Dr. V R Lalithambika honored with Chevalier De La Légion d’Honneur on Nov 2023

As a luminary scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the former Director of the Human Spaceflight Programme, Dr. Lalithambika has left an indelible mark on the field of advanced launch vehicle technology. Her expertise resonates through her extensive work on various ISRO rockets, particularly the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

In 2018, she took the helm of the Human Spaceflight Programme, orchestrating a close collaboration with the French National Space Agency (CNES) for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan project. Dr. Lalithambika played a pivotal role in signing the first joint agreement for cooperation between CNES and ISRO on human spaceflight. This groundbreaking pact allowed the exchange of specialists, fostering collaboration on space medicine.

Fast forward to 2021, Dr. Lalithambika spearheaded another agreement with CNES during the visit of the former French Foreign Affairs Minister to ISRO, Bengaluru. This pact focused on the Indian astronaut programme, solidifying France’s commitment to train India’s flight physicians and CAPCOM mission control teams at the prestigious CADMOS centre in Toulouse and the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.

During the conferment ceremony, Ambassador Thierry Mathou praised Dr. Lalithambika as a trailblazer in space technology. He highlighted her expertise, accomplishments, and tireless efforts that scripted a new and ambitious chapter in the long-standing Indo-French space partnership.

Upon receiving this illustrious honor, Dr. Lalithambika expressed her sincere hope that the recognition would inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM fields and excel in their chosen domains. The French government, in an official release, acknowledged her as an inspiration not only in Toulouse but also in India, where she championed inclusivity by enabling the recruitment of civilians, including women, for the future of the Indian astronaut programme.

Dr. V R Lalithambika now stands among the giants who have received the Chevalier De La Légion d’Honneur, a list that includes luminaries like JRD Tata, Satyajit Ray, Bharat Ratna C N R Rao, and Amitabh Bachchan. Her story is a beacon of inspiration, proving that dedication, expertise, and inclusivity can pave the way for extraordinary achievements.

As you embark on your study abroad journey, let Dr. Lalithambika’s stellar tale be a source of motivation. Just like her, you too can reach for the stars and contribute to the global landscape of knowledge and innovation.