Krishnaswami Kasturirangan
Encyclopedia
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan is a space scientist based in Bangalore
, Karnataka
who headed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for more than 9 years until 2003. He was a Member in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha
,2003–2009) of the Indian Parliament. He is now a Member of the Planning Commission of Government of India
, He is also the Chairman of Karnataka Knowledge Commission
. He is also the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies
, Bangalore, since April 2004. He is a recipient of the three civilian awards from the Government of India
: the Padma Shri
(1982), Padma Bhushan
(1992) and Padma Vibhushan
(2000).
Satellites (IRS-1A and 1B) as well as scientific satellites. He was also the Project Director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and II.
Under his leadership, the programme witnessed several major milestones including the successful launching and operationalisation of the India's prestigious launch vehicles, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
. Studies on the advanced version of the GSLV, GSLVMk-III, was also completed including defining its full configuration. Further, he also oversaw the development and launching of some of the world's best civilian remote sensing satellites, IRS-1C and 1D, realization of new generation INSAT communication satellites, besides ocean observation satellites IRS-P3/P4. He also lead the initiative for India to enter the planetary exploration era by an extensive studies leading to the definition of Chandrayaan-I. These efforts have put India as a pre-eminent space-faring nation among the handful of six countries that have major space programmes. As an Astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan's interest include research in high energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. Defining India’s most ambitious space based High Energy Astronomy observatory and initiating a related activities was also an important milestone under his leadership. He has made extensive and significant contributions to studies of Cosmic x-ray and gamma ray sources and effect of cosmic x-rays in the lower atmosphere.
.
As an Astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan's research interests include high energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. He has published more than 244 papers, in international and national journals, in the areas of astronomy, space science and space applications.
Dr. Kasturirangan is a member of several important scientific academies and educational institutions, both within India and abroad.
Banaras Hindu University (1994), Andhra University (1995), S.V.University, Tirupati (1996), Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Ananthpur (1998), Anna University, Chennai (1998), Roorkee University, Roorkee (1999), IIT, Bombay (2000), Chatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (2000), Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar (2001), University of Calcutta, Calcutta (2002), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi (2003), Panjab University, Chandigarh (2003), Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum (2004), Alagappa University, Karaikudi (2006), Mysore University, Mysore (2007); SRM University , Chennai (2008)
Delivered 60 Convocation Addresses in various universities of the country and also is the recipient of Honorary Doctorate from 16 universities.
He delivered nearly 309 public and memorial lectures. His recent important lectures include M.N.Saha Memorial lecture of the National Academy of Sciences
; J.C.Bose Memorial lecture at the Royal Society of London; Third Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture, New Delhi
; K R Narayanan Oration at the Australian National University, Canberra; 28th Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture, Ahmedabad Management Association
, Ahmedabad; Prof. D.S. Kothari Memorial Lecture at University of Delhi, Delhi; Karnataka Rajyotsava Extension Lecture, Institute for Social and Economic Change
, Bangalore
; First Memorial Lecture of Sri Arthur C Clarke, ACCIMT, Colombo. More recently, he was one among the four global personalities and the only Asian to deliver a Keynote Address on ‘Potential of Space Technology to serve Humankind: coming 50 years’ at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris
during the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the launch of Sputnik organized by International Astronautical Federation
and UNESCO
.
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
, Karnataka
Karnataka
Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...
who headed the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for more than 9 years until 2003. He was a Member in the Upper House (Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha
The Rajya Sabha or Council of States is the upper house of the Parliament of India. Rajya means "state," and Sabha means "assembly hall" in Sanskrit. Membership is limited to 250 members, 12 of whom are chosen by the President of India for their expertise in specific fields of art, literature,...
,2003–2009) of the Indian Parliament. He is now a Member of the Planning Commission of Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
, He is also the Chairman of Karnataka Knowledge Commission
Karnataka Knowledge Commission
Karnataka Jńana Aayoga [Karnataka Knowledge Commission] is a high powered commission constituted in September 2008 under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. Kasturirangan by Sri B. S...
