ISRO transfers top scientist

In an unusual move, the Indian Space Research Organisation has transferred one of the top scientists, heading an important research establishment in Ahmedabad, to an advisory position at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru.

Tapan Misra, a distinguished scientist and director of Ahmedabad-based Space Application Centre, has been asked to report to the ISRO headquarters as an advisor to ISRO Chairman, sources told DH. At the moment, there is no such post.

One of the senior most scientists at the space department, Misra began his career at SAC as a digital hardware engineer in 1984. Later, he became the lead member of the team which designed and developed C-band Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar.

Over the years, he was closely associated with development and fabrication of several critical equipment including surveillance instruments that are incorporated in the payload.

Sources said Misra received the office memorandum on Thursday with little clarity on what would he do in his new role at the ISRO headquarters. His shift to Bengaluru, however, was speculated at least for the last few days.

ISRO chairman K Sivan didn't respond to DH queries. An ISRO spokesperson too didn't respond. Misha refused to talk.

Since 1984, Misra has been responsible for system design, planning and development of Microwave Remote Sensing Payloads of ISRO. He led the team to develop futuristic remote sensing systems including a variety of advanced Radars, millimetre wave Sounders and an advanced Scatterometer. In the past, he also headed the Office of Innovations Management of ISRO at ISRO headquarters, Bengaluru.