Former SRO Chief Dr K Kasturirangan, Man Behind India's 1st Moon Mission, Dies At 84

Kasturirangan was ISRO chief from 1994 to 2003. Under his leadership, ISRO started planning big missions like Chandrayaan. Dr K Kasturirangan was also the chairman of the drafting committee of the New Education Policy (NEP).

On April 27, his body will be kept at Raman Research Institute (RRI) for the last darshan. He was had a heart attack two years ago. Since then Kasturirangan was ill.

Man Behind India's 1st Moon Mission

Although he was a member of the Planning Commission in the UPA government, served as Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. Dr K Kasturirangan was also a member of the Rajya Sabha. Kasturirangan also served as a member of the Planning Commission during the UPA government.

He was member of the Planning Commission in the UPA government

Kasturirangan was also the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru from April 2004 to 2009. He headed or was a part of many committees of the Center. He advised the government on many issues including higher education, technology and environment.

Headed many committees of the Center

He was the Project Director of the Experimental Earth Observation Satellite. Before becoming ISRO Chief in 1994, he was the Director of ISRO's Satellite Center. Here he worked on the design, development and launch of the new generation spacecraft, Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and the country's first remote sensing satellite IRS-1A and IRS-1B.

Apart from this, he was also the project director of India's first two experimental earth observation satellites Bhaskar-1 and Bhaskar-2.

Kasturirangan was the Director of ISRO's Satellite Center

While being the ISRO chief, the country's space program crossed many important milestones. During this period, the launch of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the first successful test of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) took place.

Also Read: 'Mujahideen is my brother', said the terrorist's sister after the Pahalgam attack

The world's best civilian satellites IRS-1C and IRS-1D were designed, developed and launched. Along with this, the launch of second and third generation INSAT satellites and satellites like Ocean Observation Satellite IRS-P3 and IRS-P4 were launched for monitoring the oceans.

PM pays tribute on social media

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the demise of Kasturirangan. He wrote on the social media site X - I am deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. K Kasturirangan, a great personality in India's scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the country will always be remembered.

He worked very diligently at ISRO and took India's space program to new heights. Many important satellites were launched under his leadership. His focus was always on innovation. India will always be grateful to Dr Kasturirangan for the New Education Policy (NEP).

He was a guide for many young scientists and research scholars. My condolences are with his family, students, scientists and countless fans.

Also Read: Bandipora Encounter: Indian soldiers killed Lashkar's top commander Altaf Lali