The Soyuz T-11 mission represented the culmination of a rigorous two-year training period for Ravish Malhotra, who prepared at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City. Although he served as the backup candidate, Malhotra underwent extensive instruction in the Soviet Union’s Intercosmos program to prepare for a flight that would have established him as the first Indian in space.
Military Service and Flight Experience
Born in Lahore in 1943, Malhotra moved to India following the 1947 partition. He attended St Thomas School in Calcutta before gaining admission to the National Defence Academy. Commissioned as an Indian Air Force officer in 1963, he piloted several aircraft, including the De Havilland Vampire, Dassault Mystère, HAL HF-24 Marut, and the Sukhoi Su-22. During the 1971 war, he performed over 17 sorties in the Chamb-Jaurian sector, sustaining heavy anti-aircraft fire while maintaining mission operations.
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Malhotra’s path to space exploration included specialized training at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine in Bangalore and subsequent testing in Moscow. By 1982, he was one of four cadets chosen for the Indo-Soviet space program. His training regime encompassed microgravity simulation via Ilyushin Il-76 flights, survival techniques, and Russian-language instruction. While both Malhotra and Rakesh Sharma reached the final shortlist for the 1984 Soyuz T-11 mission, the Indian Ministry of Defence ultimately designated Sharma for the flight.
Post-Military Career
After returning to India, Malhotra served as the Air Officer Commanding of the Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi. He retired from the Indian Air Force in 1995. Transitioning to the private sector, he established Dynamatic Aerospace, an NSE-listed manufacturing firm. Under his guidance, the company produced precision components for international clients such as Boeing, Airbus, and Bell Helicopters. He remained active with the firm until his retirement at age 75.
Fast facts
- Born: 25 December 1943, Lahore
- Commissioned Officer: 1963
- Selected for Intercosmos program: 1982
- Awards: Soviet Order of Friendship of Peoples (1984), Kirti Chakra (1985)
- Air Force Retirement: 1995
- Corporate Role: Founder, Dynamatic Aerospace
- Residence: Bangalore, India
Questions readers ask
Did Ravish Malhotra ever travel to space?
No, he served as the backup for Rakesh Sharma on the 1984 Soyuz T-11 mission and did not launch into space.
What was his primary occupation after leaving the Indian Air Force?
He entered the private sector, founding and leading the aerospace manufacturing company Dynamatic Aerospace.
Achievements
- Worked as astronaut and test pilot
