Rakesh Sharma takes off on F18

India's first and only astronaut Rakesh Sharma took off on US multi combat aircraft F18 from the air show ground here today. F18 is a Super Hornet fighter jet of the US air force.

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Sharma, who was a part of the Indo-Soviet space mission in April 1984, was conferred the Ashoka Chakra.

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In November 2006 he took part in India's top scientists gathering organised by ISRO which gave the green signal to an Indian manned space mission

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After landing Rakesh told media that it was most exciting experience for him to fly on one of the most powerful flights in the world. It is just one more achievement for him, he said.

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India's first woman pilot Suman Sharma took off on MIG 35.

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