‑11 wasn’t just a scientific breakthrough—it was a moment of national pride that still resonates across generations. 1. Early Life and Career Rakesh Sharma was born on 13 January 1949, in Patiala, Punjab. He completed his education in Hyderabad and later graduated from Nizam College. In 1966, he joined the National Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned as a pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1970. As a fighter pilot,...
