In recognition of her contributions to France-India space collaboration, V R Lalithambika, the former Director of the Directorate of the Human Spaceflight Programme at Isro, was awarded the highest civilian award in France, the Légion d’Honneur.
The award was given to her by Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, on behalf of the French government.
Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Légion d’Honneur (the Legion of Honour) is the highest civilian award given by the French Republic for outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality of the recipients. Lalithambika is a renowned scientist of ISRO who specialises in cutting-edge launch vehicle technology. She has worked extensively on several ISRO rockets, most notably the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, according to a press statement from the French Embassy.