ISRO Chief's Brave Battle: From Space Launch To Cancer Diagnosis And Recovery

On the day India's Aditya-L1 mission was launched into space, the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), S Somnath, received a cancer diagnosis.

In an interview with Tarmak Media House, Somnath confirmed the discovery of a growth in one of his scans.

Photo Credit: PTI

ISRO Chief's Brave Cancer Battle

He mentioned that during the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, he experienced some health issues, though he did not fully comprehend them at the time. The diagnosis came as a surprise not only to Somnath but also to his family and colleagues, who stood by him during this challenging period.

On September 2, 2023, the day the Aditya-L1 mission embarked on its journey to study the Sun, Somnath underwent a routine scan, revealing a growth in his stomach. Further scans in Chennai confirmed the presence of a hereditary disease, indicating a significant health challenge alongside his professional responsibilities.

Somnath underwent an operation followed by chemotherapy. Despite the initial shock, he now perceives cancer and its treatment as a solution, reflecting his pragmatic approach towards the disease. While uncertain about a complete cure during the treatment process, Somnath highlighted the ongoing nature of his battle against cancer.

Remarkably, Somnath's recovery has been swift. After just four days in the hospital, he resumed his duties at Isro, starting work on the fifth day without experiencing any pain. He plans to undergo regular checkups and scans but asserts that he is now completely cured and has resumed his duties.