S Somanath, the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), revealed his battle with cancer coinciding with the Aditya-L1 launch. This revelation sheds light on the personal challenges faced amidst monumental space missions.
During the Chandrayaan-3 mission launch in mid-2023, Somanath encountered health issues, providing early hints of an underlying medical condition.
As India embarked on its inaugural solar mission, Somanath discovered a stomach growth, necessitating surgical intervention and subsequent chemotherapy treatments.
Prompted by symptoms noticed on the day of the Aditya-L1 launch, Somanath underwent medical scans, confirming the need for surgery within days. The subsequent months saw him navigating through surgery and chemotherapy sessions.
Aditya-L1, launched on September 2nd, marked India’s debut solar mission, reaching Lagrange Point L1 in early January. Equipped with seven payloads, the spacecraft aims to study solar phenomena, including light observation and plasma parameters.
Amidst ISRO’s ambitious projects, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled plans for India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, in 2025. Four Indian Air Force pilots have been selected for the mission, currently undergoing rigorous training in Bengaluru.
As Somanath juggles his health battles with ISRO’s relentless pursuit of space exploration, his journey underscores the resilience and dedication driving India’s space aspirations.
