V. A. Sarabhai

V. A. Sarabhai

Summary:

Vikram A. Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919, and became a leading figure in Indian science, particularly in space research. At the age of 23, he went to the Himalayas to study cosmic rays and was inspired to create a laboratory dedicated to this research. After earning his Ph.D. in the UK, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, which focused on cosmic rays and outer space studies. He also established branches in Kashmir, Trivandrum, and Kodaikanal.

Sarabhai played a key role in India's space programs, founding the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and planning projects like the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. He was also involved in the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), which aimed to educate millions of people in rural villages through satellite television.

Despite his focus on space research, Sarabhai continued to study cosmic rays. His work helped advance understanding of cosmic rays and their impact on the Earth's atmosphere, magnetism, and the sun.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Sarabhai contributed to the development of industries and management skills in India. He passed away at the young age of 52, but his legacy in science and space technology continues. A crater on the moon was named after him to honour his contributions.

Questions and Answers:

Q1: What inspired Vikram A. Sarabhai to set up a laboratory for studying cosmic rays?
In 1943, at the age of 23, Vikram A. Sarabhai went to the Himalayas to study cosmic rays at high altitudes. This experience thrilled him so much that he decided to set up a laboratory to study cosmic rays.

Q2: What was the purpose of the Physical Research Laboratory founded by Sarabhai?
The Physical Research Laboratory, founded by Sarabhai in Ahmedabad, focused on the study of cosmic rays and outer space. It aimed to provide technology and scientists for India's space programs, similar to how the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research supported the nuclear program.

Q3: How did Sarabhai contribute to India's space program?
Sarabhai expanded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and played a key role in planning projects like the launch of India's first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. He also contributed to the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE), which aimed to educate people in rural areas through satellite TV.

Q4: What were Sarabhai’s main research interests in cosmic rays?
Sarabhai's main interest was in studying how cosmic rays varied over time and their effects on terrestrial magnetism, the atmosphere, the sun, and outer space.

Q5: What other contributions did Sarabhai make besides his work in space research?
Besides space research, Sarabhai founded institutions to modernize the textile industry, develop management skills, and popularize science in India. These contributions showed his commitment to advancing various fields.

Short Note:

V.A. Sarabhai

Vikram A. Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919, into a wealthy family in India. Though he could have become a businessman, he was more interested in science, especially mathematics and physics.

Passion for Cosmic Rays

In 1943, when Sarabhai was 23, he went to the Himalayas to study cosmic rays, which are particles of energy that come from outer space. This experience made him so excited that he decided to set up a laboratory to study them. After completing his Ph.D. in the UK, he founded the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad.

Contribution to Space Research

Sarabhai is best known for starting India’s space research programs. He helped create the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and worked on important projects, like the launch of India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975. He also helped with a project to bring education to rural villages through satellite TV.

Other Contributions

Apart from space research, Sarabhai helped improve industries in India and set up institutions to teach management skills. He believed in using science to help society.

Legacy

Sarabhai died at the young age of 52 but left behind a great legacy. His work laid the foundation for India’s achievements in space. To honor him, a crater on the moon was named after him.