NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
International Space Flight (ESA, Russia, China and others) => Indian Launchers => Topic started by: sanman on 07/27/2015 03:39 pm
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Former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has passed away, after suffering heart failure. He was a pioneering rocket scientist for India's space program, having worked on the SLV and PSLV.
http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/former-president-apj-abdul-kalam-passes-away-115072701398_1.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._P._J._Abdul_Kalam
(http://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/misc/2013-08/12/full/a-p-j-abdul-kalam-1376324056-8859660.jpg)
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RIP sir! Father of SLV launch vehicle, father of Indian ballistic missile program, and an inspiration for millions of Indians. True Bharat Ratna (Jewel of India). He'll be always present in Indians' hearts and minds. Read "Wings of Fire" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_of_Fire) if you haven't already!
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Probably the most popular President India ever had - especially among the youth. I had a long time wish that a future ISRO facility (maybe the second launch centre) be named after him - Abdul Kalam Space Center. That would be a fitting tribute to his great, yet most humble and down-to-earth, personality. :(
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Former ISRO Chairman G. Madhavan Nair pays rich tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam.
Remembering APJ Abdul Kalam, the problem-solver :
http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/the-problem-solver/
When we were thinking of the moon mission and had completed the design of the moon probe, we made a presentation to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Kalam asked what we were going to do about putting an Indian flag on the moon. That is how we conceived the Moon Impact Probe, which put the Indian flag on the moon on November 14, 2008.
When the first PSLV launch failed, he was scientific advisor to the government. He took a flight to Sriharikota and spent a whole day and night with me to help us overcome the setback and chalk out a recovery plan.
Former ISRO Scientist S. Nambi Narayan pays tribute to APJ Abdul Kalam
My colleague APJ Abdul Kalam , a karmayogi
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/My-colleague-APJ-Abdul-Kalam-a-karmayogi/articleshow/48245884.cms?
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http://www.isro.gov.in/a-p-j-abdul-kalam
http://www.isro.gov.in/remembering-dr-kalam
Remembering Dr. Kalam
Born to a humble boat-owner and a home-maker mother in Rameswaram in 1931, Dr. Kalam has had a versatile career spanning space technology & defence research, culminating in the highest civilian award of India, the prestigious Bharat Ratna and the highest office of the country- The President of India.
Besides being a great scientist, Dr. Kalam was also an excellent manager, a great visionary, a remarkable leader, and above all, an inspiration to every Indian and many more across the world. He represents the true spirit of achievement- the unconquerable might of hard work and determination against all odds. A multifaceted individual who was an embodiment of sharp technological acumen, ethical value system, a social outlook, staunch nationalism and a warm demeanor that could connect with tiny trots of kindergarten as well as learned scholars of the older generation with equal ease. Dr. Kalam was certainly one authentic and genuine gentleman who meant what he said and he always kept his promise.
His contributions to rocket technology in India and the weaponization of strategic missile systems invoke great awe and admiration for this great personality. We all at ISRO/DOS are indebted to Dr. Kalam for his outstanding contributions in laying a strong foundation for rocket technology as the Project Director of Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV3) and nurturing India’s space programme in his 18-year association with us. After the success of SLV3, Dr. Kalam headed the Aerospace Dynamics and Design Group and played a significant role in the study team for the evolution of PSLV mission.
Dr. Kalam started from scratch, optimally utilized all the resources at his disposal; be it coir, a bicycle or a bullock cart- and made sure he churned out gravity-defying-rockets. He proved that the most sophisticated technologies can be developed using absolutely frugal resources. Dr. Kalam also nurtured several young engineers and scientists who went on to take leadership roles in several spheres of technology. He is so dear to this organisation that every individual at ISRO has some or the other story to tell about Dr. Kalam. The team spirit of ISRO is also an important cultural element that we derive from him.
Dr. Kalam had great affection for ISRO even after he moved over to defence. Whenever he used to meet an ISRO associate, he would have a signature smile and a twinkle in his eyes. Dr.Kalam used to constantly interact with and motivate the engineers and scientists working on several projects including the Chandrayaan I mission and Mars Orbiter Mission. He was there with the mission team at Bangalore to encourage them just a day before the historic Mars Orbiter Insertion last September.
Missile-Man & People’s President have been the different phrases to describe him. One thing that has been closest to his heart was children. He took up a mission to ignite the young minds for national development by meeting high school students from across the country. He was also the Chancellor of our Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST). In fact, at the last convocation of IIST at Trivandrum in February this year; he inspired every student by awarding the degree certificate individually with words of encouragement and personal touch. This represents the down-to-earth nature of this erudite gentleman.
Dr. Kalam represented the true spirit of sacrifice. Even at the age of 84, he had a rigorous schedule full of what he is extremely passionate about - Inspiring and igniting young minds at IIM Shillong and had his last breath on this planet while deliberating on ‘Livable Planet’. It is this spirit of sacrifice that helped him transcend all limitations and he became a towering figure with international repute.
Dr. Kalam has left back a remarkable collection of quotes and books. He will remain alive forever, in our memories and through his works and continue to inspire generations to come. We join the nation in praying to lord Almighty to bless his soul to rest in peace. Amen.
A meet was organised at ISRO Headquarters for paying tributes to the departed former President of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam.
Shri A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman ISRO/ Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) was joined by three former chairmen of ISRO namely Prof. U R Rao, Dr. K Kasturirangan & Dr. K Radhakrishnan.
A few close associates of Dr. Kalam namely Shri R Aravamudan, Shri Y S Rajan, Dr. A Shivathanu Pillai, Dr. C R Sathya, Shri D Narayana Moorthi, Prof. Rajaram Nagappa, Prof. R M Vasagam, Dr. A S Prakash Rao & Dr. B N Suresh graced the occasion and shared their memories. While the seniors and elders recalled their personal experiences with Dr. Kalam, the entire 250 odd crowd in the auditorium of ISRO HQ listened to each and every bit with rapt attention.