Remembering K Kasturirangan: The man with Midas touch who put India in a higher orbit
Bengaluru: In the annals of India's space odyssey, few names shimmer with the quiet brilliance of
K Kasturirangan
. A man of towering intellect and understated charisma, he helmed the
Indian Space Research Organisation
(
Isro
) during one of its most transformative decades — leaving behind a legacy so flawless that insiders still whisper of 'Kasturirangan Magic'. Quite simply, nothing he touched ever failed.
From the early Aryabhata days to the dawn of planetary exploration, Kasturirangan's journey mirrors the evolution of India's space ambitions. But it was during his stint as Isro chairman from 1994 to 2003 that the organisation truly transitioned from experimentation to operational excellence.
You Can Also Check:
Bengaluru AQI
|
Weather in Bengaluru
|
Bank Holidays in Bengaluru
|
Public Holidays in Bengaluru
"Every launch vehicle or satellite that became operational during his tenure — PSLV, GSLV, the remote-sensing satellites — bore his stamp of methodical brilliance," recalled Dr BN Suresh, a former Isro scientist.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Senior Living 1 & 2 BHK Homes from ₹ 73.99 Lakh*
TVS Emerald Serene Springs
Book Now
Undo
"...He ensured they matured from developmental stages to reliable platforms. And remarkably, there wasn't a single failure. That speaks to his meticulous eye and strategic foresight," said Suresh, who edited Kasturirangan's book 'Space & Beyond' that chronicles his life.
Indeed, his leadership saw the PSLV emerge as India's workhorse launcher. It was under him that India launched its first oceanographic satellite, IRS-P4, and also demonstrated the capability to launch multiple satellites in one go — laying the groundwork for Isro's future commercial clout.
Kasturirangan also pushed India's Earth Observation (EO) capabilities to new heights. As project director of the Indian Remote Sensing satellites in the 1980s, and later as Isro chairman, he shepherded the EO programme to global prominence. Under his leadership, Isro began supplying high-quality EO data to the international market, firmly establishing India as a credible player.
Taking Isro global
But his impact wasn't just technical. As chairman of Antrix Corporation, Isro's commercial arm, he opened the floodgates to foreign partnerships. Be it leasing satellite transponders or launching Korean and German payloads on Indian rockets, he saw in Isro not just a science agency but a strategic enterprise.
"He took Isro global. He brought in the first meaningful international revenues and helped the world see India as a dependable launch partner," said BR Guruprasad, another former Isro scientist. "The phrase we coined then still holds: Kasturirangan Magic."
He also laid the groundwork for future missions — getting approvals for
Chandrayaan-1
and
Astrosat
before demitting office. Former Isro chief K Sivan perhaps put it best: "He was a scientist, a visionary, and above all, a leader par excellence. Isro soared under his watch."
To this day, those within the agency regard his tenure with a kind of reverence. No failures. Only milestones. That was the Kasturirangan era — a golden chapter of Indian spaceflight.
QUOTES
He was a scientist, a visionary, and above all, a leader par excellence. Isro soared under his watch. His support of leaders like Prof Dhawan and Prof UR Rao in building India's space programme, and later his leadership in encouraging colleagues to propel it further, will always be remembered
— K Sivan | former Isro chairman
------
…He had a profound influence on all of us in Isro. It leaves a vacuum in the community of technocrats and thinkers whose voice is heard by all. I join in the sorrow of the Isro family and all who admired him
— S Somanath | former Isro Chairman
------
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr K Kasturirangan, a visionary scientist and a guiding force behind India's space programme. His contributions to Isro and Indian science will be remembered for generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones
— Jitendra Singh | Union minister
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Meet Dr Madhavi Latha, the IISc professor who dedicated 17 years for the Chenab Bridge
The Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is the highest bridge in the world and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. The project is part of the 272 km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL), which was approved in 2003. One of the major contributors to the construction of the engineering marvel is Dr G Madhavi Latha , a professor at the Indian Institute of Science ( IISc ) in Bengaluru. She was involved for 17 years in the Chenab Bridge project as a geotechnical consultant. Latha worked closely with Afcons, the contractor of the bridge, in the planning, design and construction of the structure, focusing on the obstacles due to the terrain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Chuck Norris Begs Seniors: Avoid These 3 Foods Like The Plague Roundhouse Provisions Learn More Undo Who Is G Madhavi Latha? Madhavi Latha is currently a HAG professor at IISc. She completed her in Civil Engineering in 1992 from the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, where she achieved first class with distinction. She then bagged a gold medal as an student at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal with a specialisation in Geotechnical Engineering . Further, Latha completed her doctorate from IIT-Madras in 2000 in Geotechnical Engineering. Live Events She has received several awards over the years, including the Best Woman Geotechnical Researcher award by the Indian Geotechnical Society in 2021. She was also named in the Top 75 Women in STEAM of India in 2022. Role In Chenab Bridge Project The bridge is an extremely challenging project due to the adverse topography, weather conditions and remote location. Latha's team adopted a 'design-as-you-go approach' to overcome the obstacles. They innovated in real time based on geological conditions such as fractured rocks, hidden cavities, and varying rock properties, which were not evident in early surveys. The team made complex calculations and design modifications to work around the actual rock mass conditions they found during the construction. Latha's contributions included advice on the design and placement of rock anchors to improve stability. She has recently published a paper in the Indian Geotechnical Journal's women's special issue titled 'Design as You Go: The Case Study of Chenab Railway Bridge.' The paper describes how the design of the bridge has evolved continuously, with the overall structure, location and type being the only constants to suit the geological conditions of the site. About Chenab Bridge The Chenab Bridge, described as the "biggest civil-engineering challenge faced by any railway project in India in recent history' by the government is built at a cost of Rs 1,486 crore. The 359-metre bridge is taller than the Eiffel Tower by 35 metres. It is set to improve connectivity in the Kashmir valley.
Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
9 most deadliest spiders in the world that could endanger you by their venom
Spiders are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem but some species carry venom which are potent enough to pose serious risks to humans. Across the globe, a handful of spiders stand out for their dangerous bites which can cause severe pain, illness or even death if untreated. While most spiders avoid people, encounters with these venomous species can happen in homes, forests and even urban areas. In this list, we explore nine of the most dangerous spiders worldwide by revealing their unique traits, habitats and the real dangers their venom presents. World's deadliest spiders including wolf spider , red widow spiders, and more Brown recluse spider The Brown Recluse Spider is also known as Loxosceles reclusa and is one of the most dangerous spiders in North America due to its venomous bite. They are easily recognizable by their violin-shaped marking on the back. This spider is shy and usually hides in dark and undisturbed places like closets or woodpiles. Its bite can cause serious skin necrosis which can lead to painful ulcers and tissue damage that may require medical treatment. Though rarely fatal, the venom can cause systemic symptoms in some cases. Because bites are often painless initially, many victims don't realize they've been bitten until symptoms develop that makes it a stealthy threat. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why Didn't Anyone Tell You About This Power Saver? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Pre-Order Undo Source: Wikipedia Brazilian wandering spiders The Brazilian Wandering Spiders including Phoneutria fera and P. nigriventer are among the most venomous and aggressive spiders in the world. They are found in tropical South American forests and these spiders are named for their roaming hunting style rather than building webs. Their venom contains potent neurotoxins that can cause severe pain, muscle paralysis and in rare cases, death if untreated. They are known for their quick movements and defensive behavior and they often hide in banana plantations and other places frequented by humans, earning the nickname "banana spiders. " Immediate medical attention is crucial after a bite to prevent serious complications. Source: Wikipedia Yellow sac spider The Yellow Sac Spider, also known as Cheiracanthium inclusum, is a venomous spider that is commonly found in North and Central America. They are easily recognizable by its pale yellow or light green color and often prefer to live indoors, hiding in corners, curtains and ceilings. Its bite can cause mild to moderate pain, redness and swelling that can sometimes lead to skin irritation or small ulcers. Though they are not usually dangerous to humans, their venom contains enzymes that can cause tissue breakdown, making bites uncomfortable and slow to heal. While generally not aggressive, the Yellow Sac Spider will bite if provoked, making it a spider to watch out for in homes. Source: Wikipedia Wolf spider Wolf Spiders belong to the family of Lycosidae and are known for their speed and hunting skills rather than webs. They are found worldwide and are typically large, hair, and agile hunters that roam the ground at night. While their venom is not deadly to humans, wolf spider bites can cause pain, swelling and itching. They usually bite only when threatened or handled and their bites can sometimes lead to mild allergic reactions. Despite their fearsome appearance, wolf spiders play a beneficial role by controlling insect populations in gardens and natural habitats. Source: Wikipedia Black Widow Spider The Black Widow Spider also known as Latrodectus mactans is infamous for its potent venom and distinctive appearance with a shiny black body and a red hourglass marking on its abdomen. Found throughout North America, it prefers dark, secluded areas such as woodpiles, sheds and garages. Its venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause severe muscle pain, cramps, and spasms that make bites extremely painful and sometimes dangerous especially to children and the elderly. Although rarely fatal with modern medical treatment, immediate care is important. The black widow is generally shy and bites only when provoked or threatened. Source: Wikipedia Brown Widow Spider The Brown Widow Spider also called as Latrodectus geometricus is a venomous relative of the black widow which is recognized by its mottled brown body and distinctive orange or yellow hourglass marking beneath its abdomen. Native to Africa, it has spread worldwide and is often found around human dwellings like gardens, garages and outdoor furniture. Though its venom is toxic, it is generally less potent than that of the black widow that can cause milder symptoms such as localized pain, redness and swelling. Brown widows are less aggressive and tend to avoid confrontation but bites can still require medical attention to manage discomfort and prevent complications. Source: Wikipedia Red Widow Spider The Red Widow Spider is a rare and strikingly colorful relative of the black widow which is native to Florida's scrub habitats. It is easily recognized by its bright red body with black markings including a distinctive