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juhikothari86
May 20

Gopi Thotakura: First Indian Space Tourist on Blue Origin’s Historic NS-25 Mission

In a landmark event, Gopi Thotakura, originally from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has made history as the first Indian citizen to travel to space as a tourist. Thotakura was part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard-25 (NS-25) mission, which successfully completed its 25th flight, signifying a major stride in the realm of commercial space travel.


The NS-25 mission, known for its diverse crew, included notable figures such as former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight. This mission underscores the increasing accessibility of space travel for civilians and marks a personal milestone for all crew members involved.


Thotakura, a seasoned pilot and aviator, is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, a global center for holistic wellness and applied health near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. His extensive aviation background includes flying commercial jets, bush planes, aerobatic and seaplanes, gliders, hot air balloons, and serving as an international medical jet pilot.


The suborbital flight aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard typically lasts approximately 11 minutes from launch to capsule landing, offering a few minutes of weightlessness in space. The NS-25 mission is the seventh human spaceflight for the New Shepard program and the 25th mission in its history, further advancing the possibilities of space tourism.


The New Shepard rocket, named after Alan Shepard, the first American in space, is a fully reusable suborbital rocket system designed for human flight. It provides an 11-minute journey past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 km (62 miles) above Earth. The crew capsule, featuring large windows, offers breathtaking views of Earth and several minutes of weightlessness for its passengers.



The success of the NS-25 mission reflects Blue Origin's dedication to making space travel more accessible for research, technology development, and tourism. With this flight, Gopi Thotakura joins the prestigious ranks of space travelers, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian in space in 1984. Thotakura's journey marks a significant milestone in the growing field of commercial space travel and space tourism.



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