India-origin Gopi Thotakura has made his name in history by becoming the first Indian citizen to venture into space as a tourist. On May 19th evening, Thotakura was part of the elite crew for Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, which launched from the company's West Texas site in the United States around 8:05 PM IST, an hour behind its scheduled time of 9:35 AM local US time.
Despite working in the US, Gopi has maintained his Indian passport. While he is the first Indian citizen to venture into space as a tourist, he follows Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew as a professional cosmonaut aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos program. Other notable astronauts of Indian origin, including Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Raja Chari, and Sirisha Bandla, were all US citizens who went to space as professional astronauts.
Gopi Thotakura - The Man Behind the Mission
Thotakura, hailing from the small town of Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh India, was always fascinated by the stars. As a child, he spent countless nights gazing at the sky, imagining what it would be like to float among the stars. His fascination grew into a passion as he devoured books on astronomy and followed every space mission with bated breath. But who would've thought that this fascination would one day lead him to make history?
Growing up in a modest household, Gopi’s dreams of space often seemed out of reach. His parents, supportive yet pragmatic, encouraged him to focus on education as a means to secure a stable future. He pursued engineering, a field that allowed him to stay connected to his love for science and technology. After completing his studies, he landed a job that eventually took him abroad, expanding his horizons both personally and professionally.
He currently flies jets commercially and has experience piloting bush planes, aerobatic aircraft, and seaplanes. Thotakura co-founded Preserve Life Corp, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. He also holds a BSc in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the US. Thotakura's extensive experience includes working in medical air evacuation services in India. A passionate traveller, he recently reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Despite his professional success, Gopi never lost sight of his childhood dream. The idea of space tourism started to gain traction, with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin making headlines with their ambitious plans. Gopi followed these developments closely, and his childhood dream was rekindled. When the opportunity for civilians to travel to space became a reality, Gopi decided to take a leap of faith.
The road to becoming a space tourist was anything but smooth. Gopi had to steer his way into a complex application process, rigorous training schedules, and substantial financial commitments. However, his determination was firm, as he believed that space travel should not be limited to astronauts and billionaires.
The Path to Space
The Selection Process
Becoming a space tourist isn't as simple as booking a flight ticket. The selection process is rigorous, requiring both physical and mental fortitude. Gopi had to undergo extensive training, including:
- Physical Fitness Tests: Ensuring the body can withstand the extreme conditions of space.
- Psychological Evaluations: Assessing the mental resilience needed for the journey.
- Technical Training: Understanding the spacecraft's operations and safety protocols.
The initial phase of the selection process was the most daunting. Gopi had to prove that he was in peak physical condition. This involved a battery of tests, from cardiovascular endurance to strength and flexibility assessments. Space travel exerts immense stress on the human body, and only those in top physical shape can endure the rigours of the journey.
Next came the psychological evaluations. Space is an unforgiving environment, and mental resilience is crucial. Gopi underwent a series of tests designed to evaluate his stress response, problem-solving abilities, and overall psychological stability. The aim was to ensure that he could remain calm and composed under pressure, a vital trait for anyone venturing into the unknown.
Once selected, Gopi embarked on an intense training program. This included simulated zero-gravity experiences, underwater training to mimic weightlessness, and classroom sessions to familiarize himself with the spacecraft's intricacies. "It was gruelling," Gopi admitted in an interview with NDTV, "but every moment was worth it."
The zero-gravity simulations were both exhilarating and challenging. Gopi, along with other trainees, experienced what it feels like to float in space. These sessions took place in specially modified aircraft that create a weightless environment by performing parabolic flights. It was a surreal experience, yet it required immense focus and coordination.
Underwater training was another critical component. Conducted in large swimming pools, this training simulates the microgravity environment of space. Gopi learned to manoeuvre in a state of buoyancy, which helped him understand how to navigate and work in space. These sessions were physically demanding but crucial for building the necessary skills.
Classroom sessions complemented the physical training. Gopi studied the spacecraft’s systems, emergency procedures, and safety protocols. Understanding the technical aspects of the mission was essential, as it prepared him to handle any unforeseen circumstances during the flight.
The Historic Flight
Launch Day
The day of the launch was a mix of emotions for Gopi. Excitement, anxiety, and a deep sense of accomplishment. As the spacecraft lifted off, Gopi's heart soared with it. The journey to space, a dream nurtured since childhood, was now a reality.
The launch day was meticulously planned. Gopi, along with his fellow space tourists, underwent final medical checks and briefings. The anticipation was palpable as they suited up in their custom-made space suits. Family members, friends, and a throng of media personnel gathered to witness the historic event. Gopi's parents, who had supported his ambitions from the start, were there, beaming with pride.
As the countdown commenced, Gopi felt a rush of adrenaline. The roar of the engines signalled the beginning of the ascent. The spacecraft, designed for civilian space travel, offered a relatively smooth ride compared to the early days of space exploration. Gopi felt the immense G-forces as the spacecraft pierced through the atmosphere, transitioning from the blue sky to the inky blackness of space along with five other crew members: Ed Dwight, Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, and Carol Schaller. Notably, Ed Dwight, at 90 years old, is now the oldest person to have ever gone to space.
In Space
Floating in the weightlessness of space, Gopi was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the Earth from above. The view was nothing short of breathtaking. "It's one thing to see pictures and videos, but experiencing it firsthand is indescribable," he shared. The hours spent orbiting the Earth were filled with awe, contemplation, and a profound appreciation for the fragility of our planet.
The spacecraft’s cabin was designed to maximize the viewing experience. Large windows provided panoramic views of Earth and space. Gopi spent hours gazing at the planet below, marvelling at the vastness and beauty of it all. The thin blue line of the atmosphere, the swirling clouds, and the sprawling continents all seemed so delicate from this vantage point.
Gopi also engaged in various activities planned for the mission. He conducted simple experiments, recorded his observations, and interacted with the mission control team back on Earth. The sense of camaraderie with his fellow travellers was strong, as they shared this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Successful Mission Execution
The NS-25 mission smoothly ascended beyond the boundary of space, with the rocket and capsule returning to Earth shortly thereafter. The rocket made an upright landing a few minutes post-launch, while the capsule successfully touched down using two of its three parachutes roughly 15 minutes after takeoff. This mission marked Blue Origin's first crewed launch in nearly two years.
"Capsule touchdown. Welcome back, NS-25 crew!" Blue Origin announced via a post on X.
This mission was Blue Origin’s seventh human flight for the New Shepard program and the 25th in its history. Blue Origin had paused flights following an engine failure during an uncrewed mission in September 2022. After extensive investigations and design corrections, the company successfully returned to flight in December 2023. To date, New Shepard has flown 31 humans above the internationally recognized boundary of space. The company, seen as a key strategic rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, plans to debut a larger and more powerful New Glenn rocket later this year, capable of launching cargo into orbit. Additionally, Blue Origin aims to send humans to the moon later this decade for NASA.
Gopi Thotakura's historic flight has opened new avenues for space tourism, especially for Indians. His success serves as an inspiration, proving that space is within reach for ordinary individuals. With advancements in technology and increased competition among space tourism companies, the cost of space travel is expected to decrease, making it accessible to a larger segment of the population. Gopi's journey is just the beginning, ushering a in new era where space travel could become as common as international flights.
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