India's First Civilian Space Tourist Meets Vice President After Historic Space Journey

Captain Gopichand Thotakura, India's first civilian space tourist, met with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar following his groundbreaking trip aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard-25 mission. Thotakura expressed pride in representing India and discussed the potential of space tourism, emphasizing Blue Origin’s mission of benefiting Earth.

Captain Gopichand Thotakura, India's first civilian space tourist, met Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar on Monday after his historic journey aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard-25 mission. Thotakura, who recently returned from space, received a warm welcome upon his arrival in Delhi earlier in the day.

Expressing his emotions, Thotakura said, "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." He added that he is excited for future space endeavors and eager to meet his family. Thotakura is the second Indian citizen to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

In an exclusive interview with ANI, Thotakura shared his passion for flying and the mission's aim to protect Mother Earth. He highlighted the potential of space tourism to become affordable and accessible. Thotakura also mentioned Blue Origin's collaboration with NASA to establish a private international space station, emphasizing the importance of inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEAM.

Blue Origin's NS-25 six-person crew included Mason Angel, Sylvain Chiron, Kenneth L Hess, Carol Schaller, Gopi Thotakura, and former Air Force Captain Ed Dwight. Dwight was the nation's first black astronaut candidate selected by President Kennedy in 1961 but never flew to space.

(With inputs from agencies.)