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4mo ago

Former ISRO Chief Dr. K Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84

The visionary space scientist and architect of India’s National Education Policy 2020 will be honored with public homage at Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute on April 27.

Former ISRO chief K Kasturirangan
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Former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Kasturirangan passed away at the age of 84 at his residence in Bengaluru on Friday
K Kasturirangan had been unwell for some time. In 2023, he was admitted to a hospital in Bengaluru after being airlifted from Sri Lanka where he suffered a heart attack. Since then, he had reduced his public engagements. (HT Phot)

Overview

  • Dr. K Kasturirangan, a pioneering astrophysicist and former ISRO chairman (1994–2003), passed away at his Bengaluru residence on April 25, 2025, at the age of 84.
  • During his tenure at ISRO, he oversaw the operationalisation of the PSLV and the first successful test flight of the GSLV, advancing India’s space capabilities.
  • He played a key role in developing India's satellite systems, including the INSAT and IRS series, and laid the groundwork for the Chandrayaan mission.
  • As the chairperson of the National Education Policy 2020 drafting committee, he shaped transformative reforms in India’s education system.
  • Dr. Kasturirangan’s body will be kept at the Raman Research Institute on April 27 for public tributes, with leaders and institutions across science and education sectors paying homage to his legacy.