Squadron Leader Rakesh Sharma – First Indian in Space
Born: 13 January 1949
Mission: Soyuz T-11 (2 April 1984)
Program: Intercosmos (USSR-India collaboration)
Time in Space: 7 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes
First Indian astronaut to travel to space
Conducted scientific experiments aboard the Salyut 7 space station
Became famous for his response to then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s question, “Upar se Bharat kaisa dikhta hai?” (How does India look from space?)
His reply: “Saare Jahan Se Achha” (Better than the whole world), quoting the famous patriotic song
Dr. Kalpana Chawla – First Woman of Indian Origin in Space
Born: 17 March 1962 (Karnal, Haryana, India)
Mission: STS-87 (Columbia, 19 November – 5 December 1997)
Second Mission: STS-107 (Columbia, 16 January – 1 February 2003)
Time in Space: 30 days, 14 hours, 54 minutes
First woman of Indian origin in space
Conducted microgravity and space science experiments
Role model for aspiring women in STEM
Tragically lost her life in the Columbia disaster (1 February 2003) when the shuttle disintegrated during re-entry
Rakesh Sharma’s mission paved the way for future Indian astronauts and contributed to India’s space ambitions, leading to ISRO’s human spaceflight program (Gaganyaan).
Kalpana Chawla’s legacy continues to inspire millions of young Indians, especially women, to pursue careers in space and aviation.
Their contributions remain a source of national pride and motivation for India’s future in space exploration.
