The date 19th May 2024 is registered in the history of pages as Bharatiya-origin entrepreneur and pilot Gopichand Thotakura soared into space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, becoming the first Bharatiya tourist to venture beyond our planet.
The event, part of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ ambitious space travel program, marks a significant milestone for Bharat and space tourism.
In a video shared on Blue Origin’s official Instagram account, Thotakura could be seen displaying a tiny Bharatiya flag while floating weightlessly in space.
Alongside his fellow crew members, He relished the once-in-a-lifetime experience of zero gravity, with smiles alongside his felloe crew members.
Thotakura took a moment to face the camera and was seen holding a placard that read, ‘I am an Eco hero of my sustainable planet’, before unveiling the Bharatiya tricolour, which floated alongside him.
Thotakura shared, ‘It was amazing. You have to see it with your own eyes. I cannot describe what it’s like to look into space. Everyone should have the chance to experience it. Seeing Earth from the other side was truly incredible’.
The NS-25 mission, Blue Origin’s seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard program, featured a diverse and accomplished crew.
Alongside Thotakura were Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight.
Notably, Dwight was selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the country’s first black astronaut candidate, though he never had the opportunity to fly.
The social media response was positive as users expressed their pride and excitement. Comments such as ‘LOVE FROM INDIA’ and ‘Best of luck from India. love you all’ flooded the post, highlighting the global impact of Thotakura’s achievement.
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