2024/Ph.D/ME Former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India
Dr. S. Somanath is a pioneering aerospace engineer and an eminent leader in India’s space program. With a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades, he has made groundbreaking contributions to space technology, launch vehicle development, and national space policy. Since January 14, 2022, he has served as the Secretary, Department of Space (DoS), Chairman of the Space Commission, and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), steering India’s space exploration to new heights.
Under his leadership, ISRO has achieved several historic milestones, including the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing, the launch of the Aditya-L1 solar mission, and the PSLV & LVM3-OneWeb commercial satellite launches. He has been instrumental in the development and testing of the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX) and has significantly advanced the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. He is focused on the Space Vision-2047 initiatives, which include the Gaganyaan mission, the Chandrayaan series, and other space exploration programs. Additionally, he is dedicated to the development of the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and India’s human mission to the Moon.
Previously, as Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) (2018–2021), Dr. Somanath oversaw critical missions such as the LVM3-M1/Chandrayaan-2 launch and the development of key technologies for India’s human spaceflight ambitions. His tenure as Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) (2015–2018) was marked by the successful development of the C25 cryogenic stage, which played a crucial role in the LVM3-D1 flight.
Dr. Somanath holds a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Dr. S. Somanath earned a Ph.D from IIT Madras, specializing in vibration response in aerospace materials. His research focused on modified hyperelastic material models for improved aerospace system performance.
Acknowledged for his technical excellence and visionary leadership, he has been honored with fellowships from INAE, INSA, membership of NAE of USA and IAA, as well as the prestigious Karnataka Rajyotsava Award.
For his exceptional leadership, innovative contributions to space exploration, and unwavering dedication to advancing India’s space capabilities, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and its alumni proudly confer upon Dr. S. Somanath, the Distinguished Alumni Award for the year 2025.
