Scientist N Valarmathi who lent her voice for ISRO countdowns passes away

ISRO scientist N Valarmathi/ Pic/X

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist N Valarmathi who did the countdown for a number of missions including the Chandrayaan-3 died in Chennai on September 2 following cardiac arrest, an official said here on Monday. Scientist Valarmathi, who is a Tamil Nadu native, died at a Chennai hospital, the ISRO official added.

Valarmathi's last countdown assignment was Chandrayaan-3.

Condolences poured in for the ISRO scientist with Union Minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar among others expressing grief over her death. Many fondly recalled her resonating countdown from the Mission Control Centre at ISRO's Sriharikota spaceport during many launches.

Dr PV Venkitakrishnan, former ISRO Director said that Valarmathi's voice "will not be there" for the future countdowns.

"The voice of Valarmathi Madam will not be there for the countdowns of future missions of ISRO from Sriharikotta. Chandrayan 3 was her final countdown announcement. An unexpected demise. Feel so sad. Pranams," he wrote in his post on X, formerly Twitter.

Expressing grief over her passing, Chandrashekhar, the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, Skill Development, Electronics & Technology, said, "Saddened to hear about the passing of N Valarmathi ji, the voice behind many ISRO launch countdowns, including Chandrayaan 3."

"My condolences to her family and friends. Om Shanti," he added.