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Dr. S. Somanath
Former Chairman, ISRO
Special Jury Award winner
Pilot to India’s space ambitions
When Dr. S. Somanath joined ISRO in 1985, India was refining its launch vehicle capabilities, laying the foundation for its space ambitions. Over the next four eventful decades, he played a pivotal role in transforming ISRO into a leading space agency with innovations in propulsion, lunar exploration, and human spaceflight. An alum of Indian Institute of Science (IISc), he became ISRO’s 10th Chairman, leading some of India’s most defining space missions.
Dr. Somanath has contributed significantly to the PSLV program and held key positions, including Associate Director (Projects) at VSSC and Deputy Director of the Propulsion and Space Ordinance Entity. As Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) from 2015, he led the development of propulsion systems crucial for both launch vehicles and spacecraft.
Under his tenure as Chairman from January 2022, ISRO crossed historic milestones. India became the first nation to land near the lunar south pole with Chandrayaan-3. The Aditya-L1 solar mission expanded India’s space frontiers. Development of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle enabled cost-effective satellite deployment. He also spearheaded progress on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and the SpaDeX mission, a step toward India’s space station goals.
Yet, behind these remarkable achievements was a personal battle. While steering ISRO’s ambitious projects, Dr. Somanath was silently fighting severe health issues. Undeterred, he continued leading through Chandrayaan-3’s critical launch phase. His resilience mirrors the perseverance that defines India’s space program itself.
Dr. Somanath retired on 14 January 2025, leaving a legacy of innovation and scientific excellence. As a leader of many groundbreaking missions of national importance, Dr. Somanath has not only further solidified India’s position in the global space race but also inspired generations to dream beyond the stars.