New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath, recently revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer on the day of the Aditya-L1 solar mission launch. The Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory, was successfully launched atop the PSLV-C57 rocket on September 2, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavours.
In an interview with Tarmak Media House, Somanath disclosed that he had been experiencing health issues during the Chandrayaan-3 mission. However, it was only on the day of the Aditya-L1 launch that he conducted a scan and discovered a growth in his stomach. This revelation came as a shock to Somanath and his family, prompting immediate medical attention.
Recalling the events, Somanath said, “On the day Aditya-L1 was launched, I conducted a scan in the morning of that day. That was when I realized that I had a growth in my stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred.”
Following the Aditya-L1 launch, Somanath underwent a series of medical tests in Chennai, which confirmed a hereditary disease. Subsequently, he underwent surgery and chemotherapy to treat the cancer. Somanath underwent regular check-ups and scans after the treatment, ultimately confirming that he is now completely cured of the disease.
S Somanath, a prominent figure in India’s space research community, has held various key positions within ISRO, including director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
