Who went to space first from India? This is a question that has intrigued many as India continues to make significant strides in the field of space exploration. The answer to this question is not only a testament to the country’s technological advancements but also a symbol of its aspirations to become a major player in the global space community.
India’s journey into space began in the 1960s with the establishment of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Over the years, ISRO has successfully launched several satellites and probes, and has made significant contributions to the field of space technology. However, the first Indian to actually go to space was not an astronaut but a cosmonaut.
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma, an Indian engineer, became the first Indian to travel to space. Born on January 13, 1952, in Amritsar, Punjab, Sharma was selected as part of the Soviet Union’s Intercosmos program, which allowed citizens from non-Soviet countries to fly in space. After undergoing rigorous training in the Soviet Union, Sharma was finally launched into space aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft on June 30, 1984.
During his 8-day mission, Sharma orbited the Earth 140 times and conducted various experiments, including studying the Earth’s atmosphere and the effects of microgravity on the human body. Although he was not an astronaut in the traditional sense, as he was part of the Soviet space program, Sharma’s journey to space marked a significant milestone for India and its people.
Following Sharma’s historic mission, India continued to focus on its space program, with the goal of developing its own space capabilities. In 1992, ISRO successfully launched its first manned spacecraft, the Project Rohini, which was designed to carry a single cosmonaut. However, the mission was canceled at the last minute due to technical issues.
It wasn’t until 2007 that India achieved its dream of sending an Indian astronaut to space. Kalpana Chawla, an aerospace engineer, became the first Indian woman to travel to space when she was selected as part of NASA’s Discovery Space Shuttle mission. Tragically, Chawla and her crew perished during the mission when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
Despite the setbacks, India’s space program has continued to grow and evolve. Today, ISRO is one of the leading space agencies in the world, with a strong focus on satellite technology, launch vehicles, and space research. India’s success in the field of space exploration is a testament to the dedication and hard work of its scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
In conclusion, while Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space, the journey has been a collective effort by many individuals and organizations. As India continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the question of who went to space first from India remains a proud part of the nation’s history and a symbol of its future aspirations.
