Introduction

Satish Dhawan is a name that is synonymous with India’s space exploration. A visionary, an innovator, and a trailblazer, Dhawan’s contributions to India’s space program have been significant and far-reaching.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Dhawan persevered and went on to achieve incredible feats that continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers to this day. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life, achievements, and legacy of Satish Dhawan.

Early Life and Education

Satish Dhawan was born in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir on September 25, 1920. His father, D. Srinivasan, was a civil servant, while his mother, Krishnammal, was a homemaker. Dhawan had a natural aptitude for mathematics and science from a young age, and his parents recognized his talent early on.

In 1935, when Dhawan was just 15 years old, his family moved to Mysore, where he enrolled in the Wesleyan Mission High School. After completing his high school education, Dhawan went on to pursue a degree in physics at the Presidency College in Madras (now Chennai).

After completing his undergraduate degree, Dhawan received a scholarship to study aeronautical engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in the United States. Dhawan’s time at Caltech was a turning point in his life, and it was here that he discovered his passion for space science and engineering. He completed his early education in Punjab and then moved to Lahore to pursue his undergraduate studies in Mathematics at the Government College, Lahore. In 1945, he obtained his Master’s degree in Physics from the Punjab University, Lahore. 

Joining India’s Space Program

After completing his studies, Dhawan started his career as a lecturer in physics at the University of Allahabad. In 1947, he joined the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, as a research scholar under the guidance of Sir C.V. Raman. Dhawan was appointed as a professor at IISc in 1951, and in 1962, he was appointed as the director of the institute’s newly formed Department of Electronics. 

Contributions to India’s Space Program

Dhawan’s association with India’s space program started in the early 1960s when he was invited by Vikram Sarabhai to be a part of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR). Dhawan played a key role in the establishment of the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Kerala, which became the main launch site for India’s sounding rockets.

Development of India’s Launch Vehicles

In the 1970s, Dhawan played a pivotal role in the development of India’s satellite launch vehicles. He led the team that developed the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3), which was India’s first satellite launch vehicle. The SLV-3’s first successful launch in 1983 marked a significant milestone in India’s space program.

The Success of the Rohini Satellite

In 1983, India launched its first satellite, Rohini, using the SLV-3. This marked a significant achievement for India’s space program, and Dhawan was instrumental in the success of this mission.

The Impact of the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment

One of the most significant contributions of Dhawan to India’s space program was the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE). Launched in 1975, SITE was an ambitious project that aimed to use satellite technology to provide education to rural and remote parts of India. The project was a huge success, and it paved the way for the development of India’s direct-to-home (DTH) television services. 

Indian Space Research Organisation ( Formation )

Dhawan’s Tenure as ISRO Chairman

In 1972, Dhawan was appointed as the Chairman of ISRO, a position he held until 1984. During his tenure as chairman, ISRO achieved significant milestones and became a prominent player in the global space industry. Dhawan was instrumental in the development of India’s satellite launch vehicles and communication satellites, which helped establish India as a leader in space technology.

Achievements during Dhawan’s Chairmanship

Under Dhawan’s leadership, ISRO achieved several significant milestones, including the successful launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhata in 1975, the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the successful launch of the Apple satellite in 1981.

India’s First Successful Lunar Mission

In 2008, India achieved a significant milestone in its space program with the successful launch of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission. Dhawan had envisioned such a mission during his tenure as ISRO chairman and had laid the foundation for its development.

Dhawan’s Legacy and Influence

Satish Dhawan’s contributions to India’s space program have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of scientists and engineers. He played a key role in shaping India’s space policy and establishing ISRO as a leading player in the global space industry.

Awards and Honours Received by Dhawan

In recognition of his contributions to science and technology, Dhawan received numerous honors and awards throughout his career. Some are :

• Padma Bhushan (1971)
• Padma Vibhushan (1981)
• The United Nations Peace Medal (1984)
• The International Astronautical Federation’s William T. Pecora Award (1999)

Dhawan’s Personal Life

Satish Dhawan was known for his simple lifestyle and his love for music. He was an accomplished musician and a patron of the arts. Dhawan was also a prolific writer and wrote extensively on various scientific and philosophical topics.

