ISRO next chairperson Somnath appointed Indian government
ISRO next chairperson Somnath appointed Indian government. On January 12, the Government of India appointed Somnath as the next chairperson of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the space secretary. The post of the chairperson of ISRO and the space secretary are held by the same person. He will become the tenth chairperson of the Indian space agency. He will take over this post from K Sivan, who will be retiring on January 14, 2022.
From Kerela University, Somnath has done his graduation in mechanical engineering and pursued his postgraduation in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. He was holding the position of team leader for the Integration of the Polar Sattelite Launch Vehicle. As per the orders issued by the central government, he will remain on this post for three years from the date of joining the post, inclusive of an extension in tenure beyond the age of superannuation in the public interest.
Aiming to expand the space program
Somnath said that it is his primary responsibility to create a space enterprise in India where all stakeholders can come together to expand the space program in the country on a bigger scale and align the overall space program with the mission of the government.
ISRO successfully conducted the qualification test of the cryogenic engine for the Gaganyaan program for a duration of 720 seconds. Gaganyaan will be launched in 2023. It is the first human space mission.
