Gopi Thotakura, an accomplished pilot, is poised to make history as the first Indian to journey to the edge of space aboard Blue Origin’s upcoming flight, NS-25. Alongside five other crew members, the Indian-American aviator will embark on this pioneering mission, although the precise dates are yet to be disclosed by Jeff Bezos’ space enterprise.
Described by Blue Origin as a seasoned pilot and aviator with a lifelong passion for flight, Gopi’s credentials extend beyond commercial aviation. From mastering bush, aerobatic, and seaplanes to conquering gliders and hot air balloons, his diverse piloting experience is complemented by his role as an international medical jet pilot.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Gopi is also recognized as the co-founder of Preserve Life, a holistic wellness and health center based near Atlanta International Airport. Hailing from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, he pursued his education at Sarala Birla Academy in Bengaluru, as detailed in his LinkedIn profile.
Currently aged 30, Gopi oversees Preserve Life Corp, a global hub for holistic wellness and applied health situated near Atlanta International Airport. Blue Origin, renowned for its reusable New Shepard rocket, has conducted six crewed flights since July 2021, with CEO Jeff Bezos participating in the inaugural journey.
The upcoming NS-25 mission will see the six-person crew soar beyond the Karman line, marking the threshold of space situated 62 miles (100 km) above Earth’s surface, in a typical 11-minute flight aboard the New Shepard rocket.
