Senior scientist Vasant R. Gowarikar, who was a former space agency chief and scientific advisor to the the prime minister in 1991-1993, passed away at a hospital here Friday following a brief illness. He was 82.
Gowarikar, who was suffering from old age related problems, breathed his last shortly before noon at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital.
Once head of the Indian Space Research Organisation, he along with senior scientist Vikram Sarabhai, laid the foundation stone for India's space technology and space programmes, culminating in many important milestones.
Gowarikar was decorated with honours and accolades from around the world, including the Padma Shri and the Fie Foundation Award.