The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is India’s space agency, known for remarkable achievements in space exploration. Since its beginning in 1963, ISRO has been led by visionary chairmen who contributed significantly to India’s growth in space technology. This article lists all ISRO Chairmen from 1963 to 2024 and highlights their contributions.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, overseeing space exploration, satellite launch, and technology development. Establishment in 1969, it operates under the Prime Minister, with the Chairman as its leader, ISRO developed India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, and conducts Moon and Mars missions. Its programmes aid socio-economic growth, including disaster management, navigation and international space cooperation.
Since 1963, ISRO has had 11 chairpersons. On January 12, 2022, S. Somnath was chosen as the 11th chairman by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was the first person who served as the Chairman of ISRO.
Here is the complete list of all ISRO Chairmen from 1963 to 2024:
S. No. | ISRO Chairman | Tenure | Length of Term |
1. | Dr. Vikram Sarabhai | 1963 to 1971 | 9 years |
2. | Prof. M.G.K. Menon | Jan. 1972 to Sep. 1972 | 9 months |
3. | Prof. Satish Dhawan | 1972 to 1984 | 12 years |
4. | Prof. U.R. Rao | 1984 to 1994 | 10 years |
5. | Dr. k. kasturirangan | 1994 to 2003 | 9 years |
6. | G. Madhavan Nair | 2003 to 2009 | 6 years |
7. | Dr. k. Radhakrishnan | 2009 to 2014 | 5 years |
8. | Dr. Shailesh Nayak | 2015 to 2015 | 11 days |
9. | A.S. Kirar Kumar | 2015 to 2018 | 3 years |
10. | Dr. K. Sivan | Jan. 2018 to Jan. 2022 | 3 years |
11. | S. Somnath | 12 Jan. 2022 to Present | Incumbent |
Since 1963, ISRO has been led by remarkable chairmen who shaped India’s space journey. Their leadership brought groundbreaking achievements, making ISRO a global leader in space exploration and technology.
Tenure: 1963 to 1972
He is considered the father of the Indian Space Program. Vikram Sarabhai established three institutions:
Tenure: January 1962 – September 1972
He was known for his work on cosmic rays and particle physics, particularly on the high-energy interactions of elementary particles.
Tenure: 1972 to 1984
In 1972, he took over as Chairman of ISRO succeeding Vikram Sarabhai. His efforts led to operational systems like INSAT and PSLV in India.
Tenure: 1984 to 1994
He took responsibility for the establishment of satellite technology in India in 1972. He was in the lead role in designing the first Indian Satellite ‘Aryabhata’ in 1975.
Tenure: 1994 to 2003
Under his leadership, ISRO has witnessed several major milestones in the name of PSLV and GSLV. He was also the Project Director for India’s first two experimental earth observation satellites, BHASKARA-I and II.
Tenure: 2003 to 2009
Chandrayaan-1 was launched under the chairmanship of Madhavan Nair. During his tenure, ISRO accomplished 25 successful missions.
Tenure: 2009 to 2014
India’s first interplanetary mission ‘Mangalyaan’ was launched under the leadership of Dr. K. Radhakrishnan.
Tenure: 2015 to 2018
He has done a commendable job in the launch of Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission of India. Indian National Regional Navigation System (INRVS) and GAGAN have been developed under his supervision.
Tenure: 2018 to 2022
His tenure has been marked with the launch of Chandrayaan-2 and the acceleration of India’s manned space programme.
Tenure: January 2022 to Present
S. Somnath has been appointed as the eleventh chairperson of the ISRO by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
As of 2023, the Chairman of ISRO is S. Somnath.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai is considered the father of the Indian Space Program.
Prof. M.G.K. Menon was known for his work on cosmic rays and particle physics. An asteroid, 7564 Gokumenon, was named in his honor.
Prof. Satish Dhawan is regarded as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India
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