Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled its plans for the Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1), an unmanned test flight aimed at rigorously assessing the performance of the Gaganyaan crew escape system. The mission is scheduled for liftoff on October 21, and the launch window extends from 7 am to 9 am.
The primary objective of this test flight is to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the crew escape system. This system is deemed critical for ensuring the safety of astronauts in the upcoming human spaceflight mission by ISRO.
While Gaganyaan is poised to become India's first official human spaceflight mission, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma made history by being the first Indian citizen to venture into space back in 1984.
Rakesh Sharma, born on January 13, 1949, is a retired Indian Air Force pilot who achieved a monumental feat by participating in the Soviet Interkosmos program. As a part of this program, he flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, becoming the first Indian citizen to reach space.
Rakesh Sharma's early life is marked by his birth in Patiala, Punjab, on January 13, 1949. He hails from a Punjabi Hindu Brahmin family and received his education at St. George's Grammar School in Hyderabad. He went on to graduate from Nizam College, Hyderabad. His journey towards space began when he joined the National Defence Academy in 1966, eventually earning his commission as an Indian Air Force pilot in 1970.
As an alumnus of the 35th National Defence Academy, Rakesh Sharma embarked on a remarkable career as an Indian Air Force test pilot in 1970. His dedication and achievements led to his promotion to the rank of squadron leader in 1984. He was also selected in September 1982 to participate in the joint program between the Indian Air Force and the Soviet Interkosmos space program.
The year 1984 marked a turning point in space exploration, as Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian citizen to venture into space. The Soyuz T-11 spacecraft, along with Sharma and his fellow cosmonauts (term used by Soviets for astronauts), docked and transferred to the Salyut 7 Orbital Station.
During his space mission, Rakesh Sharma spent an impressive 7 days, 21 hours, and 40 minutes aboard the Salyut 7. His time in space was marked by a series of scientific and technical studies, including forty-three experimental sessions, primarily focused on bio-medicine and remote sensing. His mission also featured a joint television news conference with officials in Moscow and then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
One of the most memorable moments in Indian space history was created when Indira Gandhi asked Rakesh Sharma on how India looked from outer space. Sharma's response, "Sare Jahan Se Accha" (the best in the world), referencing a patriotic poem by Iqbal, resonated deeply and showcased India's achievements. This historic event led India to become the 14th nation to send a man to outer space.
In recognition of his remarkable achievements, Rakesh Sharma received the honour of the Hero of the Soviet Union upon his return from space, becoming the sole Indian to achieve this distinction. India also conferred its highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, on him and the two Soviet members of his mission, Malyshev and Strekalov.
After his illustrious career, Sharma retired as a wing commander, subsequently joined Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and served as the chief test pilot in the HAL Nashik Division until 1992, followed by a stint in Bangalore as HAL's chief test pilot. He concluded his flying career in 2001.