Sarabhai was born on August 12, 1919 into a wealthy family. Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai was ans Indian scientist. He worked primarily on time variations of cosmic rays. Once in 1943 he went to the Himalayas in Kashmir to study cosmic rays at high altitude. He went to U.K and obtained doctorate degree on his return he established the physical research laboratory at Ahmedabad. The; laboratory was devoted to the study of cosmic rays and outer space. Sarabhai was a pioneer in space research in India. He set up a branch of the laboratory at Gulmarg in Kashmir and other branches in Kodaikanal and Trivandrum..

Sarabhai set up the space science and Technology centre near Thumba and an experimental Satellite communication Earth station at Ahmedabad. He kept himself busy with space programs. He had realized that study of cosmic rays would help in understanding terrestrial magnetism and the atmosphere, the nature of the sun and outer space.

Sarabhai popularized science. He was the recipient of many honours and awards. He died at an early age of 52.