- Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) scientist Valarmathi, the iconic voice of rocket launch countdowns, passed away.
- Valarmathi, 64, suffered a heart attack and died in Chennai on Saturday evening, according to reports.
- Valarmathi’s journey in the world of space science began in her hometown of Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu.
- Her association with ISRO began in 1984, marking the inception of a brilliant trajectory in space exploration.
- However, her crowning achievement came when she became the project director of India’s first indigenously developed Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-1, in 2012.
- In 2012, Valarmathi became the only second woman scientist at ISRO to head a prestigious project, following in the footsteps of T K Anuradha, the project director of the GSAT-12 mission in 2011.
- In recognition of her exceptional achievements, then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the inaugural APJ Abdul Kalam Award to her in 2015.
- Condolences are pouring in on social media to pay tribute to the late ISRO scientist.
Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Valarmathi, the iconic voice of rocket launch countdowns, passed away on Saturday, nearly two months after her last assignment the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission launch.
Valarmathi, 64, suffered a heart attack and died in Chennai on Saturday evening, according to reports.
Ms. Valarmathi, who was from Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur, was born on July 31, 1959. She went to the Nirmala Girls Higher Secondary School before graduating in engineering from the Government College of Technology in Coimbatore.
Valarmathi’s journey in the world of space science began in her hometown of Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu. She attended the Nirmala Girls Higher Secondary School and pursued her Bachelor of Engineering at the Government College of Technology in Coimbatore and furthered her academic pursuits with a Master’s in Electronics and Communications from Anna University. Her association with ISRO began in 1984, marking the inception of a brilliant trajectory in space exploration. Valarmathi’s impressive portfolio included her involvement in missions such as Insat 2A, IRS IC, IRS ID, and TES.
However, her crowning achievement came when she became the project director of India’s first indigenously developed Radar Imaging Satellite, RISAT-1, which soared into space successfully in 2012. In 2012, Valarmathi became the only second woman scientist at ISRO to head a prestigious project, following in the footsteps of T K Anuradha, the project director of the GSAT-12 mission in 2011. Her leadership in the ‘PSLV-C19-RISAT-1 Mission’ catapulted her to iconic status.
After the success of RISAT 1, Valarmathi had a message for women said, “I would say all women are equally capable, and they all have very good potential; it should be properly utilized.” She attributed her success to dedication and hard work, acknowledging the invaluable support of her team and family.
Over the years, she held key positions, including deputy project director and associate project director, culminating in her appointment as project director many years back.
In recognition of her exceptional achievements, then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the inaugural APJ Abdul Kalam Award to Valarmathi in 2015 after the successful launch of the Radar Imaging Satellite RISAT-1 in 2012.
Tribute messages poured in on social media for Ms. Valarmathi.
Former ISRO Director PV Venkatakrishnan took to X, formerly Twitter, to condole her death and wrote, ”The voice of Valarmathi Madam will not be there for the countdowns of future missions of ISRO from Sriharikotta. Chandrayan 3 was her final countdown announcement. An unexpected demise. Feel so sad. Pranams!”
Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar also posted about her death and wrote, ”Saddened to hear about the passing of N Valarmathi ji, the voice behind many ISRO launch countdowns, including Chandrayaan 3. My condolences to her family and friends. Om Shanti.’
(With inputs from agencies)
