Former ISRO chief Prof. MGK Menon dies at 88

The Padma Vibhushan awardee, Menon primarily worked on cosmic rays and particle physics.  In the year 1972, he was appointed as the Chairman of ISRO. The professor is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. 

Acclaimed physicist and former chief of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prof MGK Menon recently passed away at the age of 88. He played a leading role in developing the science and technology sector in India in past five decades. 

The professor is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. 

Before heading ISRO, Menon also worked as the secretary in the Department of Science and Technology and Environment in the Union government, followed by the minister of state for science and technology and education in the VP Singh government. 

In the year 1972, he was appointed as the Chairman of ISRO. Menon, at the age of 35 was appointed the Director of Tata Institue of Fundamental Research. 

A member of the Planning Commission (1982-1989), Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister (1986-1989), Vice President, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) (1989-1990) and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) during 1990-96 apart from being a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Royal Society of London, Menon wore many hats during his lifetime. 

The Padma Vibhushan awardee, Menon primarily worked on cosmic rays and particle physics.