Meet the new ISRO chief: Top rocket scientist, played key role in Chandrayaan 2

Eminent rocket scientist S Somanath has been appointed as the chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as well as the Space Secretary.

Somanath, who is at present Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, will succeed K Sivan who completes his extended tenure on Friday.

Somanath has been instrumental in the development of the GSLV Mk-III launcher and was a team leader for the Integration of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) during the early phases of his career.

Somnath has been part of the development activities of the high thrust semi-cryogenic engine and conceived a fast track hardware realization and test program. Some of his major achievements include the development of throttleable engines for lander craft of Chanradrayaan-2 and the first-time successful flight of an electric propulsion system in GSAT-9.

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Somnath is an expert in the areas of launch vehicle structural systems. He has made significant contributions to the mechanical integration designs that made PSLV a highly sought-after launcher for microsatellites from across the world.

A graduate in mechanical engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and a Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, he joined VSSC in 1985.

Somanath has also been appointment as the Space Secretary and the Space Commission Chairman. The posts of the ISRO chairman, the Space Secretary and the Space Commission chief are usually held by one person.