The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath was diagnosed with cancer on the day of the launch of the Aditya L-1 solar probe, he recently revealed in an interview. India’s first solar observatory, Aditya L-1 was launched atop PSLV-C57 on September 2 for its journey in space, it was placed in the intended orbit around the L1 Lagrange Point on January 6, 2024.
In an interview with a Malayalam media organisation, the ISRO Chief recalled, “there were some health issues during Chandrayaan-3. However, I didn’t have a clear idea and understanding about it.” Two months later, Somanath revealed, he discovered the issue on the day of the launch of Aditya L-1 mission.
“On the day Aditya L-1 was launched, I conducted a scan in the morning of that day. That was when I realised that I have a growth in the stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred,” the ISRO chief said. Afterwards in Chennai, he underwent a scan to confirm the problem and subsequent test showed and confirmed a hereditary disease and then he underwent an operation, he said.
“Following Aditya L-1, I was advised to undergo an operation. The operation was performed. After that I went under chemotherapy,” he said. Somanath said he shared the news with both his immediate family and close relatives and “I was able to alleviate my fears.” The revelation came as a shock to family members, he added.
“But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution. There is a message that is not incurable. Somanath said that he is cured of the disease. “I will be undergoing regular check-ups every year. I will be undergoing scans, but now, I am completely cured. I have resumed my duties,” he said.
S Somanath currently holds the position of Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission, since January 14, 2022. Previously he served as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
Somanath is an expert in the field of systems engineering of launch vehicles. His contribution to the overall architecture, propulsion stage designs, structure and structural dynamics, separation systems and integration procedures of the PSLV and GSLV Mark-III have been noteworthy.
