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ISRO Former Chairman K. Kasturirangan Passes Away 🚀

   April 26, 2025

Dr. Kasturirangan, known as a titan in India’s scientific community, made significant contributions to the Indian space programme. As the ISRO Former Chairman K. Kasturirangan, he steered some of India’s most critical satellite missions and was a visionary leader, aligning scientific progress with national development goals.

He began his journey as an X-ray astronomer, eventually becoming the fifth Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003. His tenure marked ISRO’s graduation into a full-fledged space agency, with operational milestones in PSLV, GSLV, and the launch of multiple thematic missions for communication, meteorology, oceanography, education, and cartography.

 

Career Milestones

Paper: Science and Technology

  • Project Director for the BHASKARA-I & II satellites.
  • Instrumental in launching the IRS-1A satellite, India’s first operational remote sensing satellite.
  • Initiated commercial space ventures, leasing transponders of INSAT-2E internationally.
  • Introduced thematic missions like EDUSAT, CARTOSAT, and RESOURCESAT under “Space for Society.“
  • Ideated and initiated Chandrayaan-1; played a key role in its project formation.
  • Held key positions: Member of Planning Commission, Rajya Sabha MP, and Chairman of Karnataka Knowledge Commission.

🧠 Key Contributions & Legacy

  • Tenure as ISRO Chairman: 1994–2003

  • Pioneered transition from experimental to operational phase in Indian space programs.

  • Operationalised PSLV and GSLV, making ISRO a full-fledged space agency.

  • Led major thematic missions:

    • EDUSAT – Education

    • INSAT/GSAT – Communication

    • RESOURCESAT, METSAT, OCEANSAT, CARTOSAT – Earth & Ocean Sciences

    • ASTROSAT, Chandrayaan-1 – Astronomy & Lunar Science

🌍 Social Impact

  • Championed “Space for Society” concept.

  • Initiated NNRMS (Natural Resource Management System) integrating space with agriculture, water, health, education, etc.

  • Enabled Indian TV broadcasts in 47 countries via leased INSAT-2E transponders.

🏛️ Academic & Political Roles

  • Member of Rajya Sabha (2003–2009)

  • Chaired National Education Policy 2020 drafting committee.

  • Former Chairman of Karnataka Knowledge Commission

  • Served on Planning Commission under UPA.

🏅 Awards & Qualifications

  • Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan

  • B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. in Physics – Bombay University

  • PhD in Experimental High Energy Astronomy – PRL Ahmedabad

🧪 Notable Projects

  • Directed India’s first two satellites: BHASKARA-I & II

  • Led IRS-1A (first operational remote sensing satellite)

  • Conceptualized Chandrayaan-1 – India’s first moon mission

Impact on Indian Space Program

Dr. Kasturirangan’s leadership came at a crucial time when India was positioning itself as a major space power. His efforts in developing the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite programme revolutionised India’s capability in satellite imaging for various sectors, including agriculture, water resources, and urban planning.

He expanded India’s reach to over 47 countries through satellite communication, facilitated the growth of national resource management systems (NNRMS), and brought ISRO’s technological benefits to grassroots levels. He also played a critical advisory role in formulating the National Education Policy 2020.

His influence extended beyond ISRO, shaping national science policies through his role in the Planning Commission and Rajya Sabha. His vision helped integrate scientific advancements into national strategies for inclusive growth.

Points to Remember

  • Dr. Kasturirangan was the project director for BHASKARA-I & II satellites.
  • He received India’s top civilian honours: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
  • Served as a member of the Planning Commission, Rajya Sabha MP, and chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission.
  • Played a foundational role in the Chandrayaan-1 mission concept.
  • Introduced thematic satellite missions like EDUSAT, CARTOSAT, METSAT, etc.
  • Made PSLV and GSLV operational, making ISRO a complete space agency.
  • Initiated India’s commercial space ventures, including leasing INSAT-2E.

🛰️ MCQs on Dr. K. Kasturirangan

1. Dr. K. Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO during which years?
A) 1990–1999
B) 1994–2003
C) 1995–2005
D) 1989–1998

✅ Answer: B) 1994–2003

2. Which major Indian lunar mission was conceptualized under Dr. Kasturirangan’s leadership?
A) Chandrayaan-2
B) Astrosat
C) Bhaskara-II
D) Chandrayaan-1

✅ Answer: D) Chandrayaan-1

3. Dr. K. Kasturirangan was awarded which of the following civilian honors?
A) Padma Shri
B) Padma Bhushan
C) Padma Vibhushan
D) All of the above

✅ Answer: D) All of the above

4. Under Dr. Kasturirangan’s leadership, which two launch vehicles became operational?
A) SLV and PSLV
B) GSLV and PSLV
C) GSLV and SSLV
D) PSLV and RLV

✅ Answer: B) GSLV and PSLV

5. Dr. Kasturirangan chaired the committee responsible for drafting which important Indian policy document?
A) National Education Policy 2020
B) Digital India Framework 2015
C) Space Policy 2017
D) National Disaster Management Plan 2016

✅ Answer: A) National Education Policy 2020

6. Which satellite projects were launched under Dr. Kasturirangan’s ISRO leadership for Earth observation?
A) Oceansat, Resourcesat, Cartosat
B) INSAT-3DR, GSAT-11
C) Aryabhata, Bhaskara-I
D) Astrosat, Aditya-L1

✅ Answer: A) Oceansat, Resourcesat, Cartosat

7. Dr. Kasturirangan represented which political institution after his ISRO tenure?
A) Lok Sabha
B) Rajya Sabha
C) Karnataka Legislative Assembly
D) Planning Commission

✅ Answer: B) Rajya Sabha

8. Dr. Kasturirangan completed his Ph.D. from which prestigious research institute?
A) Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
B) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
C) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad
D) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

✅ Answer: C) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad

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