1st chairman of ISRO
VerifiedAnswer: Vikram Sarabhai
Explanation:
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is rightfully known as the father of India's space program and served as the first chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, he was a visionary scientist who laid the foundation for India's journey into space exploration.
ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, with Dr. Sarabhai as its founding chairman. His vision was crystal clear - he believed that space technology should be used for the development of the nation and improving the lives of common people. Under his leadership, India's space program took its first concrete steps toward becoming the global space power it is today.
Dr. Sarabhai's contributions to India's space program include establishing the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in Kerala, which became India's first rocket launching facility. He also founded several important institutions like the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad and played a key role in setting up the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
His philosophy was unique for that time - while other nations were focused on space exploration for military purposes or national prestige, Dr. Sarabhai emphasized using space technology for practical applications like weather forecasting, telecommunications, and education. This approach became the cornerstone of India's space program and continues to guide ISRO's missions even today.
Sadly, Dr. Sarabhai's tenure as ISRO chairman was cut short when he passed away on December 30, 1971, at the young age of 52. Despite his brief time in the role, his vision and groundwork enabled India to achieve remarkable milestones in space technology, including successful satellite launches, lunar missions like Chandrayaan, and the famous Mars Orbiter Mission that made India the first nation to reach Mars orbit in its first attempt.
