Indian-born pilot Gopichand Thotakura is set to make history as the first Indian tourist to journey into space aboard a commercial flight operated by Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin, scheduled for Sunday.
Thotakura, who is based in the United States, has been selected as part of the crew for Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, joining five other astronauts from across the globe. This mission marks the seventh human flight for the New Shepard program and the 25th mission in its history.
Scheduled for liftoff at 7 pm IST, the launch will be streamed live on Blue Origin’s social media platforms, beginning 40 minutes prior to liftoff from Launch Site One in West Texas, USA.
Thotakura’s journey carries particular significance as he becomes the first Indian to venture into space since Rakesh Sharma’s historic voyage aboard the Russian Soyuz T-11 spacecraft in April 1984. Notably, Thotakura joins an exclusive group of 31 individuals who have crossed the Karman line, delineating the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.
Who is Gopichand Thotakura?
Born in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada, 30-year-old Thotakura is an entrepreneur and accomplished pilot, having taken to the skies before he could even drive. He is the co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“Gopi is a pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive… In addition to flying jets commercially, Gopi pilots bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, and has served as an international medical jet pilot,” the Blue Origin website says.
In addition to his aviation achievements, Thotakura, a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, is an avid traveler and adventure enthusiast, having successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro.
Other crew members joining Thotakura
Joining Thotakura on the NS-25 mission are five individuals selected by Blue Origin.
Mason Angel, a venture capitalist and founder of Industrious Ventures; Sylvain Chiron, an entrepreneur and founder of Brasserie Mont Blanc; Kenneth L Hess, a software engineer and entrepreneur; Carol Schaller, a retired CPA; and Ed Dwight, former US Air Force captain.
According to Blue Origin’s website, each crew member will carry a postcard representing the collective dreams and aspirations of young minds worldwide on behalf of Blue Origin’s foundation, Club for the Future.
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The website stated that nearly 99% of New Shepard’s dry mass, including the booster, capsule, engine, landing gear, and parachutes, is reused. New Shepard’s engine is fueled by highly efficient liquid oxygen and hydrogen, producing only water vapor as the sole byproduct during flight, with no carbon emissions.
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first published: May 18, 2024, 19:38 IST
