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ISRO Chairman List, Present Chairman Of ISRO, Awards, Achievements

Check the complete list of ISRO Chairman List and their tenure period. Also, get knowledge about Present Chairman Of ISRO. Read this article for detailed info.
authorImageRiya Sharma18 Sept, 2024
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ISRO Chairman List

ISRO Chairman List: The ISRO Chairman is S. Somanath and his full name is Sreedhara Panicker Somanath. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been at the forefront of space research and satellite technology. Behind its exceptional success is a lineage of visionary leaders who have steered the organisation to tremendous heights.

ISRO Chairman plays a significant role within the organisation, responsible for establishing its strategic direction, managing important programmes, and promoting partnerships with national and international space organisations. As per the latest update, S Somanath is serving in ISRO as a chairman. He was appointed on 14th January 2022 for the position of ISRO Chairman. Here, we delve into the list of ISRO Chairman along with the current ISRO Chairman, his contribution, awards & achievements, etc.

Suggested - ISRO Full Form

ISRO Chairman List - ISRO Organisation Overview

Check the essential highlights of the ISRO organisation below.
Organisation Name ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
The headquarters Alappuzha, Kerala (India)
Establishment 15 August 1969
First Chairman of ISRO Vikram Sarabhai
Current ISRO Chairman Name S Somanath
Master India

Present Chairman Of ISRO

The present chairman of ISRO is Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, commonly known as S Somanath.
  1. Somanath has solid educational credentials and vast space science and technology expertise.
  2. Somanath received his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the College of Engineering in Trivandrum, India. He then earned a Master of Engineering Design degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai.
  3. Somanath has received recognition for his contributions to space science and technology. His outstanding efforts have garnered significant accolades, such as the Dr Biren Roy Space Science Award and the ISRO Merit Award. His passion, skill, and leadership have all contributed to advancing India's space capabilities and the ISRO's status as a significant space organisation.

Also Check: ISRO Recruitment

ISRO Chairman List According To Tenure Period

Below, you can check the complete list of ISRO Chairman and their tenure period.
ISRO Chairman List
Name of Chairman Tenure Tenure period
Vikram Sarabhai 1963 to 1972 9 Year
M. G. Of. Menon January 1972 to September 1972 9 months
Satish Dhawan 1972 to 1984 12 years
Pro. U. R. Rao 1984 to 1994 10 years
K. Kasturirangan 1994 to 2003 9 Year
G. Madhavan Nair 2003 to 2009 6 Year
K. Radhakrishnan 2009 to 2014 5 Year
Shailesh Nayak 01th Jan 2015 to 12th Jan 2015 12 days
A. S. Kiran Kumar 2015 to 2018 3 Year
Dr K. Shivan 10 th Jan 2018 to 2022 4 years
S Somanath Jan 2022 to Present Currently Working

Present ISRO Chairman Interesting Facts

S Somanath belongs to a poor background and grew up in a tiny village in Kerala, India. His story of effort and determination from a small town to becoming Chairman of ISRO is remarkable. Check some interesting facts about the present chairman of ISRO.
  • Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre - S. Somanath was the former Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), one of ISRO's key centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. VSSC is responsible for designing, developing, and testing launch vehicles for ISRO.
  • Propulsion System Expertise - S. Somanath has comprehensive knowledge of propulsion systems, which are critical to the operation of launch vehicles. His efforts have been crucial in the development of dependable and efficient propulsion systems for ISRO's launch vehicles.
  • Mission Planning and Execution - S. Somanath has contributed to mission planning and execution as an ISRO member, guaranteeing successful launch and operation of many space missions. His knowledge and skills have been critical to the overall success of ISRO missions.

Present ISRO Chairman Contribution

After joining the ISRO, Dr K. Shivan has been given his contribution to various missions and technology. Some of the contributions of the current chairman of ISRO are as follows –
  • Contribution to Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology - S. Somanath worked on the Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) project. This project intends to develop technologies for a future totally reusable launch vehicle, which might significantly lower the cost of space access.
  • Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III) – S Somanath was instrumental in the development of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III). The GSLV Mk III was designed to launch larger communication satellites into geostationary orbits.
Under the guidance of S Somanath, the GSLV Mk III is a three-stage launch vehicle with a total height of over 43 metres and a lift-off mass of around 640 tonnes. It is ISRO's biggest launch vehicle, capable of delivering payloads weighing up to 4 tonnes to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) and 10 tonnes to low Earth orbit (LEO).
  • Cryogenic Engine – S Somanath contributed to the cryogenic engine's upper stage. The cryogenic upper stage utilises liquid hydrogen as fuel and liquid oxygen as an oxidiser. Because of the cryogenic stage's high thrust and efficiency, the launch vehicle can carry bigger payloads.
  • Chandrayaan-2 - S Somanath has been an important part of India's second lunar exploration project, Chandrayaan-2. It successfully launched the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft to investigate the lunar surface, which included an orbiter, lander, and rover.

Present ISRO S Somanath Awards And Achievemnets

Somanath has garnered awards and recognition for his services to the field of space science and technology. He has received several honours, such as:
  • S. Somanath received the Dr Biren Roy Space Science Award for his outstanding contributions to space research. This award recognises his tremendous contributions and advances in space exploration.
  • S. Somanath has received the ISRO Merit Award , granted to those who have contributed excellently to ISRO's missions and initiatives. This award recognises his exceptional effort and devotion to the organisation.
  • ISRO's Team Excellence Award was given to S. Somanath for his excellent efforts as a team member. This honour recognises the team's collective efforts and accomplishments under his guidance.
  • S. Somanath has been recognised within ISRO for his remarkable leadership and technical knowledge. The scientific and engineering communities have acknowledged his contributions to launch vehicle development, propulsion systems, and mission planning.
  • ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has received appreciation and recognition for his outstanding efforts and significant achievements. This award recognises his considerable contributions to the organisation.

ISRO Chairman Salary

According to the seventh central pay commission report, the ISRO Chairman salary is 2 lakh per month with care and house and 3 lakh per month without care and house. The ISRO Chairman also received many perks and benefits under the government policy. Check the salary structure below.
Post Consolidated Pay Package
With Care and House (Per Month) Without Car and House (Per Month)
Chairperson ₹2 lakh pm ₹3 lakh pm
Member ₹1.5 lakh pm ₹2.5 lakh pm

ISRO Chairman List FAQs

Who is the ISRO Chairman?

S Somanath was the Chairman of ISRO. He now serves as the Chairman of ISRO.

What is the role of the Chairman of the ISRO?

The ISRO Chairman sets strategic direction, oversees mission planning and execution, collaborates with government agencies and foreign partners, manages resources, and represents ISRO in many venues.

How is the ISRO Chairman chosen?

The Government of India appoints the Chairman of ISRO. A panel or committee of specialists often assesses possible candidates' qualifications, experience, and leadership qualities throughout the selection process. The government makes the final decision.

What qualities are necessary to become Chairman of ISRO?

ISRO's Chairman must have substantial expertise in space research and technology, as well as strong leadership abilities and a thorough awareness of the organisation's goals and difficulties.

What are the duties of the ISRO Chairman?

ISRO's Chairman offers strategic direction, drive R&D operations, oversee mission planning and execution, create cooperation with national and international bodies, manages budgets and resources, and officially represents ISRO.
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