. He is also the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies
National Institute of Advanced Studies
The National Institute of Advanced Studies , is a research institute in India.It is one of the unique institutions in the country conducting research in multidisciplinary areas....
, Bangalore, since April 2004. He is a recipient of the three civilian awards from the Government of India
Government of India
The Government of India, officially known as the Union Government, and also known as the Central Government, was established by the Constitution of India, and is the governing authority of the union of 28 states and seven union territories, collectively called the Republic of India...
: the Padma Shri
Padma Shri
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan...
(1982), Padma Bhushan
Padma Bhushan
The Padma Bhushan is the third highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, but comes before the Padma Shri. It is awarded by the Government of India.-History:...
(1992) and Padma Vibhushan
Padma Vibhushan
The Padma Vibhushan is the second highest civilian award in the Republic of India. It consists of a medal and a citation and is awarded by the President of India. It was established on 2 January 1954. It ranks behind the Bharat Ratna and comes before the Padma Bhushan...
(2000).
Key contributions
Dr. Kasturirangan was responsible for directing the Indian Space programme for over 9 years, as Chairman of ISRO and the Space Commission and as Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Space, before laying down office on 27 August 2003. He was earlier the Director of ISRO Satellite Centre, overseeing the development of new generation spacecraft, the Indian National Satellite (INSAT-2) and the Indian Remote SensingIndian Remote Sensing satellite
Indian Remote Sensing satellites are a series of Earth Observation satellites, built, launched and maintained by Indian Space Research Organisation...
Satellites (IRS-1A and 1B) as well as scientific satellites. He was also the Project Director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and II.
Under his leadership, the programme witnessed several major milestones including the successful launching and operationalisation of the India's prestigious launch vehicles, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle , commonly known by its abbreviation PSLV, is an expendable launch system developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation . It was developed to allow India to launch its Indian Remote Sensing satellites into sun synchronous orbits, a service that...
and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle is an expendable launch system operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation...
. Studies on the advanced version of the GSLV, GSLVMk-III, was also completed including defining its full configuration. Further, he also oversaw the development and launching of some of the world's best civilian remote sensing satellites, IRS-1C and 1D, realization of new generation INSAT communication satellites, besides ocean observation satellites IRS-P3/P4. He also lead the initiative for India to enter the planetary exploration era by an extensive studies leading to the definition of Chandrayaan-I. These efforts have put India as a pre-eminent space-faring nation among the handful of six countries that have major space programmes. As an Astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan's interest include research in high energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. Defining India’s most ambitious space based High Energy Astronomy observatory and initiating a related activities was also an important milestone under his leadership. He has made extensive and significant contributions to studies of Cosmic x-ray and gamma ray sources and effect of cosmic x-rays in the lower atmosphere.
Education and research
Dr. Kasturirangan graduated in Science with Honours, and obtained his Master of Science degree in Physics, from Bombay University. He received his Doctorate Degree in Experimental High Energy Astronomy in 1971, working at the Physical Research Laboratory, AhmedabadAhmedabad
Ahmedabad also known as Karnavati is the largest city in Gujarat, India. It is the former capital of Gujarat and is also the judicial capital of Gujarat as the Gujarat High Court has its seat in Ahmedabad...
.
As an Astrophysicist, Dr. Kasturirangan's research interests include high energy X-ray and gamma ray astronomy as well as optical astronomy. He has published more than 244 papers, in international and national journals, in the areas of astronomy, space science and space applications.
Dr. Kasturirangan is a member of several important scientific academies and educational institutions, both within India and abroad.
Space programme career highlights
- 2004 onwards Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore
- 2003 onwards Member of ParliamentMember of ParliamentA Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
(Rajya Sabha) - 1994 - 2003 Chairman, Space Commission/Secretary, Department of Space, Government of India, Bangalore
- 1990 - 1994 Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
- 1986 - 1989 Associate Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
- 1984 - 1986 Deputy Director, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
- 1980 - 1989 Project Director, Satellite IRS-1A, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
- 1979 - 1983 Project Director, Satellite Bhaskara-II, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
- 1976 - 1980 Project Director, Satellite Bhaskara-I, ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore
Special roles
- 2005-2006 President, Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)
- 2004 onwards Chairman, Council of Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
- 2000-2005 Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Madras
- 2000 onwards Chairman, Council of Raman Research Institute (RRI)
- 2001-2003 Chairperson, Research Council of National Aerospace Laboratories, Bangalore
- 2001-2003 President, Indian Academy of Sciences
- 2001-2003 Member, Board of Governors of IIT, Roorkee
- 2002-2003 General President, Indian Science Congress 2002-03
- 1995-2003 Chairman, Governing Body of the United Nations Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia-Pacific, India.
