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Prof Satish Dhawan
Context:
- Satish Dhawan, born on September 25, was a brilliant mathematician, aerospace engineer, and skilled teacher.
- Known as the “Father of Experimental Fluid Mechanics,” he played a key role in elevating ISRO to new heights. Dhawan’s leadership and vision transformed India’s space program, and he left a lasting legacy in Indian science.
Dr. Satish Dhawan: An Overview
- Born: 25 September 1920, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
- Died: 3 January 2002, Bangalore
- Known as: Father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India
Satish Dhawan’s Contributions to India’s Space Technology
Leadership of Indian Space Programme
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- Assumption of Role: Took charge of Indian space programme in December 1971, following Vikram Sarabhai’s death, and became Secretary of India’s Department of Space in May 1972.
- Institutions: Headed Space Commission and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which was newly established.
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Effective Leadership and Team Building:
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- Team Composition: Formed project teams with prominent scientists like APJ Abdul Kalam, Roddam Narasimha, and UR Rao.
- Key Projects: Led development of India’s first launch vehicle, SLV-3, and first satellite, Aryabhata.
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Innovations in Space Missions:
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- Key Developments: Spearheaded experiments in rural education, remote sensing, and satellite communications.
- Major Projects: Oversaw development of INSAT (telecommunications satellite), IRS (Indian Remote Sensing satellite), and PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle).
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Pioneering Fluid Dynamics Research:
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- Academic Background: Completed PhD in fluid dynamics from California Institute of Technology in 1951.
- Institute Contribution: Joined Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru as faculty and became its youngest and longest-serving director.
- Key Achievements: Developed world-class wind tunnel facilities at National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and contributed significantly to boundary layer research, summarised in Hermann Schlichting’s Boundary Layer Theory.
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Legacy and Policy Focus:
- ISRO’s Growth: Under his leadership, ISRO made significant progress and aligned with Vikram Sarabhai’s vision of space research for developmental needs.
- Public Policy: Focused on public policy in science and technology, especially space technology, even post-retirement.
- Space Centre Naming: Indian satellite launch facility in Sriharikota renamed Prof. Satish Dhawan Space Centre in his honor after his death in 2002.
Additional Roles and Recognitions:
- Positions Held: Chairman of the Space Commission, Secretary of the Department of Space, and professor at IISc.
- Establishment: Set up India’s first supersonic wind tunnel at IISc.
Honours:
- Awarded the Padma Bhushan (1971) and Padma Vibhushan (1981).
- Recognised with the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration in 1999.
Satish Dhawan’s leadership and vision significantly advanced India’s space capabilities and fostered a robust research environment, securing his legacy as a pivotal figure in Indian science and technology.
