Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Soorya Krishnamoorthy, ISRO Scientist Turned Cultural Icon, Dies at 78
Soorya Krishnamoorthy was an artist, philanthropist, and former space scientist.
He was born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy and died at the age of 78.
He worked at the Indian Space Research Organisation for more than 20 years.
He also loved the arts and helped bring cultural events to many people.
About four decades ago, he founded the Soorya Stage and Film Society.
The society runs the Soorya Festival, a major annual arts event.
It later grew to have chapters in 22 countries.
He was also associated with introducing a Malayalam light-and-sound show in 1978.
Soorya Krishnamoorthy, born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, died in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, September 23, at 78.
He worked as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation for more than 20 years after joining in 1972.
He founded the non-profit Soorya Stage and Film Society in Thiruvananthapuram about four decades ago.
The society organises the Soorya Festival, whose 48th edition was scheduled to begin on October 1 for 111 days.
The society expanded internationally with chapters in 22 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Gulf region.
- Who
- Soorya Krishnamoorthy, born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, an artist, philanthropist, and former Indian Space Research Organisation scientist.
- What
- He died at 78 after a career spanning space science and cultural promotion, including founding the Soorya Stage and Film Society.
- When
- Wednesday, September 23; the year is not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where he founded the Soorya Stage and Film Society and died.
- Why
- The articles do not state the cause of death; they describe his work promoting the arts and organising the Soorya Festival.
- Age at death
- 78
- Birth name
- Nataraja Krishnamoorthy
- ISRO career
- Joined the Indian Space Research Organisation in 1972 and worked there for more than 20 years
- Arts organisation
- Soorya Stage and Film Society, founded in Thiruvananthapuram
- Festival
- Soorya Festival
- Festival schedule
- Its 48th edition was scheduled to begin October 1 and run for 111 days
- International reach
- Chapters in 22 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Gulf region