- 2004 onwards Chairman, Governing Council, Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital
- 2004 onwards Member, Economic Policy and Reforms Council, constituted by Government of Rajasthan
- 2004 onwards Member, Committee on Energy, Indian Parliament
- 2007 onwards Chairman, Governing Council, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore
- 2007-2011 Member, General Body, Birla Institute of Technology and ScienceBirla Institute of Technology and ScienceBirla Institute of Technology & Science, is a private university located in Pilani, Rajasthan, India. BITS Pilani is considered one of the most prestigious and selective universities in India...
-Pilani, Rajasthan - 2007 onwards Independent Director, Brigade Group, Bangalore
- 2008 onwards Chairman, Karnataka Knowledge Commission, Karnataka
- 2008 onwards Member, Karnataka Vision 2020, Karnataka
- 2008 onwards Member, Advisory Committee, Indian Science News Association, Kolkata
- 2009 onwards Member, Planning Commission, Government of India.
Fellowships/Memberships: National
- Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences (FASc)
- Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (FNA)
- Fellow, National Academy of Sciences of India (FNASc)
- Fellow, Indian National Academy of Engineering (FNAE)
- Fellow, Astronautical Society of India (ASI)
- Fellow, National Telematics Forum (NTF)
- Fellow, Indian Meteorological Society (IMS)
- Founder Member, Astronomical Society of India (ASI)
- Distinguished Fellow, Institution of Electronics and Telecommuncation Engineers (IETE)
- Honorary Fellow, Aeronautical Society of India (ASI)
- Honorary Fellow, Kerala Academy of Sciences (KAS)
- Honorary Fellow, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IICE)
- Life Member, Indian Physics Association (IPA)
- Life Member, Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS)
- Life Member, Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA)
Fellowships/Memberships: International
- Member, International Astronomical Union (since 1982).
- Member, International Academy of Astronautics (since 1985).
- Fellow, Third World Academy of Sciences (since 1996).
- Honorary Fellow, Cardiff University, UK (since 2006)
- Academician of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Vatican City (2006)
- Trustee, Nehru Trust for Cambridge University (2007)
- President, India-Cyprus Parliamentary Friendship Group
- Member, India-China Eminent Persons’ Group, Constituted by the Indian Parliament
National awards
- Shri. Hari Om Ashram Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Prerit Award (1981)
- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in Engineering Sciences (1983)
- Shri. Om Prakash Bhasin Foundation Award (1988)
- Dr. K.R.Ramanathan Memorial Gold Medal for 1995 conferred by Indian Geo-Physical Union (1995)
- FIE Foundation's 1995 National Award (1996) IchalkaranjiIchalkaranjiIchalkaranji is located at . It has an average elevation of 538 metres .Ichalkaranji , lies in the Pancaganga valley about eighteen miles east of Kolhapur and half a mile north of the river. It is six miles southeast of Hatkanangale railway station...
- G.P.Chatterjee Memorial Award of ISCA (1997)
- M.P.Birla Memorial Award in Astronomy (1997)
- Goyal Award conferred by Goyal Foundation (1997)
- Biren Roy Memorial Lecture Medal of the Indian Physical SocietyIndian Physical SocietyThe Indian Physical Society is a professional society of physicists in India. It was formally established in 1934 by pioneering Indian physicist Meghnad Saha...
