Bengaluru: K Kasturirangan, renowned space scientist and former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away on Thursday (April 254) morning at his Bengaluru residence. He was 84.
In a statement, ISRO said, "Dr K Kasturirangan has left for heavenly abode this morning at 10.43 am at his residence in Bengaluru." According to reports, his mortal remains will be kept at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) on Sunday, April 27, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for public homage.
His Contributions to Indian Space Science
In his four decades of distinguished career, Kasturirangan played a pivotal role in shaping India's space capabilities. He led ISRO as its fifth chairman from 1994 to 2003, overseeing landmark missions such as the operationalisation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the inaugural test of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
Earlier, as project director, he spearheaded India's first earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I and II, and later supervised the launch of IRS-1A. As Director of the ISRO Satellite Centre, he guided the development of the INSAT-2 series and advanced remote sensing satellites like IRS-1C and 1D, helping position India among the world's leading space-faring nations.
His Works Beyond ISRO
Kasturirangan also made significant contributions outside the space sector. He served as a Rajya Sabha member and was part of the Planning Commission during the UPA era. Most recently, he chaired the committee that drafted the National Education Policy 2020 and led efforts to design a new National Curriculum Framework.
He also headed the committee that produced the influential Kasturirangan Report on the Western Ghats, identifying ecologically sensitive zones across six Indian states.
A recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, Kasturirangan leaves behind a legacy of scientific excellence.
