Pilot Gopichand Thotakura is poised to make history as the first Indian tourist to journey into space. His upcoming voyage is part of the crew for Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, spearheaded by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Although the precise flight date remains undisclosed, anticipation surrounds this milestone event.
Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, etched his name in history as the first Indian to venture into space back in 1984.
Who Is Gopichand ?
Blue Origin offered insights into Thotakura’s background, describing him as a seasoned pilot and aviator with a lifelong passion for flight. Having mastered various aircraft, including bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes, as well as gliders and hot air balloons, Thotakura has also served as an international medical jet pilot. Notably, his recent escapade led him to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Reflecting on his selection for the space mission, Thotakura emphasized Blue Origin’s commitment to the betterment of Earth. He underscored the significance of space exploration in safeguarding the planet, expressing his interpretation of Blue’s mission as a pursuit of life and adventure beyond Earth’s confines.
Addressing the concept of space tourism, Thotakura highlighted its potential to democratize space travel, making it more accessible and affordable for civilians. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like Blue Origin’s collaboration with NASA to establish a private International Space Station, foreseeing a burgeoning space tourism sector in the near future.
#WATCH | Gopichand Thotakura, who has been selected as a tourist to go to Space on board Blue Origin, says, ” …I was always very keen to become an astronaut…after my flying in India and abroad, I started looking for opportunities where the original dream can come alive. That… pic.twitter.com/mmuXjcTYhF
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024
In an interview with ANI, Thotakura articulated his profound emotions regarding the impending journey into space. He conveyed his awe at the prospect of witnessing Earth from a celestial vantage point, underscoring the unparalleled experience of observing the planet firsthand without the lens of documentation or mediation.
#WATCH | Gopichand Thotakura, who has been selected as a tourist to go to Space on board Blue Origin, says, “…Blue Origin’s tagline is ‘for the benefit of earth’ and that is what is important to notice here…to protect mother earth, they’re seeking for life and adventure… pic.twitter.com/1Azgi0lw0T
— ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2024
Discussing the future of space tourism, Thotakura emphasized the necessity of making space travel economically viable. While acknowledging uncertainties regarding the precise cost threshold, he affirmed his belief in the transformative potential of space tourism as a burgeoning frontier.
Blue Origin has announced the six-person crew for its NS-25 mission, comprising Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, Gopichand Thotakura, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, marking a significant stride in commercial space exploration.
