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Remembering Father Of Indian Space: How Vikram Sarabhai Built Indian Space Research Organisation From Scratch

NDTV

a day ago

Science
NDTV

Remembering Father Of Indian Space: How Vikram Sarabhai Built Indian Space Research Organisation From Scratch

On August 12, the nation remembered and celebrated the 106th birth anniversary of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the legendary physicist, and widely known as Father of India's Space Programme. From pioneering cosmic ray research to laying the foundations of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), his contributions continue to inspire India's journey of space and technology. The ISRO paid tributes to Dr Sarabhai and shared video on Social media platform X, celebrating his legacy. "On his 106th birth anniversary, we celebrate Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary who ignited India's space journey. His belief in applying space science for societal benefit continues to shape the nation's space programme. As we approach National Space Day, his legacy endures," ISRO wrote on X. On his 106th birth anniversary, we celebrate Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary who ignited India's space journey. His belief in applying space science for societal benefit continues to shape the nation's space programme. As we approach National Space Day, his legacy endures.… — ISRO (@isro) August 12, 2025 Leaders from across the political spectrum also paid homage to his enduring legacy. Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha Om Birla in a post on X said, "Respectful salutations on the birth anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the pioneer of Indian space programme, great scientist, Padma Vibhushan awardee. With the establishment of the Physical Research Laboratory, he made the country self-reliant in space technology through the establishment of ISRO. Due to his inspiration, today India is touching new heights in space." भारतीय अंतरिक्ष कार्यक्रम के प्रणेता, महान वैज्ञानिक, पद्म विभूषण से सम्मानित डॉ. विक्रम साराभाई जी की जयंती पर सादर नमन। भौतिक अनुसंधान प्रयोगशाला की स्थापना के साथ उन्होंने भारत में वैज्ञानिक अनुसंधान की नींव रखी और भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन (ISRO) की स्थापना के माध्यम से… — Om Birla (@ombirlakota) August 12, 2025 Calling Dr Sarabhai "a true nation builder," Dr. S Somanath, former ISRO Chairman said, "Remembering the 106th birth anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai - the visionary who built institutions in space, atomic energy, management, textiles & arts. A true nation builder whose contributions continue to inspire us. Though I never met him, his legacy shaped our journey at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre since the 80s." Remembering the 106th birth anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai — the visionary who built institutions in space, atomic energy, management, textiles & arts. A true nation builder whos contributions continues to inspire us. Though I never met him, his legacy shaped our journey at… — Dr. S Somanath (@SomanathSpeak) August 12, 2025 Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge wrote on X, "Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the Father of India's Space Program, was an exceptional physicist and institution-builder whose legacy we honour on his birth anniversary. His work continues to inspire innovation and progress, serving as a powerful example of how to cultivate a scientific mindset among the public." Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the "Father of India's Space Program," was an exceptional physicist and institution-builder whose legacy we honour on his birth anniversary. His strong relationship with Pandit Nehru was instrumental in the creation of INCOSPAR, the precursor to @isro one of… — Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 12, 2025 Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju wrote, "Salutations on the birth anniversary of the great scientist Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, who laid the foundation of space science in India! His vision and unparalleled contributions led the nation toward a golden era of space research and showed generations the path to excellence in science." अंतरिक्ष विज्ञान में भारत की नींव रखने वाले महान वैज्ञानिक डॉ. विक्रम साराभाई जी की जयंती पर नमन! उनकी दूरदृष्टि और अद्वितीय योगदान ने देश को अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान के स्वर्णिम युग की ओर अग्रसर किया और पीढ़ियों को विज्ञान में उत्कृष्टता का मार्ग दिखाया। #VikramSarabhai — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 12, 2025 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on X, "Remembering the legendary scientist and founder of ISRO, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, on his Birth Anniversary! His vision launched India into the orbit of global space research." Remembering the legendary scientist and founder of ISRO, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, on his Birth Anniversary! His vision launched India into the orbit of global space research. भारतीय अंतराळ संशोधन संस्थेचे संस्थापक, भारतीय अंतराळ कार्यक्रमाचे जनक, प्रख्यात शास्त्रज्ञ,… — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 12, 2025 Political parties BJP and Congress also paid tributes to Dr Sarabhai. Sharing a post on X, BJP said, "On his birth anniversary, we honour Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardee, visionary physicist and Father of India's Space Program, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, whose pioneering legacy continues to inspire generations." On his birth anniversary, we honour Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan awardee, visionary physicist and Father of India's Space Program, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, whose pioneering legacy continues to inspire generations. — BJP (@BJP4India) August 12, 2025 Congress on X wrote, "Remembering Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary father of India's space programme. His pioneering spirit and dedication to scientific progress continue to inspire generations to dream big, innovate, and take India to new frontiers." Remembering Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the visionary father of India's space programme. His pioneering spirit and dedication to scientific progress continue to inspire generations to dream big, innovate, and take India to new frontiers. — Congress (@INCIndia) August 12, 2025 Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is remembered not just for his title as the "Father of India's Space Programme," but for being a driving force behind India's scientific awakening post-independence. In 1947, at just 28 years old, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad. Sarabhai played a significant role in establishing major Indian institutions, including the ISRO in 1969 and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), in collaboration with local industrialists. He also chaired the Atomic Energy Commission, succeeding his mentor, Dr. Homi Bhabha. Birth Of India's Space Dream After the launch of the Soviet Sputnik in 1957, Sarabhai advocated for a dedicated Indian space programme. He stated, "There are some who question the relevance of space activities in a developing nation. To us, there is no ambiguity of purpose. 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." With Dr. Bhabha's support, Sarabhai identified Thumba in Kerala as the site for India's first rocket launching station. On November 21, 1963, the first sounding rocket carrying a sodium vapour payload was launched. Through his engagement with NASA, Sarabhai also laid the groundwork for the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) in 1975-1976, a project that brought educational television to rural India. He also initiated the project for India's first satellite Aryabhata, which was launched from the Soviet Union in 1975. ISRO: From Vision To Reality Sarabhai's chairmanship of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962 marked a new era. By 1969, INCOSPAR evolved into ISRO, India's premier space agency. Sarabhai's groundwork laid the path for India's later achievements: Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) Series in 1983, Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2014, Chandrayaan-3, and beyond. Academic Life Born in Ahmedabad on August 12, 1919, Sarabhai began his higher education at Cambridge, earning an undergraduate degree in physics and mathematics. He pursued his PhD under the guidance of Nobel laureate CV Raman at IISc, Bangalore. In 1942, he published his PhD work, 'Time Distribution of Cosmic Rays.' He passed away on December 30, 1971, at the age of 52. He was honoured with several awards, including, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1962), Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1972, posthumously).

