Former ISRO Chief K Kasturirangan Passes Away in Bengaluru
It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we bid adieu to a stalwart in the field of Indian space research, Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan. The former chief of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) passed away in Bengaluru on Friday, leaving behind a legacy of achievements and contributions that will be remembered for generations to come.
Dr Kasturirangan, who was chairperson of the drafting committee of National Education Policy (NEP), had led ISRO for nine years, during which time he was also in charge of developing the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project. This project was a major milestone in India’s space program, enabling the country to launch satellites into polar orbits with precision and reliability.
Apart from his illustrious career in ISRO, Dr Kasturirangan also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009. His expertise and experience in the fields of science, technology, and education were invaluable to the country, and his contributions to the development of Indian space research and education will be deeply missed.
Dr Kasturirangan’s tenure as ISRO chief was marked by several significant achievements. During his time at the helm, he oversaw the successful launch of several satellites, including the IRS-1A, IRS-1B, and the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS). He also played a key role in the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and the PSLV, which has become a workhorse for India’s satellite launch program.
Under Dr Kasturirangan’s leadership, ISRO also made significant strides in the field of space exploration. He oversaw the development of India’s first crewed space mission, the Gaganyaan program, which aims to send humans to space by 2022. He also played a key role in the development of India’s lunar exploration program, which includes the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was launched in 2008.
Dr Kasturirangan’s contributions to Indian space research and education did not go unnoticed. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2000 for his services to the country. He was also awarded the National Space Society’s (NSS) von Braun Trophy in 2003 for his outstanding contributions to the field of space exploration.
Dr Kasturirangan’s passing away is a significant loss to the Indian space community and the country as a whole. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of space scientists and engineers, and his contributions to Indian space research and education will always be remembered.
