The Andhra Pradesh government has appointed Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, a highly respected aerospace engineer and former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as the Honorary Advisor for Space Technology. This position, which carries the status of a cabinet rank, will initially be for a tenure of two years. Dr. Somanath will play a crucial role in guiding the state on the effective utilization of space technology for governance, research, and industrial applications.

Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, born in July 1963 in Kerala, has made significant contributions to India’s space sector. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering in Kollam, followed by a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he specialized in dynamics and control. Additionally, he holds a Ph.D. from IIT Madras, further solidifying his expertise in the field.

Since joining ISRO in 1985, Dr. Somanath has played a vital role in several landmark projects, including the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk-III). His tenure as ISRO Chairman from January 2022 to 2024 saw major achievements, most notably the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole in August 2023.

In his new advisory role, Dr Somanath will focus on harnessing space technology for various critical sectors in Andhra Pradesh, including disaster management, urban development, agriculture, and climate resilience. His key responsibilities will encompass:

• Facilitating the development of advanced space technology hubs and research institutions.
• Promoting the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite navigation, and AI-driven analytics into state governance.
• Strengthening public-private partnerships to drive innovation in space applications.
• Encouraging collaborations between academic institutions, international space organizations, and government bodies.
• Expanding the use of satellite-based solutions for precision agriculture, weather forecasting, and disaster mitigation.

With his vast experience and expertise, Dr Somanath is expected to drive Andhra Pradesh’s technological advancements, positioning the state as a leader in space-enabled innovations.

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Renowned for his expertise in launch vehicle technology and structural engineering, Dr. Somanath has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. Among his recent accolades is the Distinguished Alumnus Award from IISc, which acknowledges his remarkable contributions to India’s space exploration programs.

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