Who was the founder and also the first Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) when it was established in 1969?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is one of the world's leading space agencies and a source of national pride. Questions about its origin, founders, and key personalities are very popular in competitive exams. This question focuses on the founder and first Chairman of ISRO at the time of its establishment in 1969.

Given Data / Assumptions:

We are given:
- Names of several prominent Indian scientists associated with space and atomic energy.
- The question asks for the founder and first Chairman of ISRO.

Concept / Approach:
Vikram Sarabhai, often called the 'father of the Indian space programme', was instrumental in establishing ISRO. He envisioned the peaceful use of space technology for national development. While Homi J Bhabha is associated with India's atomic energy programme and A P J Abdul Kalam with missile and satellite launch vehicle development, it was Vikram Sarabhai who founded ISRO and became its first Chairman.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that ISRO was formed in 1969, evolving from the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR).
Step 2: Recognise Vikram Sarabhai as the key visionary behind India's space programme.
Step 3: Remember that he served as the first Chairman of ISRO.
Step 4: Distinguish his role from that of Homi J Bhabha (atomic energy), Satish Dhawan (later ISRO Chairman), and A P J Abdul Kalam (missiles and launch vehicles).
Step 5: Choose 'Vikram Sarabhai' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
ISRO's official history and standard science textbooks describe Vikram Sarabhai as the founder of the Indian space programme and the first Chairman of ISRO. Later chairmen include Satish Dhawan, U R Rao, K. Sivan, and others, but none were the founding Chairman.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- A P J Abdul Kalam: A leading aerospace scientist, involved in satellite launch vehicles and missiles, later President of India, but not the founder or first Chairman of ISRO.
- Homi J Bhabha: Father of India's nuclear programme, associated with the Atomic Energy Commission, not directly with founding ISRO.
- Satish Dhawan: A very important later Chairman of ISRO who took charge after Sarabhai's death; not the first Chairman.
- K. Sivan: One of the recent Chairmen of ISRO, far later than the founding period of 1969.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Vikram Sarabhai and Homi J Bhabha because both are called 'fathers' of major Indian scientific programmes (space and nuclear respectively). Another common mistake is to choose A P J Abdul Kalam because of his high public profile. Always associate: Vikram Sarabhai – space programme and ISRO; Homi J Bhabha – atomic energy; Abdul Kalam – missiles and launch vehicles; Satish Dhawan – later strengthening ISRO as Chairman.

Final Answer:
Correct option: Vikram Sarabhai