N Valarmathi, an Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) scientist who was the voice behind the national space agency’s rocket countdown launches, has died.
Valarmathi, a native of Tamil Nadu’s Ariyalur, died on Saturday evening in Chennai of a heart attack, according to reports. The incredibly successful Chandrayaan-3, which was released on July 14, proved to be her final countdown.
Condoling her demise, Dr PV Venkitakrishnan, a former director at ISRO, said on X (formerly Twitter): “The voice of Valarmathi Madam will not be there for the countdowns of future missions of ISRO from Sriharikota. Chandrayaan-3 was her final countdown announcement. An unexpected demise. Feel so sad. Pranams!”