Archive · 10 Jun 2025
Rakesh Sharma: First Indian in Space's Historic Journey
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian in space, thanks to a joint mission with the Soviet Union.
His journey was part of a program where different countries worked together.
Sharma's team spent a week on a space station, doing experiments like taking pictures of India from space.
The mission was a big deal for India and the Soviet Union, showing their friendship and making Indians proud.
Sharma even talked to India's Prime Minister from space!
When asked how India looked, he replied with famous words about how beautiful it was.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel to space, aboard the Soviet Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in 1984.
The mission was part of the Soviet Interkosmos program, with significant cooperation between India and the Soviet Union.
Sharma and his crew conducted scientific experiments, including photographing India from space and material science tests.
The mission had symbolic importance, showcasing Indo-Soviet relations and inspiring national pride in India.
Sharma's famous response to Indira Gandhi, "Sare jahan se achcha," became a legendary moment.
- Who
- Rakesh Sharma, along with Soviet cosmonauts Yuriy Malyshev and Gennady Strekalov.
- What
- Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to travel to space.
- When
- April 3, 1984
- Where
- Baikonur Cosmodrome, Soviet Kazakhstan, and the Salyut 7 space station
- Why
- To conduct scientific experiments and symbolize Indo-Soviet cooperation.
- Launch Date
- April 3, 1984
- Spacecraft
- Soyuz T-11
- Mission Duration
- One week
- Space Station
- Salyut 7
- First Indian in Space
- Rakesh Sharma
- Number of Nations to Send a Person to Space
- 14