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Dr. Somanath S is a Distinguished Scientist and Secretary, Department of Space, Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, ISRO since 14 January 2022. Shri. Somanath spanning a distinguished career of nearly 37 years has made significant contribution in the area of space technology. Shri Somanath is an expert in the area of system engineering of launch vehicles.
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, and he spearheading the upcoming Gaganyaan mission and the development of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
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 stagewhich was successfully flown in GSLV Mk-III D1 flight.. In his capacity as the Associate Director (Projects) of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and 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), Fellow of Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and a member of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).
He has published several papers in journals & seminars in the area of structural dynamics and control, dynamic analysis of separation mechanisms, vibration & acoustic testing, launch vehicle design and launch services management.
