In Pics | A peek inside the life of Satish Dhawan

During the crucial phase of its genesis, the Indian space programme was led by people who were suited to play a role that was essential for its progress: Vikram Sarabhai nurtured it during its infancy in the early 1960s and provided a vision to it.Satish Dhawan (1920-2002), who took over the space programme in 1972, consolidated Sarabhai’s work and gave direction to the space programme. As APJ Abdul Kalam aptly put it, “Prof Dhawan transformed Sarabhai’s vision to a truly outstanding national mission.”Today, his birth centenary, is a good time to remember his contributions to the nation.

Satish Dhawan looking at the engineering model of Aryabhatta (aircraft sortie checks) in 1975.

Dhawan observing the groove cutting in the joint liner at VTM, SPROB in June, 1980.

SHAR Centre's Silver Jubliee Celebration in October 1996.

Dhawan taking a look at ASLV in June 1986.

Dhawan watching birds at Cholla Doruvu in April 1990.

Satish Dhawan with Indira Gandhi. (Date and location unknown)

Dhawan on site discussions at SLV/ASLV complex.

Dhawan marching on the newly-constructed road bridge after cyclone in June 1986.

A glimpse of Dhawan while he was being briefed on 'no-trim fixture' in September 1995.