NRI “Gopi Thotakura” Achieves Milestone as First Indian Space Tourist on Blue Origin's Private Astronaut Mission

Los Angeles/May 22, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Gopi Thotakura, an Indian expatriate, has made history as the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to journey into space. He was part of the crew on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

On Sunday, Blue Origin successfully completed its seventh human spaceflight, marking the 25th flight for the New Shepard program. Thotakura, originally from Andhra Pradesh, was among six crew members. The crew also included Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight. Dwight, chosen by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the first black astronaut candidate, never had the chance to fly, as noted on Blue Origin’s official website.

With this mission, New Shepard has now flown 37 individuals into space, including the latest crew. Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President of New Shepard, expressed his gratitude, stating, “A big thank you to our astronaut customers for the opportunity to provide this life-changing experience. Each of you are pioneers helping to advance our mission to build a road to space for the benefit of Earth.”

In a previous interview, Thotakura shared his lifelong dream and passion for flying. He highlighted how the mission aims to protect Earth and discussed the potential of space tourism to become affordable and accessible for civilians. Reflecting on his experience, Thotakura said, “I can’t express my feelings right now because it’s something that isn’t in the urban dictionary. It’s something I take with me. From the moment you are born until the time you leave, you wake up and want to see the sky, want to breathe, but I wanted this opportunity to do the reverse, to go up there and look down.”

He emphasized the unique perspective gained from space, saying, “Movies do a fantastic job, but to see what the naked eye can see, you have to experience it yourself. The whole excitement is about looking back and seeing what’s happening, without being documented or through someone else’s eyes.” Thotakura also stressed Blue Origin’s mission tagline, “For the benefit of Earth,” underscoring the importance of protecting our planet while seeking life and adventure beyond it.

Each astronaut carried a postcard to space on behalf of Blue Origin’s foundation, Club for the Future. The foundation aims to inspire and mobilize future generations to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for the benefit of Earth.

Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, was the first Indian citizen to fly to space in 1984.

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