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Kasturirangan, who served in ISRO for more than three and a half decades, headed the organisation between 1994 and 2003, a little turbulent time for the space agency a number of international restrictions, including access to cryogenic technology. The restrictions became even tighter after India’s nuclear test in 1998.
It was during Kasturirangan’s leadership that ISRO embarked on a path of self-reliance and began planning for the big missions like Chandrayaan. Kasturirangan later became a member of the Rajya Sabha and then a member of the erstwhile Planning Commission. He also served the government in a number of other advisory capacities. He either headed or was part of committees that advised the government on a range of issues including higher education, technology, and even environment.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a towering figure in India’s scientific and educational journey. His visionary leadership and selfless contribution to the nation will always be remembered. He served ISRO with great diligence, steering India’s space programme to new heights, for which we also received global recognition. His leadership also witnessed ambitious satellite launches and focussed on innovation,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a message on social media platform X.
Kasturirangan had suffered a mild heart attack two years ago, and had been ailing since then.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a visionary scientist and a guiding force behind India’s space programme. His contributions to ISRO and Indian science will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” Science Minister Jitendra Singh, who is also in-charge of Department of Space, said in his message.
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