India's First Space Tourist Takes a Historic Leap
There was a time when going into space was a dream, but soon as mankind developed technology, these aspirations of the People came true. The first visit to space happened with Yuri Gagarin of the soviet Union traveling to see the universe on April 12, 1961. After this historical changing point, more space aspirants traveled to space and created history.
The first ever astronaut to fly off to space was Rakesh Sharma who had stayed there for more than 7 days following a space projects and now Gopi Thotakura,to be the first ever indian, to have short trip there, without being any part f the government project but going their for leisure.
The event happened on May 19’ 2024, which was another significant milestone in the history of mankind, to visit the universe as a tourist. Let’s get to know more about it:
Who is Gopi Thotakura?
Indian Entrepreneur and an aviator Gopi Thotakura who has recently made history by becoming the first Indian born- space tourist to have taken a short trip to space along with the Blue Origin’s NS- 25 mission.
He was born in Vijayawada and has an educational background of studying aeronautical science from Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University. Along with being a commercial pilot , Thotakura also has experience of flying various aircraft including bush and aerobatic planes, seaplanes and hot air balloons.
The Flight to Space Through Blue Origin Spacecraft
Thotakura Took part in a sub- tropical space flight along with Blue Origin’s spacecraft. This type of flight crosses the Karman line of the universe, which is about 100 km above earth. It is recognized as the boundary between the Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
The spacecraft during this flight rises above this line and allows passengers to experience a few minutes of Weightlessness and a unique view of Earth and then come back.
Time Duration and Experience of the Flight
The entire trip to space from take off to landing, lasted for approximately ten minutes. During this time Thotakura and other passengers experienced weightlessness, gravitation and observed earth from a notable height. The maximum altitude it reached is about 105 Km
Cost Of the Space Travel
The blue origin has not disclosed the exact price paid by its passengers; however,Virgin Galactic SpaceCraft is around $450,000, with the same time duration. On the other hand longer journeys to those of international space stations can cost between 20-25 million dollars.
Gopi Thotakura Proudly Showed The Flag Of India In Space
Gopi Thotakura, a pilot and businessman of Indian descent, became the first space tourist from India on Sunday, 19 May 2024. pic.twitter.com/OEp2K5JSt5
— The Better India (@thebetterindia) May 22, 2024Thotakura being a proud Indian,showed the flag of India, the very moment he reached space. He was happy to have been able to indulge in a significant endeavor for his home country. He made a name for himself as the first Indian space tourist to have taken a short trip to space, cementing his name into the records of Indian history forever.
Who all were a part of Blue Origin SpaceCraft Flight along with Gopi Thotakura?
The Blue Origin NS-25 mission, a significant milestone in space tourism in which Gopi Thotakura participated, was joined by Mason Angel, a venture capitalist; Sylvain Chiron, a French brewery founder; Kenneth L. Hess, a software engineer; Carol Schaller, a retired accountant; and Ed Dwight, a former Air Force Captain and the first Black astronaut candidate
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Contrast Between the Space Visits of Rakesh Sharma and Gopi Thokura
With the evolution of technology, Thotakura’s trip is the evolution of space exploration. It contrasts with the journey of the first Indian Rakesh Sharma who flew to space as a part of the govt space program on April 3 1984 and stayed there for 7 days, 21 hours and 40 minutes.
Thotakura on the other hand took a short trip to space, observed the space and experienced gravity for 10 minutes and then came back to earth safely.
Final Words
Thotakura’s successful space flight is a significant milestone for India and the field of space tourism, showcasing the increasing accessibility of space travel to private individuals.
Now, not only astronauts but also regular people like you and me can go to space.
It’s becoming easier for all kinds of people to explore space, which is really exciting! This trip is a big step in making space travel something that everyone can enjoy.
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