Former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan passed away in Bengaluru on Friday at the age of 84, following a prolonged illness. Officials confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his residence, and his body will be kept at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) on April 27 for people to offer their last respects.

Kasturirangan was a highly respected figure in Indian science and education. He was the chairman of the committee that drafted the new National Education Policy (NEP), which has had a significant impact on the country's education system. Apart from his contributions to space science, he served as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and as Chairman of the Karnataka Knowledge Commission. His influence extended to the political realm, where he was a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2003 to 2009 and also served as a member of the Planning Commission of India.

From 2004 to 2009, Kasturirangan was the Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bangalore, where he made notable contributions to the field of research and education. However, it was his leadership in India's space program that made him a household name. He served as Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Space Commission, and Secretary to the Government of India, playing a pivotal role in advancing India's space capabilities.

As an astrophysicist, Kasturirangan was known for his research in high-energy X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy, along with optical astronomy. He made significant contributions to the study of cosmic X-ray sources, celestial gamma-rays, and the effects of cosmic X-rays on Earth's lower atmosphere. His work continues to influence space research, and his legacy will remain a crucial part of India's scientific achievements.