India has a rich history of space exploration, with several astronauts of Indian origin making significant contributions to the field. From the first Indian in space, Rakesh Sharma, to the tragic story of Kalpana Chawla, these pioneers have inspired generations and paved the way for future Indian astronauts. In recent years, the collaboration between Indian astronauts and private spaceflight companies like Axiom Space has opened up new opportunities for India’s space program.
Rakesh Sharma: The First Indian in Space
Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, made history on April 3, 1984, when he became the first Indian citizen to travel to space. As part of the Soviet Union’s Intercosmos program, Sharma flew aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft and spent nearly eight days in space, conducting experiments and capturing images of Earth from orbit. His iconic response to Prime Minister Indira Gandhi‘s question about how India looked from space – “Saare Jahan Se Achha” (Better than the entire world) – has become a symbol of national pride.
Kalpana Chawla: A Pioneer for Indian Women in Space
Kalpana Chawla, born in Karnal, Haryana, became the first Indian-born woman to fly in space when she served as a mission specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997. With a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Punjab Engineering College and advanced degrees from the United States, Chawla’s journey showcased the potential for Indian women in the field of aerospace.
Tragically, Chawla and her six crewmates lost their lives when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry on February 1, 2003. Her legacy, however, continues to inspire young Indian women to pursue careers in space exploration.
Sunita Williams: Record-Breaking Astronaut
Sunita Williams, an American astronaut of Indian origin, holds several spaceflight records, including the most spacewalks by a woman. Born to an Indian-American father and Slovenian mother, Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space across two missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Williams’ achievements have earned her numerous accolades and have solidified her status as a role model for aspiring astronauts, particularly women of Indian heritage.
Sirisha Bandla: Breaking Barriers in Commercial Spaceflight
Sirisha Bandla, the Vice President of Government Affairs at Virgin Galactic, became the third Indian-origin woman to reach space in July 2021. As part of the Unity 22 mission, Bandla’s flight highlighted the growing opportunities for Indian professionals in the commercial space industry.
Raja Chari: The Next Generation of Indian-American Astronauts
Raja Chari, a U.S. Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut, is among the 18 astronauts selected for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024. Born to Indian parents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chari’s inclusion in the Artemis team underscores the significant contributions of Indian-Americans to the future of space exploration.
Axiom Space and India’s Astronauts
Axiom Space, a private spaceflight company, has been collaborating with international partners to expand access to low-Earth orbit and the ISS. In January 2024, the Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) will include an Indian astronaut, Shubhanshu Shukla, as a mission specialist. This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, as it will be the first time an Indian astronaut has flown on a private spacecraft.
The partnership between Axiom Space and the European Space Agency (ESA), formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in October 2023, also opens up possibilities for future European-Indian collaborations in space. The agreement seeks to foster joint scientific research, technology development, and expanded access to Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.
As India continues to develop its own crewed spaceflight capabilities through the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme, collaborations with private companies like Axiom Space offer valuable opportunities for Indian astronauts to gain experience and contribute to global space exploration efforts.
The Future of India’s Space Program
India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has ambitious plans for the future, including the development of an indigenous crewed spacecraft and the establishment of a space station. As the country’s space program evolves, the contributions of Indian astronauts – both those who have already made history and those who will follow in their footsteps – will be crucial to its success.
The stories of Rakesh Sharma, Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Sirisha Bandla, Raja Chari, and other Indian astronauts serve as a testament to the resilience, determination, and ingenuity of India’s space explorers. As India looks to the stars, these trailblazers will continue to inspire future generations to push the boundaries of what is possible and make their mark on the cosmos.
