In 1984, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a former pilot of the Indian Air Force, became the pioneer Indian to venture into space. However, now, Pilot Gopichand Thotakura is on the verge of making history as the first Indian tourist to embark on a space journey. He has been selected to join the crew of Blue Origin’s New Shephard-25 (NS-25) mission, led by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. The exact date of the flight will be disclosed in due course.
Gopi Thotakura, a pilot and aviator, has an impressive range of flying experience. He has mastered the art of flying various types of aircraft, including bush planes, aerobatic planes, seaplanes, gliders, and hot air balloons. In addition to his aviation skills, Gopi has also served as an international medical jet pilot. As a passionate traveler, he recently embarked on an adventure to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Upon being chosen for a space mission, Gopi expressed his thoughts on Blue Origin’s mission. He emphasized the importance of their tagline, “for the benefit of earth,” and how it aligns with his own belief in protecting our planet. Gopi believes that by exploring space and seeking new adventures beyond Earth, we can better understand and safeguard our home. He also discussed the potential of space tourism to open up new opportunities and make it more accessible and affordable for civilians.
Gopi’s excitement about the space mission was evident as he described his desire to witness the Earth from a different perspective. He expressed his fascination with the unfiltered view that the naked eye can provide, beyond what movies or other forms of documentation can capture. Gopi sees this mission as a unique opportunity to look back at our planet and observe what is happening without relying on someone else’s perspective.
When asked about space tourism, Gopi emphasized the need to make it affordable for everyone. While the exact affordability threshold is yet to be determined, he believes that it is crucial to start somewhere. Gopi mentioned that Blue Origin has partnered with NASA to establish a private International Space Station, aiming to promote space tourism and contribute to the growth of this sector.
In conclusion, Gopi Thotakura firmly believes that the future lies in space tourism. He sees it as a means to not only explore new frontiers but also to make space more accessible and affordable for all.
