Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Captain Gopichand Thotakura, a pilot from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has been selected for Blue Origin's upcoming space tourism flight aboard the New Shepard spacecraft.
The NS-25 mission will launch from West Texas, with a launch window starting at 0830 CT (1330 GMT) on May 19. Thotakura will join fellow passengers Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
Thotakura's interest in aviation began at eight when he first stepped into a KLM aircraft cockpit, inspired by his family of aviators. This early experience set him on a path toward a flying career.
He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a notable institution for aviation, which laid the groundwork for his extensive career in the field.
Thotakura's career spans various aviation disciplines, including commercial jet flying, bush piloting, aerobatics, seaplane operations, and hot air ballooning.
Beyond his aviation pursuits, he has also successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, reflecting his adventurous spirit and determination.
As a co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, Thotakura has significantly advanced India's medical aviation sector. He has piloted over 2,000 medical air ambulance missions, enhancing emergency medical transportation in the region.
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He established a multi-million-dollar wellness center near Atlanta International Airport, demonstrating his commitment to holistic health and innovative business endeavors.
This mission marks the first flight of New Shepard in nearly two years, following a September 2022 uncrewed mission failure. The spacecraft has since been cleared for launch, ready to carry Thotakura and other tourists to the edge of space.