S Somanath appointed as new chief of ISRO

New Delhi: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) got its new Chief, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri S. Somanath, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) to the post of Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission for a combined tenure of three years from the date of joining of the post, inclusive of an extension in tenure beyond the age of superannuation in public interest, or until further orders whichever is earlier, the order mentioned.

S. Somanath is an Indian aerospace engineer and rocket technologist. Previously, Somnath also served as the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram.

He is known for his contributions to launch vehicle design, particularly in the areas of launch vehicle systems engineering, structural design, structural dynamics, and pyrotechnics.

In 1985 after his graduation, Somanath joined Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation. He was associated with Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Project during its initial phase.

He became the Associate Director (Projects) of VSSC and also the Project Director of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle in 2010. He was also the Deputy Director of Propulsion and Space Ordinance Entity till November 2014.