Renowned for his remarkable contributions to the Indian space program, Dr. Sreedhara Somanath stands as a prominent Indian aerospace engineer and rocket technologist. With a career spanning over 35 years within the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Somanath has become a respected figure in the realm of space exploration and technology.
Born in July 1963 in Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala, Somanath’s journey in the aerospace industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. His pursuit of education has been marked by dedication and a thirst for knowledge.
Somanath’s educational odyssey commenced at St. Augustine’s High School and progressed through prestigious institutions:
- He earned a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam.
- He pursued a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Dynamics, and Control from the esteemed Indian Institute of Science.
- His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Somanath is happily married to Valsala, a contributor to the Goods and Service Tax (GST) department under the Ministry of Finance. The couple takes pride in their two children, both of whom have achieved postgraduate degrees in Engineering. Somanath’s father, a Hindi teacher, nurtured his son’s scientific curiosity by providing him with science books in both English and Malayalam languages.
Somanath’s impactful career at ISRO has been punctuated by a series of significant roles and accomplishments:
- He joined ISRO in 1985 and held various pivotal positions at LPSC (Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre) and VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre).
- He served as the Project Manager for the pioneering Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) project.
- Somanath assumed the role of Deputy Director of the Structure Entity/Propulsion & Space Ordnance Entity.
- His leadership shone as the Project Director for GSLV Mk.III.
- He also undertook the responsibility of Deputy Director of the Propulsion and Space Ordnance Entity, making crucial contributions to the PSLV project.
- His tenure as Director of LPSC marked his oversight of the design and implementation of liquid propulsion systems.
- As Director of VSSC, he played a pivotal role in the design and realization of launch vehicles.
Under Somanath’s visionary leadership, ISRO accomplished a remarkable feat with the successful launch and fulfillment of the Chandrayaan-3 mission in 2023. Launched on July 14, the spacecraft achieved lunar orbit on August 5 and successfully completed its mission on August 23, 2023, at 6:04 PM. This achievement stands as a testament to Somanath’s resolute commitment to advancing space exploration.
In recognition of his unwavering dedication and significant contributions, Somanath has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- The Space Gold Medal from the Astronautical Society of India (ASI).
- Performance Excellence Award and Team Excellence Award from ISRO for his invaluable contributions to GSLV Mk.III.
- Membership in the esteemed Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).
- Recognition as a Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Astronautics.
Somanath’s indelible impact on various ISRO projects, particularly in the domains of launch vehicle technology and lunar exploration, has been pivotal in elevating India’s prowess in space capabilities. His astute leadership and expertise continue to play a central role in shaping the nation’s ambitions in space exploration and fostering global partnerships.