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Indian astrophysicist Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam has been awarded the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026 for her outstanding contributions to space research.

About the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal

The COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal is an international award instituted in 1990 in memory of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of India's space programme. It is jointly awarded by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to recognize outstanding contributions to space research by scientists from developing countries.

Key Features

• Instituted: 1990
• Awarded by: Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Objective: To honour scientists from developing countries for exceptional contributions to space research.
• Eligibility: The candidate's significant work should have been carried out primarily during the five-year period ending one year before the COSPAR Scientific Assembly at which the medal is presented.

2026 Recipient

• Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam
  • Fourth Indian to receive the medal.
  • First Indian woman scientist to receive the honour.
  • Third woman globally to receive the award.

Previous Indian Recipients

• Anil Bharadwaj (2024)
• Gurbax Singh Lakhina (2014)
• U. R. Rao (1996)

Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)

The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) is an international scientific organization established in 1958 to promote global cooperation in space research.

Key Facts

• Established: 1958
• Affiliation: International Science Council (ISC)
• Associated with: United Nations through the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)
• Scientific Assembly: Held biennially and serves as one of the world's largest forums for space scientists.