Friday, August 2, 2019
Biography of Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai
Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919-1971) was an eminent Indian scientist, visionary, and pioneering space scientist, often regarded as the father of the Indian space program. He was born on August 12, 1919, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, and he passed away on December 30, 1971. Sarabhai's contributions to the development of space science and technology in India were foundational and instrumental in establishing India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
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| Biography of vikram Ambalal Sarabhai |
Early Life and Education:
Vikram Sarabhai came from a distinguished family of industrialists, scientists, and intellectuals. He studied natural sciences in England, earning a Tripos in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University in 1940. He later pursued a Ph.D. in cosmic ray research under the guidance of Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
Vikram Sarabhai's Contributions to Indian Space Program:
Sarabhai's vision for space science in India was rooted in utilizing space technology for addressing socioeconomic problems. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962, which later evolved into ISRO. Under his leadership, India's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975, four years after his passing. His dream project, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was officially formed in 1969.
Key Initiatives and Achievements of Sarabhai:
- Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS): Sarabhai established TERLS in Thumba, Kerala, in 1962, which became the main launching station for India's sounding rockets.
- Indian National Satellite System (INSAT): Sarabhai envisioned India's first communication satellite system, leading to the launch of the first satellite, INSAT-1A, in 1982.
- Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellites: The development and deployment of satellites for remote sensing, which proved instrumental in various fields, including agriculture, forestry, water resources, and disaster management.
Awards and Recognition:
Vikram Sarabhai received numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan in 1966, one of India's highest civilian honors. He also served as the President of the United Nations Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space in 1968.
Legacy of Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai:
Vikram Sarabhai's vision and pioneering work laid the foundation for India's space program. His emphasis on using space technology for societal development continues to be a guiding principle for ISRO. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, India, is named in his honor, as is the lunar lander of India's Chandrayaan-2 mission, which aimed to explore the Moon's south pole region.
Sarabhai's legacy lives on through the achievements of ISRO, making India a significant player in the global space arena. His contributions to space science, education, and research remain a source of inspiration for generations of scientists and engineers in India.