Gopi Thotakura, who lives in Atlanta, is set to become the first Indian space tourist. He will be part of a six-member crew aboard Jeff Bezos-owned Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft on its 25th flight.
The 30-year-old Indian pilot runs a wellness company in the US. While flying is no longer his day job, he still does some experimental flying, The Indian Express reported. He has been described by Blue Origin as the “pilot and aviator who learned how to fly before he could drive”.
‘Privileged to carry our blood up there’
Talking about his trip to space, Gopi remarked that he is “privileged to carry our blood up there”. Born in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijayawada, he said he wants to go up in space and see the Earth with his naked eyes. “Flying is my passion and going to space is the ultimate dream,” he added.
While the private space company has not yet disclosed the dates of the mission, it is expected to happen well before India’s own human spaceflight mission. Under the mission, the passengers aboard the spacecraft are taken beyond the Karman Line, which is the boundary of Earth’s atmosphere and outer space at a distance of around 80 to 100 km from the surface.
Jeff and his brother Mark Bezos joined the inaugural human sub-orbital flight aboard New Shepard. Actor William Shatner, known for his role in ‘Star Trek’, was among the crew members on Blue Origin’s second flight.
Training for mission
In this mission, the passengers experience zero gravity for a few minutes. This is a short duration flight, which is almost completely automated, hence, the passengers do not need to undergo rigorous training.
Gopi revealed that there is no regimented diet or training required for the mission. However, a few medical tests and some training teaching the passengers about the g-forces are conducted. “We will be trained on how to get out of their seats after they hit the Karman line, what to do in zero gravity, and how to get back in when the buzzer goes off so that we can make it back home safely. They are phenomenal at what they do,” he added.
Blue Origin claims a person can be fully trained for the spaceflight in just two days. Gopi believes that no one talks about the mindset required for the mission. He recounted his journey to Mt Kilimanjaro, saying it was his mindset that helped him succeed.
“I was able to climb Kilimanjaro without hitting the gym,” Gopi added.
