Renowned Scientist Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84

Renowned Scientist Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84

Why in the News ?

Former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan passed away at the age of 84 in Bengaluru. A prominent figure in India’s space and education sectors, he was associated with key ISRO missions and had also served as a Rajya Sabha member.

Renowned Scientist Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84

Life and Career Highlights:

  • Served as Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003 and Secretary, Department of Space for over nine years.
  • Instrumental in India’s space programme for over four decades.
  • Project Director for India’s first experimental earth observation satellites BHASKARA-I and II.
  • Led the development of IRS-1A, the first operational Indian Remote Sensing satellite.
  • Contributed significantly to India’s high energy astronomy and remote sensing capabilities.

Awards and Education

  • Honoured with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan
  • Completed Sc. (Honours) and M.Sc. in Physics from Bombay University.
  • Earned a Doctorate in Experimental High Energy Astronomy from the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad in 1971.
  • Recognised as a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey.

Passing and National Mourning

  • Passed away at 10:43 a.m. at his residence in Bengaluru.
  • His body will be kept for public homage at Raman Research Institute on Sunday.
  • Survived by his sons Rajesh Rangan and Sanjay Rangan.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered heartfelt condolences, celebrating his immense contribution.

Dr. K. Kasturirangan’s Contributions:

●      Chairman of ISRO (1994-2003): Led key missions and institutional advancements in India’s space program.

●      Pioneering Satellite Projects: Directed BHASKARA-I & II and IRS-1A, laying the foundation for India’s Earth observation program.

●      PSLV & GSLV Development: Operationalised PSLV, India’s satellite launch workhorse, and successfully tested GSLV.

●      Director, ISRO Satellite Centre: Led the development of INSAT-2 Series, IRS-1A & 1B, and high-performance satellites like IRS-1C & 1D.

●      Academic & Policy Contributions: Earned degrees in Physics and High Energy Astronomy; served as Rajya Sabha member and Planning Commission member.

●      National Education Policy (NEP 2020): Chaired the committee that drafted the transformative policy.

●      Environmental Advocacy: Authored Kasturirangan Committee Report on the Western Ghats, promoting environmental conservation.

●      Honours: Awarded Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for his multifaceted contributions.