In a recent interview, S Somanath, the chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), said that he was diagnosed with cancer on the day of the launch of the solar mission Aditya-L1.
On September 2, Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory, was launched atop PSLV-C57 on its way to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1. On January 6, following a four-month space voyage, it was positioned in the planned orbit around the L1 point.
In a Malayalam interview with Tarmak Media House, the ISRO chief recalled, “There were some health issues during Chandrayaan 3. However, I did not have a clear understanding about it.”
Two months later, Somanath revealed, he discovered the issue on the day of the Aditya-L1 launch. “On the day Aditya-L1 was launched, I conducted a scan in the morning of that day. That was when I realised that I had a growth in my stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred,” ISRO chief said.
He then underwent a scan in Chennai to confirm the problem. He added that after subsequent tests within 2-3 days revealed a hereditary disease, he had an operation.
“Following Aditya-L1, I was advised to undergo an operation. The operation was performed. After that, I underwent chemotherapy,” he said.
Somanath said he shared the news with both his immediate family and close relatives and “I was able to alleviate my fears”.
The revelation came as a shock to family members, he added.
“But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution. There is a message that it is not incurable,” Somanath said that he is cured of the disease.
“I will be undergoing regular check-ups every year. I will be undergoing scans. But now, I am completely cured. I have resumed my duties,” he said.
Since January 14, 2022, S. Somanath holds the position of secretary, department of Space and chairman, space commission. He was previously the director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC) and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).