Dhawan’s Philosophy and Approach to Science

Dhawan believed that science should be used for the betterment of society and that scientists should work towards solving the problems faced by society. He was a strong advocate of indigenous research and development and believed that India had the potential to be a leader in science and technology. 

Satish Dhawan: The Father of India’s Space Program

Satish Dhawan was an eminent scientist and a pioneer in India’s space program. His contributions to India’s space technology and policy have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of scientists and engineers.

Dhawan’s tenure as the Chairman of ISRO was a transformative period in India’s space history, during which ISRO achieved several significant milestones, including the successful launch of India’s first satellite Aryabhata and the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Dhawan was also instrumental in the establishment of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the second spaceport being developed by ISRO.

Dhawan’s philosophy of using science for the betterment of society and his emphasis on indigenous research and development remain relevant and significant today. His simple lifestyle and his love for music and the arts continue to inspire people around the world.

Satish Dhawan’s legacy is one of innovation, determination, and excellence. His contributions to India’s space program have had a far-reaching impact, and his influence continues to shape the development of India’s space technology and policy.

The Future of India’s Space Program

Today, India’s space program is thriving, and ISRO is recognized as a leading player in the global space industry. The successful launch of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019 and the recent announcement of the Gaganyaan mission, India’s first manned space mission, are a testament to the continued progress and innovation of India’s space program.

As India looks toward the future, the lessons and legacy of Satish Dhawan will continue to guide and inspire the country’s scientists and engineers. With a focus on indigenous research and development and a commitment to using science for the betterment of society, India’s space program is poised for continued success and achievement.

Conclusion

Satish Dhawan was a visionary scientist and a pioneer in India’s space program. His contributions to the development of India’s space technology and policy have been immense, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence future generations of scientists and engineers.

Dhawan’s philosophy of using science for the betterment of society, his emphasis on indigenous research and development, and his commitment to excellence remain relevant and significant today. Satish Dhawan’s life and work serve as an inspiration to us all, and his legacy continues to shape the development of India’s space program and the world of science and technology.

FAQs

• What was Satish Dhawan’s most significant achievement?

A: Satish Dhawan’s most significant achievement was his role in pioneering India’s space program and establishing ISRO as a leading space agency in the world.

• What was the name of India’s first satellite?

A: India’s first satellite was called Aryabhata, and it was launched in 1975.

•  What was Satish Dhawan’s role in the Indian space program? 

A. Satish Dhawan was the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from 1972 to 1984 and played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the Indian space program.

• What were Satish Dhawan’s significant achievements?

A. Satish Dhawan’s major achievements include the successful launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, in 1975, the successful launch of Rohini, India’s first satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, in 1983, the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the establishment of the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.

• What is the Satish Dhawan Space Centre? 

A. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, is the main launch center of the Indian space program. It was renamed in honor of Satish Dhawan in 2002.

• What is the Satish Dhawan Chair in Engineering? 

A. The Satish Dhawan Chair in Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, was established in 1997 in recognition of Satish Dhawan’s contributions to the field of engineering.

• What is the Satish Dhawan Space Education Centre?

 A. The Satish Dhawan Space Education Centre (SDSEC), located in Sriharikota, was established in 2016 to promote space education and awareness among students and the public.

• How did Satish Dhawan inspire young scientists and engineers? 

A. Satish Dhawan’s vision, determination, and contributions to the Indian space program have inspired generations of scientists and engineers in India and around the world.

• What is Satish Dhawan’s legacy? 

A. Satish Dhawan’s legacy includes his significant contributions to the Indian space program, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the Satish Dhawan Chair in Engineering, and the Satish Dhawan Space Education Centre.

“There is no glory in practice but without practice there is no glory.”