Dr. Eknath Vasant Chitnis, a renowned Indian space scientist and a key figure in the nation’s early space programme development, passed away at his residence in Pune on Wednesday morning due to a heart attack. He was 100 years old and had been unwell for some time.

Born in July 1925, Dr. Chitnis was among the first generation of Indian scientists who laid the foundation of the country’s space exploration efforts. He worked closely with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and played a key role in selecting the site for India’s first rocket launch at Thumba in Kerala. In the early 1960s, after an extensive location survey, he convinced Sarabhai of the equatorial advantage Thumba offered for space programmes.

Dr. Chitnis last served as Member Secretary of INCOSPAR. He was an instrumental figure in launchin

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