, Calcutta (1998) - Vidya Ratna National Award of Subbaram Trust, Bangalore (1999)
- Shri Murli M.Chugani Memorial Award for Excellence in Applied Physics of Indian Physics Association (1999)
- H.K.Firodia Award for Excellence in Science and Technology by H.K.Firodia Memorial Foundation (1999)
- IGU Millennium Award by Indian Geophysical UnionIndian Geophysical UnionThe Indian Geophysical Union is the Government of India's scientific body responsible for all activities related with Earth Science System such as such as seismology, magnetism, meteorology, geodesy, volcanology, oceanography, hydrology and tectonophysics and to encourage the study of and research...
(1999) - M.N.Saha Birth Centenary Award for 1999-2000 conferred by 87th Indian Science Congress (2000)
- ‘Aryabhata Medal Award 2000’ conferred by Indian National Science Academy, Calcutta (2001)
- ‘4th Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence Award’ by South Indian Education Society, Mumbai on 28/12/2001 (2001)
- ‘Rathindra Puraskar’ by Visvabharati, Santiniketan (2002)
- ‘V.Krishnamurthy Award for Excellence’ conferred by Centre for Organisation Development, Hyderabad (2002)
- ‘G.M.Modi Award’ for outstanding contribution in innovative Science, conferred by Gujarmal Modi Science foundation, New Delhi (2002)
- ‘Bhoovigyan Ratna Award’ from Bhoovigyan Vikas Foundation, New Delhi (2002)
- 8th National Science & Technology Award for Excellence by the Jeppiaar Educational Trust, Chennai (2003)
- ‘6th Ram Mohan Puraskar 2003’ awarded by Ram Mohan Mission, Calcutta (2003)
- ‘Asutosh Mookerjee Memorial Award’ by the Indian Science Congress, Chandigarh (2004)
- ‘Man of the Year’ award by the Centenarian Trust, Chennai (2004)
- ‘Prof. M.N.Saha Memorial Lecture Medal ‘of the National Academy of Sciences of India, Jaipur(2004)
- ‘Life Time Contribution Award in Engineering’ for 2004 by Indian National Academy of Engineering, Delhi (2004)
- ‘Balvantbhai Parekh Gold Medal 2005’ for life-time Achievements in Space Science by The Indian Planetary Society, Mumbai (2005)
- ‘Aryabhata Award 2003’ by Astronautical Society of India (2005)
- ‘Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Award 2006’ by Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow (2006)
- The Jewel of Ruia Award by Ruia College Alumni Association, Shikshana Prasaraka Mandali’s Ramnarain Ruia College, Dec. 2007
- Maharana Udai Singh Award by Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation in Udaipur, March 2, 2008
- Rajayogindra Award, Maharaja of Mysore, Mysore, 18 July 2008
- Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Gold Medal, 96th Indian Science Congress, The Indian Science Congress Association, 3 January 2009, Shillong
- Shasthra Bhooshan Award by His Highness Pazhassi Raja Charitable Trust, Kerala, 27 February 2009
- Prof Y. T. Thathachari Lifetime Achievement Award by Bhramara Trust of Prof. Y T Thathachari and Smt. Madhuri Thathachari of Mysore on March 14, 2009
International awards
- Award of Intercosmos Council of the Soviet Academy of Sciences (1981)
- International Collaboration Accomplishment Award 2001’, conferred by Internationa Society for *Air Breathing Engines (ISOABE), Bangalore (2001)
- ‘ISPRS Brock Medal’ instituted jointly by ISPRS and ASPRS, Istanbul, Turkey (2004)
- Allan D Emil Memorial Award of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), Vancouver, Canada (2004)
- ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ of the Asia-Pacific Satellite communications Council, Singapore (2005)
- Theodore Von Karman Award by International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), France (2007)
- Making a Difference Award at the annual ESRIESRIEsri is a software development and services company providing Geographic Information System software and geodatabase management applications. The headquarters of Esri is in Redlands, California....
