Rakesh Sharma Biography 
Rakesh Sharma is a former Indian Air Force test pilot who holds the unique record of being the first Indian to travel in space. He flew aboard Soyuz T-11 as part of the Intercosmos program in the year 1984. He held the rank, Wing Commander of Indian Air Force when he retired from the service. He joined the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 1987 and served as Chief Test Pilot in the HAL Nashik Division until 1992. Then he became the Chief Test Pilot of HAL in Bangalore and retired from test flying most recently in 2013. Rakesh is always remembered as the first Indian to fly into space.
Rakesh was born on January 13, 1949 in Patiala (Patiala and East Punjab States Union, India). He joined the NDA as an IAF cadet in 1966. Sharma joined the Indian Air Force in 1970 as a pilot officer. During the 1971 War, Sharma flew missions in his MiG aircraft and his service received appreciation that time. In 1984 a joint space programme was conducted between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Intercosmos space program. He served a squadron leader with the Indian Air Force during that space visit. It was for the first time India associated with such a space program. He spent 8 days in Salyut 7 space station, thus entering his name in the history of Indian books of Space records. He joined 2 other Soviet cosmonauts aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft which blasted off on April 2, 1984.
He gave the historic message, “Sare jahan se achcha” when he was on board to the then Prime Minister of India – Indira Gandhi. He was given a great welcome when he returned back from his space journey. He was conferred with the honour of ‘Hero of Soviet Union’ by Soviet Union and Ashoka Chakra - highest gallantry award by Government of India. Rakesh Sharma is married to Madhu Sharma and has two children - Mansi Sharma and Kapil Sharma.
Published: N/A
Updated: October 16, 2013
