Quick Info
| Profession | Cosmonaut |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Date of Birth | 13/01/1949 |
| Age | 77 years |
| Birthplace | Patiala, Punjab, India |
Latest News about Rakesh Sharma
25/06/2025
Rakesh Sharma recorded a message for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ahead of Shukla's spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The message highlighted Sharma's enduring symbolic role as India's first astronaut and was shared publicly during renewed attention on India's human spaceflight history.
08/06/2025
Rakesh Sharma commented on India's upcoming Gaganyaan program and said he would be willing to fly on the mission if asked. The remarks came amid increased public discussion about India's crewed space ambitions and his legacy as the country's first person in space.
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Bio/Wiki
| Famous For | Being the first Indian citizen to travel in Space |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rakesh Sharma |
| Title | Wing Commander |
| Award | Ashok Chakra |
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 168 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | White |
Educational Qualification(s)
| School |
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| College/University |
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| Educational Qualification | Not Known |
Personal Life
| Religion | Hinduism |
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| Caste | Gaur Brahmin |
Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Married |
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| Wife/Spouse | Madhu (Interior Decorator) |
| Children |
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Family
| Father | Devendranath Sharma |
|---|---|
| Mother | Tripata Sharma |
| Spouse | Madhu |
| Children |
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Career
| Defence Services |
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| Awards, Honours |
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| Space Mission |
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| Post-Retirement |
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Favourites
| Cosmonaut | Yuri Gagrin |
|---|---|
| Holiday Destination | Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu |
Social Media
| https://x.com/rakeshsharmarsn |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Rakesh Sharma's family roots trace back to Multan, West Punjab, now in modern-day Pakistan. | |
| 2. During Rakesh Sharma's time with HAL, he had a near-death experience when a MIG-21 fighter jet he was piloting went out of control. | |
| 3. After retiring, Rakesh Sharma chose to live a more peaceful life in Coonoor, moving away from the busy city life. | |
| 4. Kapil Sharma, Rakesh Sharma's son, has found success as a Bollywood movie director. | |
| 5. During the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, he flew 21 combat missions in a MiG-21 fighter jet. | |
| 6. While in space, when asked by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space, he replied 'Sare Jahan Se Accha' (better than the whole world). |