Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, Former ISRO Chairman, Passes Away
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), passed away on April 25, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 84. He was a renowned space scientist and a pivotal figure in India's scientific and educational landscape.
Dr. Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003, during which he led significant missions such as the Bhaskara satellites, and played a key role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
In addition to his contributions to space science, Dr. Kasturirangan was the architect of India's National Education Policy (NEP) and served as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University. He was also the Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission and a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009.
Dr. Kasturirangan was honored with India's highest civilian awards: the Padma Vibhushan (2000), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Shri (1982), in recognition of his exceptional contributions to science and education.
He is survived by his two sons, Rajesh and Sanjay. His wife, Lakshmi, predeceased him in 1991. A public memorial service was held at the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru on April 27, 2025, where colleagues and admirers paid their respects.