ISRO Successfully Launches NISAR, World's Most Expensive Earth Imaging Satellite

NDTV

30-07-2025

Science
NDTV

ISRO Successfully Launches NISAR, World's Most Expensive Earth Imaging Satellite

The world's most expensive civilian Earth imaging satellite, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite), has lifted off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh and has been successfully injected into its orbit. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F16 rocket carrying the $1.3-billion satellite, which is a collaboration between Indian space agency ISRO and its US counterpart NASA, lifted off at 5.40 pm on Wednesday. This is the first such collaboration between the two space agencies. GSLV-F16/NISAR Liftoff And we have liftoff! GSLV-F16 has successfully launched with NISAR onboard. Livestreaming Link: For more information: #NISAR #GSLVF16 #ISRO #NASA — ISRO (@isro) July 30, 2025 "Liftoff. And we have liftoff! GSLV-F16 has successfully launched with NISAR onboard," ISRO's handle posted on X. Speaking to NDTV earlier, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said the launch would be a big step forward in India assuming a leadership role in satellite technology. "From that humble beginning (the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, with Russia's support, in 1975) when India relied on other nations for satellite technology, we are now gradually occupying a leadership role... Today, two great countries have built an important satellite together, and I'm extremely happy that it will be launched by our vehicle from Indian soil," Mr Narayanan said. After the launch, the ISRO chairman said, "I am extremely happy. NISAR has been successfully and precisely injected into its intended orbit." NISAR, which weights 2,392 kg, will be injected into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit - the first time a GSLV is doing so. Usually, PSLVs (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) are used to inject satellites into such orbits. The satellite, which has been in development for over a decade and is expected to have a mission life of five years, will orbit the Earth once every 97 minutes and send images of Earth's land surface, as well as some portions of the ocean's surface, every 12 days. The unique Earth imaging satellite is a technological marvel and would be a game-changer in saving lives by being able to predict natural disasters and give warnings. Its dual-band radar - L-band from NASA and S-band from ISRO - will allow scientists to monitor the Earth with unprecedented precision.