International User Conference, San Diego, USA (2009)
Honours
Dr Kasturirangan is the recipient of Honorary Doctorate from 16 universities which is given below:Banaras Hindu University (1994), Andhra University (1995), S.V.University, Tirupati (1996), Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Ananthpur (1998), Anna University, Chennai (1998), Roorkee University, Roorkee (1999), IIT, Bombay (2000), Chatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur (2000), Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar (2001), University of Calcutta, Calcutta (2002), Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi (2003), Panjab University, Chandigarh (2003), Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum (2004), Alagappa University, Karaikudi (2006), Mysore University, Mysore (2007); SRM University , Chennai (2008)
International recognition
- Award of ‘Officer of the Legion d’honneur’ by the President of the French RepublicPresident of the French RepublicThe President of the French Republic colloquially referred to in English as the President of France, is France's elected Head of State....
, France (2002)
Important roles in international bodies
- Vice President (Scientific Affairs), International Academy of Astronautics (2003–2005)
- Member, International Academy of Astronautics Sub-Committee on Mars Exploration (1992–93)
- Indian Representative, IEEE Space Panel (1992)
- Chairman, COSPAR Panel on Space Research in Developing Countries (1994–2000)
- Member, COSPAR Bureau (1994–2002)
- Chairman, International Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) (1997–98).
- Chairman, Senior Officials Committee of UN-ESCAP Meet (1999–2000) leading to DELHI DECLARATION.
- Member, Board of Trustees of the International Academy of Astronautics, Paris (2001-)
- Member, Advisory Board of International Space University (ISU), Strasbourg, France
- Co-Chairman, International Academy of Astronautics Study Committee on “Space for Peace” (2002–2003)
- Visiting Professor, King’s College, London (2009 onwards)
General information
He has published more than 244 papers in the areas of astronomy, space science and applications.Delivered 60 Convocation Addresses in various universities of the country and also is the recipient of Honorary Doctorate from 16 universities.
He delivered nearly 309 public and memorial lectures. His recent important lectures include M.N.Saha Memorial lecture of the National Academy of Sciences
United States National Academy of Sciences
The National Academy of Sciences is a corporation in the United States whose members serve pro bono as "advisers to the nation on science, engineering, and medicine." As a national academy, new members of the organization are elected annually by current members, based on their distinguished and...
; J.C.Bose Memorial lecture at the Royal Society of London; Third Darbari Seth Memorial Lecture, New Delhi
New Delhi
New Delhi is the capital city of India. It serves as the centre of the Government of India and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. New Delhi is situated within the metropolis of Delhi. It is one of the nine districts of Delhi Union Territory. The total area of the city is...
; K R Narayanan Oration at the Australian National University, Canberra; 28th Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture, Ahmedabad Management Association
Ahmedabad Management Association
The Ahmedabad Management Association or AMA is located in Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat, India. It is an approved Institution for Management Training by the Government of Gujarat. It is a recognized scientific and industrial research organization under Department of Scientific and Industrial...
, Ahmedabad; Prof. D.S. Kothari Memorial Lecture at University of Delhi, Delhi; Karnataka Rajyotsava Extension Lecture, Institute for Social and Economic Change
Institute for Social and Economic Change
The Institute for Social and Economic Change is a social science research institute in Bangalore, India. Founded in 1972, it is the largest among the 27 institutions supported by Indian Council of Social Science Research ....
, Bangalore
Bangalore
Bengaluru , formerly called Bengaluru is the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is nicknamed the Garden City and was once called a pensioner's paradise. Located on the Deccan Plateau in the south-eastern part of Karnataka, Bangalore is India's third most populous city and...
; First Memorial Lecture of Sri Arthur C Clarke, ACCIMT, Colombo. More recently, he was one among the four global personalities and the only Asian to deliver a Keynote Address on ‘Potential of Space Technology to serve Humankind: coming 50 years’ at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
during the celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the launch of Sputnik organized by International Astronautical Federation
International Astronautical Federation
International Astronautical Federation , the world's foremost space advocacy organisation, is based in Paris. It was founded in 1951 as a non-governmental organization. It has 206 members from 58 countries across the world. They are drawn from space agencies, industry, professional associations,...
and UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
.
External links
- Dr. Kasturirangan's biodata at ISRO
- India's Space Enterprise : A Case Study in Strategic Thinking and Planning, Dr Kasturirangan's 2006 Narayanan Oration at the Australia South Asia Research Centre (ASARC)