ISRO Chairman List from 1963 to 2024, Tenure and more Details
ISRO Chairman: This article delves into the history of leadership at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from its inception in 1963 up until 2024. You’re in the right place if you’re curious about the visionary leaders who’ve steered ISRO through the years.
This piece isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s also a handy resource for anyone prepping for competitive exams like SSC & Railway Exams, where questions about ISRO frequently pop up.
At the heart of ISRO’s legacy is its current chairman, S. Somanath, fully known as Sreedhara Panicker Somanath. Under his leadership, ISRO remains a beacon of innovation in space research and exploration in India and globally.
This blog will give you a closer look at the line-up of ISRO’s chairpersons over the years, shedding light on their contributions and the milestones achieved under their watch.
As of 2024, Shri Somanath S has been leading ISRO as its tenth chairman since his appointment by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on January 12, 2022. Under his guidance, ISRO has made significant strides in astronomy and space exploration.
The legacy of all ISRO chairmen, especially Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, is deeply cherished. Under Dr. Sarabhai’s leadership, Chandrayaan 3 was successfully launched on July 14, marking a moment of immense pride for India.
The journey of ISRO began in 1962 with the formation of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) by the Indian government.
Initially focused on upper atmospheric research at the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in Thiruvananthapuram, this committee laid the groundwork for what would become ISRO in 1969.
With its headquarters in Bangalore, ISRO took the baton from INCOSPAR, embarking on a mission to explore the final frontier.
ISRO Chairman List
- ISRO Chairman – Tenure – Term Length
- Vikram Sarabhai -1963 to 1971 – 9 years
- M. G. K. Menon – Jan 1972 to Sept 1972- 9 months
- Satish Dhawan – 1972 to 1984 – 12 years
- U. R. Rao – 1984 to 1994 – 10 years
- K. Kasturirangan – 1994 to 2003 – 9 years
- Madhavan Nair – 2003 to 2009 – 6 years
- Dr K. Radhakrishnan – 2009 to 2014 – 5 years
- Dr Shailesh Nayak – 2015 to 2015 – 11 days
- Kiran Kumar – 2015 to 2018 – 3 years
- Dr K. Sivan – Jan 2018 to Jan 2022 – 4 years
- Somanath S – January 12 2022 – (incumbent)
ISRO Chairman Details
Dr Vikram Sarabhai, fondly remembered as the Father of the Indian Space Program, led the charge from 1963 to 1972. The founding of cornerstone institutions such as the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, and the Fast Breeder Test Reactor in Kalpakkam marked his era.
From January to September 1972, Prof. M. G. K. Menon took the helm for a brief but impactful period. He was celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to cosmic rays and particle physics, delving into the mysteries of high-energy interactions among elementary particles.
Then came Prof. Satish Dhawan, steering ISRO from 1972 to 1984. Under his guidance, India’s space journey took significant leaps with developing key operational systems like INSAT and PSLV, landmarks that charted the course for ISRO’s future.
Prof. Udupi Ramachandra Rao, from 1984 to 1994, was pivotal in embedding satellite technology into India’s space DNA. His most notable achievement was the launch of Aryabhata, India’s first satellite, in 1975.
Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, leading ISRO from 1994 to 2003, witnessed the flourishing of the PSLV and GSLV programs. He also played a crucial role in the launch of India’s pioneering earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I & II.
Shri G. Madhavan Nair, from 2003 to 2009, saw ISRO through an era of remarkable accomplishments, including the historic launch of Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission. His leadership was synonymous with 25 successful missions.
Dr. K. Radhakrishnan (2009-2014) is remembered for spearheading India’s first interplanetary mission, Mangalyaan, which successfully orbited Mars in 2014, a testament to India’s burgeoning space capabilities.
Shri A S Kiran Kumar, whose tenure lasted from 2015 to 2018, was at the forefront during the launches of Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. His efforts were instrumental in developing critical navigation systems like IRNSS and GAGAN.
Dr. K. Sivan, leading the charge from 2018 to 2022, contributed immensely to mission planning and execution, most notably the launch of Chandrayaan-2. Despite the mission’s setback during the landing phase, his tenure marked significant progress in India’s manned space initiatives.
S Somanath, who took over in January 2022, made headlines with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon in August 2023, positioning India as the fourth country to accomplish this feat. His leadership continues driving ISRO towards new space exploration and technology frontiers.
Key Takeaways:
Aryabhata, India’s pioneering satellite, was launched in 1975, marking the beginning of a new era in Indian space exploration.
Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008 following an announcement by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was India’s leap towards lunar exploration.
- Somanath, the current chairman, played a pivotal role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission, aiming to land near the Moon’s South Pole, highlighting India’s ambitious goals in space exploration.
For those eyeing success in competitive exams, delving into the milestones and figures of ISRO’s history could prove beneficial. Resources like PW SSC Books offer a treasure trove of information, from mock tests to guidance sessions designed to help aspirants achieve their dreams. And for a more structured preparation, consider enrolling in SSC Online Coaching to bring those aspirations to life.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ISRO Chairman
Who’s leading ISRO as of 2024?
In 2024, S. Somanath will take the helm of ISRO, guiding it through its ongoing quests in space exploration.
Has India launched Chandrayaan-3?
Absolutely! The Chandrayaan-3 mission was successfully launched, taking off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It’s another proud milestone for India’s space endeavours.
Who’s in charge of the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
P Veeramuthuvel is the mastermind leading the Chandrayaan-3 mission, steering this exciting venture into the lunar frontier.
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