Who Is Gopichand Thotakura, Set To Become India's First Civilian Astronaut On Blue Origin Mission?

Gopichand Thotakura will become the first Indian space tourist on Sunday when he is flown on Blue Origin's mission.

Gopichand Thotakura, a pilot and aviator, will be flown on the Blue Origin NS-25 mission to the Kármán line and back as part of a space tourism mission.

Photo Credit: X/Blueorigin

The Kármán line is recognized internationally as the boundary of space located at an altitude of 100 kilometres above sea level. The Blue Origin NS-25 space mission launch can be watched live at 7 pm IST on Blue Origin's social media platforms. The event will be streamed 40 minutes before the launch from Launch Site One in West Texas, USA.

Who is Gopichand Thotakura?

1. Gopichand Thotakura is a pilot "who learned to fly before he could drive."

2. Preserve Life Corp, a global wellness centre near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was co-founded by him.

3. Gopi has served as an international medical jet pilot and has flown commercial jets, bush planes, aerobatic planes, seaplanes, gliders, and hot air balloons. Over 2000 medical air ambulance missions have been performed by him.

4. He is an avid traveller who recently climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro's summit.

5. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is where Gopi graduated from.

"It is an incredible honour to become India's first civilian astronaut as the Kármán line is crossed with Blue Origin's NS-25 mission," Thotakura said in a statement. "This journey is not just a personal milestone but a testament to India's growing presence in space exploration.

Future generations are hoping to be inspired to dream big, pursue STEAM education, and reach for the stars. The unimaginable can be achieved together. Blue Origin and everyone who supported me in this incredible endeavour is deeply appreciated," he added.

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is conducting its seventh human flight and the 25th mission in its program's history. 31 people have already been launched to the Kármán line.

Joining Gopichand Thotakura on this journey are:

• Mason Angel, founder of Industrious Ventures

• Sylvain Chiron, founder of Brasserie Mont Blanc

• Kenneth L. Hess, software engineer and entrepreneur

• Carol Schaller, a retired CPA

• Ed Dwight, a former US Air Force captain selected by US President John F. Kennedy in 1961 as the "nation's first Black astronaut candidate but never had the opportunity to fly to space."