hourglass shape on its underside. Like other widow spiders, its venom contains neurotoxins that can cause intense pain, muscle cramps and other symptoms, though bites are uncommon due to its secretive nature. The red widow prefers dry, sandy environments and is considered a threatened species. While dangerous, it rarely bites humans unless provoked or threatened. Source: Wikipedia Redback Spider The Redback Spider which is famous by its name as Latrodectus hasselti is a highly venomous spider native to Australia, closely related to the black widow. It is easily identified by its shiny black body and distinctive bright red stripe on its back. Redbacks prefer dry, sheltered locations such as woodpiles, sheds and outdoor toilets. Their venom contains powerful neurotoxins that can cause severe pain, sweating, muscle weakness and nausea. While bites can be very painful, fatalities are rare thanks to the availability of antivenom and medical treatment. Redbacks are shy and bite mainly when disturbed or threatened. Source: Wikipedia Funnel-web Spiders Funnel-web Spiders belong to the family Dipluridae and are known for their distinctive funnel-shaped webs built close to the ground or in crevices. They are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, these spiders are agile hunters that wait at the narrow end of their web to ambush prey. While not all funnel-web species are dangerous, some relatives like the Sydney funnel-web spider are highly venomous. Their venom can cause severe pain, muscle spasms and in extreme cases even fatal reactions without prompt treatment. Funnel-web spiders are usually aggressive when threatened by making caution important when near their habitats. Source: Wikipedia Also read: World's most dangerous fish on Earth that you'd never want to encounter
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
47-million-year-old snake found may be the biggest ever, surpassing Titanoboa
47-million-year-old snake found may be the biggest ever, surpassing Titanoboa Scientists in India have discovered the fossil remains of the world's largest snake, over 50 feet (15 meters) long, around 6.5 feet (2 meters) and incredibly powerful. Giant, 47 million-year-old snake fossils pulled from mine in India may be the largest snake ever, potentially surpassing Titanoboa by around 15 feet. The newly discovered species is called Vasuki Indicus. Its name comes from Vasuki, a famous snake from Hindu mythology. In stories, Vasuki is often shown wrapped around the neck of Lord Shiva, one of the main gods in Hinduism. Over 50 feet long giant snake fossils discovered in India The researchers used two different methods to estimate the possible body length of V. indicus. They estimated the serpent's total body length using the width of the snake's spine bones and found that V. indicus could have ranged from between 36 feet and 50 feet (11 and 15 m) long, although they acknowledge there may be a possible error associated with their estimate. Both approaches relied on modern snakes to establish a link between vertebrae width and overall body length, but they used different datasets for their calculations. The team thinks that the fossils found came from a fully grown adult. According to Live science, a total of 27 fossilized vertebrae from the enormous snake were unearthed at the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Gujarat State. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Worst States To Visit in America, Ranked BigGlobalTravel Undo The fossils date to around 47 million years ago, during the Eocene epoch (56 million to 33.9 million years ago). The researchers published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. Vasuki Indicus, the giant snake found Looking at the sites where ribs would attach to the vertebrae, the researchers think V. indicus had a broad, cylindrical body and mostly lived on land. Aquatic snakes, in comparison, tend to have very flat, streamline bodies. Due to its large size, the researchers say the snake was likely an ambush predator, subduing its prey by constriction, similar to modern-day anacondas. The scientists estimate that V. indicus thrived in a warm climate with an average of around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degree celsius)- a significantly warmer temperature than the present day. Datta said, 'There are still many things we don't know about Vasuki. We don't know about its muscles, how it used them or what it ate'. Meet Titanoboa: The giant snake from the past Around 60 million years ago, after the dinosaurs had vanished, an enormous snake called Titanoboa slithered through the hot, swampy jungles of what is now Colombia. This prehistoric snake, which belonged to the boa family, wasn't poisonous—it killed by wrapping its powerful body around its prey and squeezing tight. Titanoboa was so huge that it likely ate large fish and even crocodiles. Fossils found deep in a coal mine in South America show that the Earth was much hotter back then, which may explain how this monster snake grew so big. Titanoboa helps scientists understand more about the climate and wildlife after the age of dinosaurs. A life-sized model of this ancient beast now stuns museum visitors, reminding us that nature once produced creatures bigger and scarier than we ever imagined.
