ISRO Chief Somanath's Cancer Diagnosis Came On India's Maiden Solar Mission Aditya L1's Launch Day

ISRO Chairman S Somanath, however, kept a positive approach towards the disease and the battle against it. (File Image: PTI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath was diagnosed with cancer on the day India’s first solar mission, Aditya L1, was launched into the space.

Reportedly, in an interview with Tarmak Media House, Somanath confirmed that a growth was found in one of the scans. “There were some health issues during Chandrayaan-3 mission launch. However, it was not clear to me at the time, I did not have a clear understanding about it,” Somanath was quoted as saying by India Today.

He further said that the diagnosis report came on the day of Aditya L1‘s launch. It was a shock to him, his family and his colleagues, who had been standing by him throughout this tough time.

The Indian space agency launched its maiden solar mission, Aditya L1, on September 2, 2023 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota.

The mission aimed at studying the Sun from an orbit around the L1, which is the Lagrange Point 1, one of the five points in the orbital plane of the Earth-Sun system.

The unexpected diagnosis led Somanath to visit Chennai for further tests and scans, which then confirmed that he is suffering from a hereditary disease. With his professional duties, now the ISRO chief also had to face this severe challenge on the health front.

Reportedly, Somanath underwent an operation and then began chemotherapy. “It was a shock for the family. But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution,” Somanath said optimistically. His approach towards cancer is a mark of strong character and undeterred courage.

He further was quoted as saying, “I was uncertain about a complete cure at the time, I was undergoing the process.” He also pointed at the nature of his ongoing cancer battle.

However, the diagnosis didn’t stop him from going to work. After being in the hospital for merely four days, Somanath resumed took hold of his responsibilities at ISRO and began working from the fifth day. Thankfully, though, without any pain.

He said that though he is completely cured and is back at work, he will continue going for regular checkups and scans.