Professor Yash Pal was also a well known educator and chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Renowned space scientist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Professor Yash Pal passed away at his residence in Noida today morning. He was 90.
Professor Yash Pal pioneered the first cable and satellite television broadcast for the world in the 1970's. He was the founder director of ISRO's Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
Professor Pal was also a well known educator and chairman of the University Grants Commission. Apart from space he was the author of a major report which argued on reducing the burden in the school bags for little children.
A familiar face on TV, Professor Pal was lucid in his communication of Science.
In 2013, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian honour, for his contribution to science and space technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the country has lost a brilliant scientist and academician. "Pained by Professor Yash Pal's demise. We have lost a brilliant scientist and academician who made a lasting contribution to Indian education," PM Modi said in a tweet.
The prime minister also shared his picture with the eminent scientist.
Professor Pal was born in 1926 in Jhang, now in Pakistan, and was raised in Kaithal in what is now Haryana.
The Congress party also expressed grief over the death of the eminent scientist and said, "We condole the passing away of Professor Yash Pal, Padma Vibhushan."
"Education should be based on real life experience, observation and happenings," it said.
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi described his death as a great loss to the nation.
"A scientist and a passionate educator who understood the true value of learning, Professor Yash Pal's passing is a great loss for all of us," Mr Gandhi said.
(with inputs from agencies)