ISRO gets New Chairman 

---

• Eminent rocket scientist S Somanath has been appointed the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as well as the Space Secretary.

• He will succeed K Sivan.

• Mr Somanath will be the 10th chairman of ISRO. He is at present Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). 

Major Contributions of Dr. Somanath

• He has played a major role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (GSLV Mk-III).

• His field of expertise varies from launch vehicle design to specializing in launch vehicle systems engineering.

• He contributed to the development of the indigenous cryogenic stages for the GSLV.