Speaker: Dr. S. Somanath, Ex-Chairman Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
Title: Space, Innovation, and the Future of Humanity
Date & Time: October 2, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: CEPSR 414
Host: Harish Krishnaswamy
Talk abstract: Humanity is entering a new era of space exploration, with nations and private players pushing the frontiers of knowledge and technology. India, through its cost-effective yet ambitious missions, has emerged as a key contributor to this global movement. In this talk, Dr. Somnath will share perspectives on how space technology is reshaping communications, navigation, climate science, and planetary exploration. He will highlight India’s role in democratizing access to space, fostering international collaboration, and inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science and engineering. The session will also reflect on how innovations born from space research can transform life on Earth and beyond.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath served as a Distinguished Scientist (Apex Grade) and Secretary, Department of Space (DoS), Chairman, Space Commission and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) from January 2022 to January 2025. Dr. S. Somanath, is currently the Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor at ISRO. Dr. S. Somanath, having a career spanning nearly 40 years, is an expert in the field of space technology and systems engineering of launch vehicles, and has made significant contributions in many areas.
He is a Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), Fellow of Indian National Academy of Science (INSA), Fellow of Aeronautical Society of India (AeSI), Astronautical Society of India (ASI) and a member of International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). He is the President (Elect) of AeSI and President of Society of Aerospace Quality and Reliability (SAQR). He is the recipient of ‘Hall of Fame’ award from International Astronautics Federation (IAF), National Aeronautics Prize from AeSI, Space gold medal from ASI, Platinum Jubilee award and Distinguished alumni award of IISc, Bangalore and IIT Madras, distinguished fellow award from IIT Kanpur and Karnataka Rajyotsava award.