S Somanath

Sreedhara Panicker Somanath is an Indian aerospace engineer and scientific administrator best known for leading major advancements in India’s space programme. As Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, he has played an instrumental role in strengthening India’s capabilities in launch vehicle technology, space exploration, and strategic space missions. His leadership is associated with landmark achievements, including the successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, advancements in human-spaceflight preparations, and the consolidation of high-tech engineering practices within India’s space infrastructure.
With a career spanning several decades, S. Somanath’s work reflects a blend of technical excellence, organisational innovation, and strategic vision, positioning ISRO as a globally recognised space agency. His contributions continue to shape India’s expanding role in the international space community.

Early Life and Background

S. Somanath was born in Kerala, where he developed an early interest in science, engineering, and technological experimentation. He pursued a degree in mechanical engineering, followed by specialised postgraduate studies in aerospace engineering. His academic training focused on structures, propulsion, and the mechanics of launch vehicles, laying a strong foundation for his future contributions to ISRO.
Growing up in a region known for educational progress and scientific awareness, he benefited from a culture that valued inquiry and technical skill. His early fascination with aircraft, rockets, and space exploration directed him towards a career in aerospace engineering, ultimately leading him to join ISRO.

Entry into ISRO and Early Contributions

Somanath joined ISRO during a period when India was expanding its capabilities in launch vehicle design and advanced engineering. He initially worked in the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), where his expertise in structural design, mechanisms, and propulsion systems contributed to the development of India’s major launch vehicles.
In his early roles, he was involved in:

• Structural design of launch vehicles including critical components and load-bearing assemblies.
• Integration of propulsion systems, focusing on liquid and cryogenic engine interfaces.
• Design reviews, testing, and quality assurance for various mission-critical systems.
• Development of mission profiles for orbital launches and scientific missions.

His technical depth, along with an ability to coordinate large teams, marked him as one of the most promising engineers in the organisation.

Leadership in Launch Vehicle Development

S. Somanath became a central figure in India’s launch vehicle programmes, particularly the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series. His roles included:

• Project leadership in PSLV and GSLV missions, contributing to India’s reliable satellite launch capabilities.
• Advancement of GSLV Mk-III (LVM-3), India’s heavy-lift launcher used for missions including Chandrayaan-2 and as the baseline vehicle for the upcoming Gaganyaan human-spaceflight mission.
• Strengthening cryogenic propulsion technology, a domain requiring high precision and complex engineering.

His work on LVM-3 was especially significant, transforming India’s position in global space missions by enabling the launch of heavier satellites and deep-space missions.

Director of VSSC and LPSC

Before becoming ISRO Chairman, S. Somanath served as:

• Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), overseeing the development of engines and propulsion units for all major launch vehicles.
• Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO’s lead centre for launch vehicle technology.

In these roles, he modernised engineering processes, promoted indigenous technological capabilities, and mentored large teams of scientists and engineers. His strategic decisions helped improve mission reliability, reduce design risks, and strengthen quality-control mechanisms across ISRO’s manufacturing and testing centres.

Chairman of ISRO

S. Somanath assumed the position of Chairman of ISRO at a time of expanding national ambition in space exploration. Under his leadership, ISRO achieved several notable milestones. Key areas of focus include:

• Lunar and planetary exploration, highlighted by the success of Chandrayaan-3, which demonstrated India’s capability for a soft landing on the lunar surface.
• Human-spaceflight programme (Gaganyaan), with critical developments in crew module design, safety systems, abort technologies, and astronaut training infrastructure.
• Commercial launch expansion, including partnerships through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• Encouragement of the private space sector, aligning ISRO’s vision with national policies promoting space entrepreneurship and indigenous startup ecosystems.
• Development of next-generation launch vehicles, including reusable launch vehicle prototypes and hybrid propulsion concepts.
• Strengthening of global collaborations, enhancing India’s role in international missions, scientific cooperation, and satellite-based services.

His emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and mission readiness has contributed to a stronger, more globally competitive ISRO.

Contributions to Space Technology and Engineering

S. Somanath’s technical and administrative contributions include:

• Systems engineering for complex launch vehicles, integrating multi-disciplinary engineering practices for precision and reliability.
• Promotion of digital modelling and simulation, modernising ISRO’s design methodologies.
• Advancement of composite materials, enabling lighter yet stronger structural components.
• Cryogenic engine development oversight, vital for heavy-lift capability.
• Support for sustainable and long-term space planning, including satellite navigation, remote sensing, and planetary missions.

His engineering philosophy emphasises simplicity, robustness, and adaptability—principles evident in the evolution of India’s spaceflight designs.

Recognition and Influence

S. Somanath is widely regarded as one of India’s leading aerospace engineers. His contributions have earned recognition from scientific institutions, engineering bodies, and academic organisations. He frequently engages with students, researchers, and the wider scientific community, promoting awareness of aerospace engineering and inspiring the next generation of space professionals.
His influence extends beyond ISRO through:

• Encouraging indigenous innovation.
• Strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure.
• Advocating long-term space exploration goals.
• Supporting the integration of academia and industry in space missions.

Significance and Legacy

S. Somanath represents a generation of Indian space scientists who transformed the country’s space dreams into technological achievements. His leadership has contributed to:

• India’s emergence as a major spacefaring nation.
• The consolidation of heavy-lift and deep-space mission capabilities.
• The strengthening of India’s human-spaceflight aspirations.
• Enhanced reliability and performance in launch vehicle engineering.