Nisar launch: Why Nasa-Isro joint satellite is a big deal

First Post

30-07-2025

Science
First Post

Nisar launch: Why Nasa-Isro joint satellite is a big deal

Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar, or Nisar, will liftoff onboard the Indian space agency's GSLV Mk-II rocket from Sriharikota on Wednesday (July 30). Jointly developed by Isro and Nasa, it is the first major earth-observing satellite with two frequencies — L-band and S-band. Here's what makes it special read more Nisar is built at a cost of over $1.5 billion. X/@isro Nisar, one of the most expensive earth-observation satellites, is set to be launched on Wednesday (July 30). The satellite will liftoff at 5.40 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa), the Indian space agency's GSLV Mk-II rocket will inject the Nisar satellite into a 747 km sun-synchronous polar orbit. Here's a look at why the mission is significant. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Nisar? Nisar, which stands for Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar, weighs 2,392 kg. It is the first major earth-observing satellite with two frequencies — Nasa's L-band and Isro's S-band. The dual-band radar will equip the mission to observe changes more accurately than any other satellite. 'Each system's signal is sensitive to different sizes of features on Earth's surface, and each specialises in measuring different attributes, such as moisture content, surface roughness, and motion,' according to Nasa. The satellite, which costs over $1.5 billion, was built in a decade. It features a 12-meter unfurlable gold mesh antenna, the largest of its kind in low-Earth orbit, integrated into Isro's I‑3K spacecraft bus. This platform contains controls handling command and data, propulsion, and attitude, along with 4 kW of solar power. Built across continents in phases, NISAR is a result of global teamwork and tech. NISAR came together through years of integration and testing. 2 Nations, 1 Mission. NISAR's build journey is a story of teamwork. Milestone of Firsts ✅ First dual-band radar satellite ✅ First… — ISRO (@isro) July 25, 2025 How Nisar will work The unique Earth imaging satellite will enter the sun-synchronous polar orbit at 747 km altitude and inclination of 98.4 degrees after launch. However, Nisar will not start capturing images immediately. Instead, the first 90 days will be spent by the satellite on commissioning, or In-Orbit Checkout (IOC), which will prepare it for science operations, according to Isro. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) of the satellite will bounce radar waves off the planet's surface, measuring the time it takes for the signal to return and how its phase changes, reported The Hindu. Nisar will observe the Earth in L-band SAR (1.257 GHz), which uses longer-wavelength radiowaves to monitor changes under thick forests and soil and deformations on the ground. The S-band SAR (3.2 GHz) will utilise shorter-wavelength radiowaves to capture surface details, including crops and water surfaces, as per the newspaper. The satellite will observe the Earth with a swath of 242 km and high spatial resolution, using SweepSAR technology for the first time, as per Isro. Nisar will scan the globe every 12 days, providing detailed images of the Earth's surface. The dual radar payload on the satellite employing SweepSAR technology will ensure very high-resolution data, in all weather conditions, and during the day and the night. Why Nisar is a big deal The Nisar mission signals the growing partnership between India and the US in the space sector. 'This mission is not just about a satellite launch — it is a moment that symbolises what two democracies committed to science and global welfare can achieve together. Nisar will not only serve India and the United States but will also provide critical data for countries around the world, especially in areas like disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring,' Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said earlier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The satellite will help study the changes in Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, forest cover, groundwater, sea level rise, as well as natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides. We've teamed up with @ISRO on the NISAR mission, a satellite that will measure changes on Earth's surface in fine detail. Data from NISAR can help us better manage natural resources, and understand the pace and effects of climate change. — NASA (@NASA) January 11, 2024 The data produced by Nisar will be freely available to all users, usually, within a few hours. 'The data will be placed in the public archive almost instantly after processing. Nasa and Isro have agreed - this is a science mission, and all radar data will be open,' Dr Paul Rosen, a Nasa Project Scientist for Nisar at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, told NDTV. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He underlined the satellite's role in tracking landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which are becoming more common due to climate change. 'We can see precursory motion before landslides. And we will monitor glacier dynamics to assess GLOF risks,' Dr Rosen said. The satellite will also help monitor seismic zones, such as the Himalayas. 'We can measure ground motion to millimetre precision. That helps us understand the earthquake cycle - before, during, and after seismic events,' he added. The satellite can trace the path of a storm and the Earth's movements during earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Nisar is expected to provide new insights into climate change or natural disasters, which can help in mitigation measures and early response. With inputs from agencies

Time of India

15-07-2025

Science
Time of India

London E‑Prix Promo: Final Curtain Call

How To Take Selfie In Space? Shukla And ISS Crew's Hilarious Group Photo Goes Viral On Social Media A heartwarming video from the International Space Station featuring Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has gone viral. Captured just hours before the AX4 crew began their return to Earth, the video shows the astronauts playfully struggling to pose for a group photo in zero gravity. Shared by NASA astronaut Col Anne McClain, the crew set up a camera to auto-click every 5 seconds, floating, posing, and laughing through the chaos. Shukla's 20-day mission saw him orbit Earth over 300 times, traveling more than 13 million km. He conducted 7 experiments for ISRO and now returns with 580 kg of cargo. As the AX4 mission ends, this candid space moment has brought smiles back on Earth.#shubhanshushukla #ax4mission #spacephoto #isscrew #indianastronaut #isro #spacelife #nasaviral #microgravity #toi #toibharat #bharat #trending #breakingnews #indianews 443 views | 2 hours ago

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