In a groundbreaking moment for Indian space exploration, Gopi Thotakura, hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has etched his name in history as India’s first space tourist. He joined the elite crew of Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, becoming the second Indian to venture into space. The NS-25 mission successfully launched from Blue Origin’s West Texas launch site in the US at approximately 8:05 pm on Sunday (May 19), albeit an hour later than scheduled.
This significant feat marks Blue Origin’s seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard program. Moreover, it signifies a remarkable milestone with New Shepard having now ferried 37 individuals into space.
Thotakura, a trained pilot with a B.Sc in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has a rich background in aviation. He has previously served in medical air evacuation services in India. Blue Origin highlighted Thotakura’s extensive aviation experience, describing him as a lifelong pilot who mastered flying before driving. He is known for piloting various aircraft, including jets commercially, as well as bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes. Additionally, Thotakura is the co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health.
Accompanying Thotakura on the NS-25 mission were five other crew members: Ed Dwight, Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L Hess, and Carol Schaller. Notably, 90-year-old Ed Dwight, America’s black astronaut candidate, became the oldest person in the crew to travel to space after a prolonged hiatus from rocketing.
Prior to Thotakura, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma held the distinction as the sole Indian citizen to travel to space, participating in the Soviet Interkosmos programme aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984. While several astronauts of Indian origin, such as Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Raja Chari, and Sirisha Bandla, have traveled to space as US citizens, Thotakura’s journey marks a significant milestone for India’s space exploration ambitions.
