The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath was diagnosed with cancer on the day of India’s solar mission Aditya-L1 launch, he recently revealed in an interview.

India’s first solar observatory, Aditya-L1, was launched atop PSLV-C57 on September 2 for its journey to the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1. After four months of journey in space, it was placed in the intended orbit around the L1 point on January 6.

In a Malayalam interview with Tarmak Media House, the ISRO chief recalled, “There were some health issues during Chandrayaan 3. However, I did not have a clear understanding about it.”

Two months later, Somanath revealed, he discovered the issue on the day of the Aditya-L1 launch. “On the day Aditya-L1 was launched, I conducted a scan in the morning of that day. That was when I realised that I had a growth in my stomach. I gained a clue about it as soon as the launch occurred, ISRO chief said.

Afterwards, in Chennai, he underwent a scan to confirm the problem. Subsequent tests within 2-3 days confirmed a hereditary disease and then he underwent an operation, he said.

“Following Aditya-L1, I was advised to undergo an operation. The operation was performed. After that, I underwent chemotherapy, he said.

Somanath said he shared the news with both his immediate family and close relatives and “I was able to alleviate my fears”. The revelation came as a shock to family members, he added.

“But now, I perceive cancer and its treatment as a solution. There is a message that it is not incurable,” Somanath said that he is cured of the disease.

“I will be undergoing regular check-ups every year. I will be undergoing scans. But now, I am completely cured. I have resumed my duties,” he said.

This is a developing story. Please get back to check for updates.