MUMBAI: Post Dr K Kasturirangan's nomination to the Rajya Sabha, Indian space agency ISRO has decided to bring in G Madhavan Nair as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO.

As on 1 Septemeber 2003, a distinguished scientist, member, Space Commission and Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Thiruvananthapuram, G Madhavan Nair, has assumed additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Space and related positions of Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

A leading technologist in the field of Rocket Systems, Nair has made significant contributions to the development of multistage Satellite Launch Vehicles for the National Space Programme. As Director, VSSC was responsible for guiding a team of nearly 6000 scientists, engineers and supporting staff engaged in research and development of all aspects of launch vehicles for orbiting spacecraft for Remote Sensing and Communications applications.

Graduate in Engineering from Kerala University Nair after training at Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Bombay and had taken up first appointment at Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1967. Nair has been showered with many prestigious awards including Padma Bhushan as a attribute to his technological skills and leadership abilities, besides Shri Om Prakash Bhasin Award, Swadeshi Sastra Puraskar Award, FIE Foundation Award and Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Gold Medal - ISCA.