Rakesh Sharma was the first Indian to travel in space. April 02nd 1984.

Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma was with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the time of flying into space in 1984. It was a joint-programme between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Soviet Intercosmos Space Programme.

Rakesh Sharma spent 8 days in space on-board the Salyut 7 space station. He was accompanied by 2 other Soviet Cosmonauts aboard Soyuz T-11 spacecraft which blasted off on April 02nd, 1984.

Rakesh Sharma was born on January 13th, 1949 in Patiala, Punjab. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a Pilot Officer after joining the NDA as an IAF cadet in 1966.

Awards:

He was awarded the Ashok Chakra from the Government of India. He was also honoured with the ‘Hero of the Soviet Union’.

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