Voice Behind ISRO Countdowns, Woman Scientist, Passes Away:
N. Valarmathi, a scientist at ISRO known for her role in conducting countdowns for various missions, including Chandrayaan-3, passed away in Chennai on September 2 due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by an ISRO official on Monday. Valarmathi breathed her last at a Chennai hospital. Chandrayaan-3 was reported to be her final countdown assignment. Condolences poured in for Valarmathi, with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and others expressing their sorrow over her demise.
Many fondly remembered her distinctive countdown announcements from the Mission Control Centre at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Sriharikota spaceport during numerous launches. Dr. P. V. Venkitakrishnan, former Indian Space Research Organisation Director, lamented the loss of her voice for future mission countdowns from Sriharikota, particularly highlighting Chandrayaan-3 as her last announcement.
He expressed his sadness at her unexpected passing. In a social media post, Rajeev Chandrasekhar also expressed his grief over Valarmathi’s death, acknowledging her as the voice behind several ISRO launch countdowns, including Chandrayaan-3. He extended his condolences to her family and friends, concluding with “Om Shanti.”
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