Senior scientist S Somnath appointed as ISRO chairman, to succeed K Sivan
The new head of ISRO:
According to a Personnel Ministry directive launched on Wednesday, eminent rocket scientist S Somanath has been named head of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Space Secretary. According to the order, Somanath's appointment as Space Secretary and Chairman of the Space Commission is for a blended tenure of 3 years from beginning the office, which includes an extension in tenure beyond the age of superannuation in the public interest. The ISRO chairman, Space Secretary, and Space Commission leader are generally held by the same individual.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About ISRO:
Graduated from the TKM College of Engineering in Kollam:
Somanath hails from Aroor of Alappuzha district, had graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the TKM College of Engineering in Kollam. He had joined VSSC in 1985. Somanath will be triumphant K Sivan, who completes his prolonged tenure on Friday, January 14.
Becomes the fourth Malayali to achieve the post:
Sivan was given a year's extension and his term is set to end very soon. Somanath becomes the fourth Malayali to hold the post after K Kasturirangan, G Madhavan Nair, and K Radhakrishnan. Somanath who at present is the Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Somanath, who has been the Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, will replace K Sivan as the head of India's space agency.