Rakesh Sharma
Rakesh Sharma | |
|---|---|
Rakesh Sharma, as a Squadron Leader in the Indian Air Force | |
| Born | 13 January 1949 |
| Status | Retired |
| Alma mater | National Defence Academy Air Force Academy |
| Occupations | |
| Space career | |
| Indian cosmonaut | |
Time in space | 7 days, 21 hours, 40 minutes |
| Selection | Intercosmos (1982) |
| Missions | Soyuz T-11 |
Mission insignia | |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | India |
| Branch | Indian Air Force |
| Service years | 1970 – 1990 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Service number | 12396 F(P) |
| Conflicts | 1971 Indo-Pakistani War |
| Awards | Ashok Chakra Hero of the Soviet Union |
| Spouse | Madhu Sharma |
| Children | 3 |
Rakesh Sharma (born 13 January 1949) is an Indian cosmonaut and a pilot of the Indian Air Force. He became the first Indian to travel to outer space, when he flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on 3 April 1984 as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme.