GUWAHATI: K Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and one of the principal architects of India’s space ambitions, died.
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The Department of Space and ISRO confirmed his death in a statement on X, saying, “DoS/ISRO deeply mourns the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO. He was one of the chief architects of India’s Space Programme. A visionary scientist, he led the development of the IRS and INSAT satellite systems and steered the PSLV to operational success. His legacy as a leader, scientist and mentor, will continue to inspire generations.”
DoS/ISRO deeply mourns the passing of Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, ISRO. He was one of the chief architects of India’s Space Programme. A visionary scientist, he led the development of the IRS and INSAT satellite systems and steered… pic.twitter.com/zVD7D93sRN
— ISRO (@isro) April 25, 2025
Kasturirangan led ISRO, the Space Commission and the Department of Space for over nine years, stepping down from office on August 27, 2003. Born on October 24, 1940 in Ernakulam, he was an astrophysicist by training and a central figure in transforming India’s space capabilities. He was conferred with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan and served as a Member of Parliament. Later in his career, he played a key role in formulating the National Education Policy 2020.
His tenure at ISRO marked a period of consolidation and expansion. Under his leadership, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was stabilised and became the agency’s workhorse rocket. The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) and Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellite series were developed into reliable national assets.
Kasturirangan also laid the groundwork for India’s planetary exploration. It was during his term that Chandrayaan-1—then referred to as Somayaan—was conceived as India’s first mission beyond Earth orbit.
