New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): In a historic milestone for both private spaceflight and Sikh representation, 80-year-old Arvinder Singh Bahal has become the first known Sikh to journey into space. The Agra-born U.S. citizen lifted off from Blue Origin’s launch site in West Texas aboard the company’s NS-34 mission, joining five other crew members, including entrepreneur Justin Sun and adventurer JD Russell.
Bahal’s life story is as remarkable as his latest achievement. A former National Defence Academy (NDA) trainee who overcame partial hearing loss, he has long embodied resilience and exploration. His passion for travel once led him to visit every one of the world’s 196 recognized countries, a feat that earned him a place in the global record books. He currently runs Bahal Properties in Massachusetts and is the author of Tireless Traveller, a book chronicling his extraordinary journeys.
Blue Origin hailed Bahal as a “symbol of fearless adventure,” emphasizing the cultural and generational diversity he brings to commercial spaceflight. At 80, his accomplishment not only adds to the growing list of senior astronauts but also creates a new chapter in space history for the Sikh community.
For Bahal, this mission was more than just a flight, it was the realization of a lifelong dream to push boundaries and inspire others. As private space exploration continues to expand, his journey stands as a testament to the idea that age and background are no barriers to reaching for the stars.
