ISRO's Founder?
VerifiedAnswer: Vikram Sarabhai
Explanation:
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is rightfully called the Father of the Indian Space Programme. Born on August 12, 1919, into a wealthy textile family in Ahmedabad, Sarabhai had an early fascination with science and research. He completed his education at Cambridge University, where he earned his PhD in physics, specializing in cosmic ray research.
What makes Sarabhai truly remarkable is his vision for India's space program. Unlike other countries that initially focused on military applications, he believed that space technology should serve the common people. His famous quote reflects this philosophy: "We do not have the fantasy of competing with the economically advanced nations in the exploration of the moon or the planets or manned space-flight. But we are convinced that if we are to play a meaningful role nationally, and in the community of nations, we must be second to none in the application of advanced technologies to the real problems of man and society."
ISRO was officially established on August 15, 1969, with Sarabhai as its first chairman. However, his involvement in India's space journey began much earlier. In 1962, he established the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which later evolved into ISRO. He also founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad in 1947, which became the foundation for space research in India.
Under Sarabhai's leadership, India achieved several important milestones:
• Launch of India's first rocket from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in 1963 • Development of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) concept • Establishment of various space research centers across the country • Foundation for India's satellite communication and meteorological programs
Sadly, Dr. Sarabhai passed away on December 30, 1971, at the young age of 52. Though he didn't live to see many of ISRO's greatest achievements like the Mars Orbiter Mission or Chandrayaan missions, his vision and foundation made all these successes possible. Today, ISRO stands as one of the world's most cost-effective and reliable space agencies, exactly as Sarabhai had envisioned—focused on practical applications that benefit society.
