Archive · 5 Sep 2025
Rakesh Sharma Recalls Journey to Space: 'Never on My Radar'
Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space, shared his story.
He was among fifty pilots selected for a space mission.
After many medical tests and 18 months of training in Russia, Sharma and Ravish Malhotra were chosen.
Sharma flew on the Soyuz T-11 rocket in 1984 and spent eight days in space.
He also talked about his experience as a fighter pilot in the 1971 war.
Sharma expressed how India has improved in space missions.
Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to go to space.
Fifty pilots were selected for a space mission.
Sharma and Ravish Malhotra were chosen after medical examinations and training.
Sharma trained in Star City near Moscow for 18 months.
He flew on the Soyuz T-11 in April 1984.
- Who
- Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space.
- What
- Sharma recounted his journey to space and his experiences in the 1971 war.
- When
- Sharma went to space in April 1984.
- Where
- The training took place in Star City near Moscow.
- Why
- Sharma shared his experiences during a talk on leadership and to reflect on the space mission.
- Mission Date
- April 1984
- Spacecraft
- Soyuz T-11
- Mission Duration
- 8 days
- Training Location
- Star City, near Moscow
- Training Duration
- 18 months