My Odyssey: Memoirs Of The Man Behind Th

K. Radhakrishnan was named by Nature magazine as one of the top ten people who mattered in science in 2014-the first Indian scientist to be so honoured. Earlier that year the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) had successfully accomplished the Mars Orbiter Mission-popularly called the ‘Mangalyaan’-under Radhakrishnan’s energetic and determined leadership. Witness to the transformation of India’s space programme since the era of Dr Vikram Sarabhai Radhakrishnan cut his teeth as an avionics engineer on the SLV-3 project the country’s first satellite launch vehicle. He worked with stalwarts like Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Prof. Satish Dhawan and Prof. U.R. Rao wearing several hats during his illustrious career. A foresighted institution builder Radhakrishnan created efficient centres to use satellite data for the benefit of people besides the establishment of a tsunami warning system. As India’s space chief he triumphantly led ISRO through many historic milestones including the successful launch of GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic engine for the first time. Packed with invaluable information and insights this fascinating memoir takes us behind the scenes of the cutting-edge world of India’s scientific achievement. A fast-paced awe-inspiring read My Odyssey is the story of how one man’s vision and commitment can bring glory to a nation. About the Author K. Radhakrishnan studied electrical engineering at the Government Engineering College Thrissur management at IIM Bangalore and completed his doctorate from IIT Kharagpur. He held several decisive positions in ISRO in the domains of rocketry space applications and space economics. He founded the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services during his stint at the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Later he headed the National Remote Sensing Centre and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre at ISRO. He was the chief of the Indian Space Programme from November 2009 to December 2014. Presently he is an advisor in the Department of Space/ISRO. Nilanjan Routh studied electrical engineering at Tripura Engineering College (now NIT Agartala) and management thereafter at KIIT University Bhubaneswar. A recipient of ISRO’s Young Scientist Merit Award he has been with the Department of Space since December 2007. Currently he is engaged at the satellite communications and navigation programme office of ISRO headquarters.