Gopichand Thotakura received a warm welcome in Delhi
Upon his arrival in Delhi, Thotakura received an enthusiastic reception. Expressing his joy, he remarked, “The feeling has been awaited for a long time. I am very happy to be back home. It is a very proud moment for India as well. I am honoured to be representing the country and very excited for everyone else to go and do something in space with Origin or any other organisation.” He also mentioned his eagerness to reunite with his family, sharing in their excitement about his groundbreaking journey.
Gopichand Thotakura: The second Indian in space
Gopichand Thotakura’s journey to space is a landmark achievement, making him the second Indian citizen to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The first was Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, who ventured into space in 1984. Thotakura’s journey reflects India’s growing presence in the global space community, and it highlights the potential for future space tourism.
Gopichand’s passion and vision
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Thotakura spoke passionately about his lifelong dream of flying and his mission’s broader implications. He emphasised that his journey was not just a personal accomplishment but also a step toward safeguarding our planet. “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,” he said, reflecting on the profound experience of seeing Earth from space. He added, “Movies do a fantastic job, but what the naked eye can see, you have to experience yourself.”
Thotakura also highlighted the mission’s underlying purpose, encapsulated in Blue Origin’s tagline, “For the benefit of Earth.” He stressed the importance of protecting Mother Earth and indicated that space exploration could play a critical role in this endeavour. “It is for the protection of Mother Earth that they are seeking life and adventure outside the planet,” he noted, underscoring the broader environmental significance of space missions.
Thotakura on the future of space tourism
Discussing the potential of space tourism, Thotakura expressed optimism about making space travel more accessible to the general public. He acknowledged that while the cost of space tourism is currently high, the mission of companies like Blue Origin is to eventually make it affordable. “What the affordable number is, we still don’t know, but to make it affordable, it has to start somewhere,” he said.
Thotakura also mentioned Blue Origin’s collaboration with NASA to open a private international space station, aimed at expanding the space tourism sector. “I believe that space tourism is where the future lies,” he added, suggesting that this industry could revolutionise how we think about travel and exploration.
Beyond his own achievements, Thotakura is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. He urged young people to pursue their dreams with dedication and determination, emphasising that with the right mindset, they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The mission, as he sees it, is not just about personal glory but about mobilising future generations to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for the greater good of the planet.
Crew of New Shepard-25 (NS-25)
Gopichand Thotakura’s journey was part of Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission, which included a diverse and accomplished crew. Among them were Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight. Notably, Ed Dwight was selected by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the nation’s first black astronaut candidate, though he was never given the opportunity to fly to space. This mission, therefore, also carried historical significance, bridging past aspirations with present achievements.