Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma(DOB January 13, 1949) is a former Indian air Force Test Pilot who flew aboard Soyuz T -11 as part of the Intercosmos Program launched along with two Soviet Cosmonauts aboard on April 03,1984.
Rakesh Sharma was the 1st Indian to travel in Space.Rakesh Sharma spent 8 days in space aboard the Salyut 7 Space Station.
During the flight, Rakesh Sharma conducted Multi-Spectral Photography of Northern India in anticipation of the construction of Hydroelectric Power Stations in the Himalayas.
In a famous conversation, he was asked by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space, to which he replied, ''Main binaa jhijhak ke keh sakta hoon.., Sare Jahan Se Achcha" (a reference to an iconic poem used in India's freedom struggle, usually referred to as 'Saare jahaan se achha Hindustan hamara,' our land of Hindustan, is the Best in the world')
Honour
He was conferred with the honour of Hero of Soviet Union upon his return from space. The Government of India conferred its highest gallantry award (during peace time), the Ashoka Ckakra on him and the other two Soviet members of his mission.
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