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Time of India

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