Rakesh Sharma, born on January 13, 1949, in Patiala, Punjab, is a former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot and astronaut, who holds the distinction of being the first Indian to travel to space. His historic journey aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11 in 1984 not only made him a national hero but also showcased India’s capabilities on the global stage in space exploration.
Rakesh Sharma grew up with a passion for flying and adventure. He attended St George’s Grammar School in Hyderabad and later pursued his undergraduate education at Nizam’s College. His dream of becoming a pilot led him to join the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), where he graduated with honours and chose the Indian Air Force as his branch of…
