Five scientists behind the rise of ISRO

The space Exploration Industry has witnessed a major boom in investments in the last few years. Countries are eyeing to increase their dominance in space and become space superpowers. To pursue that dream,  every country has set up its own space research organization, working to find answers to humanity’s biggest questions regarding space. 

One bright example is the Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO.  Since its inception on 15th August’1969, it has worked dedicatedly to make the nation proud. The organization has produced talents like Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Vikram Sarabhai,  Dr. K.Sivan,  Satish Dhawan, etc. 

The Indian Space Program has reached tremendous heights in the last few years and is considered among the top five space programs globally.  Mars mission Mangalyaan’s success hit the headlines globally.  

Here is a list of our Top 5 Space Scientists, who helped India make a mark: 

Vikram Sarabhai 
Born in Gujarat, Vikram Sarabhai, ‘Father of the Indian Space Programme’, was the genius behind the vision of setting up India’s space research organization ‘ISRO’. He formed a committee to constitute a space research organization in 1962. Not only this, he also played an instrumental role in helping India develop as a nuclear power during his tenure of three years as the chairman of the Atomic Energy Department. Sarabhai was a physicist and an industrialist. He launched programs to make education accessible for children in remote villages through satellite communication, and also recommended the development of satellite-based remote sensing technology for mapping natural resources. He was awarded Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibushan, the country’s highest civilian awards. 

Satish Dhawan 
Following Sarabhai’s death in 1971, Satish Dhawan took charge of ISRO and helped ISRO achieve new heights. His endeavors and genius moved ISRO to the big league of space science. He was born in Srinagar and was an aerospace engineer.  During his 12 year tenure, he carried out pioneering experiments in rural education, remote sensing, and satellite communications. His efforts led to operational systems like INSAT, a telecommunications satellite; IRS, the Indian Remote Sensing satellite; and the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). In honour of Satish Dhawan, the satellite launch center at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, was renamed ‘the Satish Dhawan Space Centre’. Interestingly, he was the man who recognized the talent of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalaam, regarded as the ‘Missile man of India’. 

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam 
Scientist Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was born in Rameswaram. He was the man behind laying the foundation of India’s indigenous missile system and developing ballistic missiles that gave a major boost to our defence system. He paved the way for other scientists to produce more indigenous missiles. One of the best nuclear scientists of his time, Kalam guided Pokhran-II’s nuclear testing success. For his achievements, he was made the Chief Scientific Advisor to PM in 1991 and later, became the President of India in 2007. 

Dr. K Radhakrishnan 
Dr Radhakrishnan started his career as an avionic engineer in Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. He hails from Kerala and is counted globally as a leading scientist. He chaired ISRO for five years and left a significant mark. Under his leadership, India’s Mangalyaan Mission was successfully executed and completed. He will always be remembered for the mars mission because it was successful on the first attempt and is perhaps the cheapest space mission so far. He developed an indigenous cryogenic engine, making India the world’s sixth nation to develop it. 

Dr. K Sivan 
Dr. K.Sivan was born in a family of farmers in Tamil Nadu. Growing up, he decided to pursue Aerospace Engineering and always had a curiosity about space explorations. He has executed the recent Chandrayaan mission and won prestigious awards for research. Moreover, he has been a part of many projects including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). His significant contributions included planning, designing, and integration of the mission. He is also known for creating GSLV.  India’s next space mission ‘Chandrayan-III” will be launched under his guidance.