Contents
Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan
Leading ISRO as India’s satellite-launch capabilities expanded.
PSLV · Earth-observation satellites · Education policy
- Born
- 24 October 1940
- Birthplace
- Ernakulam, India
- Died
- 25 April 2025
More people
Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan
Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan was an Indian space scientist and ISRO chairman from 1994 to 2003. His career moved from high-energy astronomy to satellites and launch vehicles. After ISRO, he worked in research administration, Parliament and education policy.
Early life
Ernakulam and Bombay
Spent his early childhood in Kerala before moving to Bombay.
Physics training
Studied at Ramnarain Ruia College and the University of Bombay.
Career
- 1971
Astronomy doctorate
Completed doctoral research at the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.
- 1970s–1980s
Satellite development
Directed the Bhaskara Earth-observation satellite projects.
- 1990–1994
Satellite-centre director
Led the ISRO Satellite Centre before becoming chairman.
- 1994–2003
ISRO chairman
Oversaw satellite programmes and the development of India’s launch capabilities.
Projects
Bhaskara satellites
Directed India’s early experimental Earth-observation missions.
PSLV programme
Oversaw successful development flights and its transition into operational service.
GSLV flight
Led ISRO when the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle made its first successful test flight.
Beyond space
Public service
Served in the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and led the National Institute of Advanced Studies.
Education policy
Chaired the committee whose draft helped shape India’s National Education Policy 2020.
Sources & photo credit
Biography ↗ISRO career ↗ICTS tribute and dates ↗Photo: Ministry of Earth Sciences. GODL-India · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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