Indian space history – first Indian citizen in space Who was the first Indian to travel into outer space, flying aboard a Soviet mission and famously stating “Sare Jahan Se Achha” during a space-to-ground interaction?

Introduction / Context:
Milestones in human spaceflight include not only global achievements but also national firsts. India's first spacefarer remains a celebrated figure for inspiring generations toward science and exploration.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the first Indian in space.
• The mission was a joint Indo–Soviet flight in the 1980s.
• Multiple Indian-origin names appear; some are not astronauts or were involved in other roles.

Concept / Approach:
Sqn Ldr Rakesh Sharma, an Indian Air Force test pilot, flew aboard Soyuz T-11 to the Salyut 7 space station in April 1984. During the mission, in a famous exchange, he described India as “Sare Jahan Se Achha.” Kalpana Chawla, while Indian-born, flew later as a NASA astronaut (U.S. citizen) in the Space Shuttle era, and others listed are not the first Indian in space.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the 1984 Soyuz T-11 mission as the first Indian spaceflight.Associate the mission with Rakesh Sharma (primary cosmonaut) and Ravish Malhotra (backup).Select “Rakesh Sharma.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical mission logs list crew: Yury Malyshev, Gennady Strekalov, and Rakesh Sharma. Sharma's flight makes him the first Indian in space.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Kalpana Chawla: distinguished astronaut, but not the first Indian in space.
• Ravi Malhotra / Ravish Malhotra: Indian Air Force officer served as backup cosmonaut; did not fly.
• Satish Dhawan: eminent space scientist and former ISRO chairman, not an astronaut.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “first Indian-born in NASA” with “first Indian citizen in space.” The first flight was through the Soviet Interkosmos program.

Final Answer:
Rakesh Sharma