New Delhi: Eknath Vasant Chitnis, one of the architects of India’s space programme, an advocate of scientific curiosity, and a dedicated science communicator has passed away peacefully in Pune on 22 October, 2025, at the age of 100. Chitnis collaborated closely with Vikram Sarabhai in the early days of ISRO, shaping the domestic satellite and launch vehicle programmes. ISRO scientists remember him for leading with strong ethical guidance, and playing a strategic role in the formative years of ISRO. Chitnis has had a lasting influence on the institutional values and scientific culture at ISRO. His contributions to science were recognized with the Padma Bhushan award in 1985.

Chitnis was born on 25 July, 1925 in Kolhapur and faced early hardships, losing his mother at eight and father at 1

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