India, Oct. 22 -- Renowned Indian space scientist Dr. Eknath Vasant Chitnis, one of the key architects of India's early space programme, passed away at his residence in Pune on Wednesday morning following a heart attack. He was 100 and had been unwell for some time.

Born on July 25, 1925, Dr. Chitnis was among the first generation of Indian scientists who laid the foundation for the country's space exploration efforts, working closely with Vikram Sarabhai and playing a crucial role in selecting the site for India's first rocket launch at Thumba in Kerala. In the early 1960s, he undertook an extensive location survey and convinced Sarabhai of Thumba's strategic equatorial advantage.

A key figure in the evolution of the Indian National Co...