Delhi, 25 April (H.S.): Dr. K. Kasturirangan, the former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and esteemed space scientist, has passed away at the age of 84 in Bengaluru after a period of ill health. His impact on India’s space scientific achievements is profound, with significant contributions during his tenure as ISRO chairman from 1994 to 2003. Under his leadership, several key satellite launch programs were successfully executed, notably those involving the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and Indian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS-1A and 1B). Prior to his chairmanship, he served as director of ISRO’s Satellite Centre, driving the development of next-generation spacecraft and scientific satellites.
According to a statement from ISRO: “Dr. K. Kasturirangan has left for heavenly abode this morning at 10. 43 am at his residence in Bengaluru. His body will be kept at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in Bengaluru for paying last respects on Sunday April 27th from 1000- 1200 hrs.”
PM Modi condoles passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over his demise, honoring Dr. Kasturirangan’s visionary leadership and selfless dedication to advancing India’s space program, which garnered global recognition. He highlighted the importance of Dr. Kasturirangan’s efforts toward the National Education Policy (NEP) and his role as a mentor to budding scientists.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered.
He served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation.India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP) and in ensuring that learning in India became more holistic and forward-looking. He was also an outstanding mentor to many young scientists and researchers, PM Modi added.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Science and Technology, also conveyed his grief, noting that Dr. Kasturirangan’s visionary contributions would resonate through future generations. For over nine years, he significantly enhanced India’s space program and was instrumental as secretary of the Government’s Space Department before concluding his service on August 27, 2003. His legacy is celebrated not only for his scientific achievements but also for fostering innovation and inclusivity in education and research. Condolences have been extended to his family, students, fellow scientists, and the many who admired him.
Dr. Kasturirangan, born on 24 October 1940 in Ernakulam, Kerala, served as the fifth chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003 and was Secretary of the Department of Space for nine years. His four-decade career included directing India’s first experimental earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I & II, and overseeing the first operational Indian Remote Sensing satellite, IRS-1A. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Physics from Bombay University and earned his Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971. Under his leadership, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was launched, and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) underwent successful flight testing.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
