V R Lalithambika, former Director, Directorate of the Human Spaceflight Programme, ISRO, was conferred the top French civilian honour of Lgion d'Honneur for her engagement in space cooperation between France and India.

• A specialist in advanced launch vehicle technology, Lalithambika, a distinguished scientist of ISRO, has worked extensively on various ISRO rockets, particularly the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), according to a press release issued by the Embassy of France in India. 
• The award was given to her by Ambassador of France to India, Thierry Mathou, on behalf of the French government.

About the award

Created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Lgion 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.