• By Kamal Kumar
  • Wed, 29 Nov 2023 03:46 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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In recognition of her immense contributions to space cooperation between India and France, V R Lalithambika, a senior women scientist from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), was conferred with the prestigious Legion d'Honneur, the highest civilian award given by the French government.

The award ceremony took place in India, where the Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, presented Lalithambika with the esteemed honour on behalf of the French government.

Lalithambika, a distinguished space scientist, known for her expertise in advanced launch vehicle technology, has played a pivotal role in various ISRO projects, especially the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Notably, in 2018, serving as the Director of the Human Spaceflight Programme, she closely worked with the French National Space Agency (CNES) for India's ambitious Gaganyaan project.

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Under Lalithambika's leadership, the first joint agreement for cooperation between CNES and ISRO on human spaceflight was signed, which enabled the exchange of specialists between the two countries to work on space medicine.

In 2021, Lalithambika facilitated the signing of a second agreement during the visit of the former French Foreign Affairs Minister to ISRO in Bengaluru. This agreement focuses on the training of India's flight physicians and CAPCOM mission control teams by the French space agency at the CADMOS centre in Toulouse, France, and at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany.

French Ambassador Thierry Mathou expressed his pleasure in conferring the Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur on Dr. V.R. Lalithambika, describing her as a distinguished scientist and a trailblazer in space technology.

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"I am delighted to confer the Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur on Dr V.R. Lalithambika, a distinguished scientist and a "trailblazer in" space technology. Her expertise, accomplishments, and tireless efforts have scripted a new ambitious chapter in the long history of the Indo-French space partnership," the ambassador said.

Upon receiving the award, Lalithambika expressed her sincere hope that this honour would encourage more women to pursue STEM careers and excel in their chosen fields.