Gopi Thotakura becomes first Indian space tourist with Blue Origin
PTC News Desk: Gopi Thotakura, an Indian expatriate, made history by being the first Indian space tourist and the second Indian to travel into space as part of the crew for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin's NS-25 mission.
On Sunday, Blue Origin successfully accomplished its seventh human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New Shepard program.
Gopi Thotakura, an Andhra native, was among the crew's five members.
The astronaut crew, in addition to Gopi Thotakura, included Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L. Hess, Carol Schaller, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight, who was chosen by President John F. Kennedy as the nation's first black astronaut candidate in 1961 but never flew, according to Blue Origin's official website.
Who is Gopichand Thotakura?
Gopichand Thotakura was fascinated by aviation from a young age, which prompted him to master the art of piloting aircraft before learning to drive. His passion for aviation led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, solidifying his expertise in the field.
He has served as an international medical jet pilot, embodying a spirit of adventure that culminated in scaling the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in his most recent expedition.
At 30 years old, Thotakura is not only an accomplished aviator but also an entrepreneur, currently spearheading Preserve Life Corp, a global centre for holistic wellness and applied health located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
- With inputs from agencies
