S. SOMANATH

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) • Chairman

Mr. S. Somanath Distinguished Scientist is the Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO since 14 January 2022. Mr. Somanath spanning a distinguished career of nearly 38 years has made significant contribution in the area of space technology. He is an expert in the area of system engineering of space systems. As Secretary, he piloted the National Space Policy, draft Space Bill, facilitated IN-SPACe activation, engagement of ISRO with new space actors and leading the Indian Space Enterprise. Chandrayaan-3 mission was a great success under his leadership. He also plays a crucial role for the ambitious Gaganyaan mission for sending Indians to Space. Under his dynamic leadership, two new launch vehicles i.e. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Test Vehicle (TV) were introduced to the country and missions were successfully accomplished. Successful landing experiment of the Re-usable Launch Vehicle was towards demonstrating the autonomous landing of a re-entered winged body.

In his previous assignment as Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in 2018, the lead Centre of ISRO, he was responsible for Launch vehicle technology development. Under his leadership, VSSC has achieved significant feats like Crew Escape System demonstration through Pad Abort Test (PAT), launch of GSLV Mk-III M1/Chandrayaan 2 etc. He spearheaded the development of critical systems for the Gaganyaan programme, development of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, Re-usable Launch Vehicle & Air-Breathing Launch Vehicle programmes.

Prior to that he had been the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) where he led the team to complete the development and qualification of CE20 cryogenic engine and the C25 stage which was successfully flown in GSLV Mk-III D1 flight.

In his capacity as the Project Director of GSLV Mk-III Launch vehicle, the first Experimental flight of LVM3-X/CARE mission was successfully accomplished on 18th December, 2014. He is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), Indian National Science Academy (INSA), Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and a member of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

Events

International Astronautical Congress 2024

14-18 October 2024

Milan, Italy

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2023

2-6 October 2023

Baku, Azerbaijan

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2022

18-22 September 2022

Paris, France

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2021

25-29 October 2021

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2020

12-14 October 2020

Cyberspace edition

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2019

21-25 October 2019

Washington, United States

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2017

25-29 September 2017

Adelaide, Australia

Participation:

International Astronautical Congress 2016

26-30 September 2016

Guadalajara, Mexico

Participation:

Participation