The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a premier space agency in India responsible for the country's space research, satellite development, and space exploration endeavours. As a government organization, ISRO is owned by the Government of India. However, it is important to note that ISRO operates under the guidance and oversight of the Department of Space (DoS), which is a part of the Government of India's Ministry of Space.
The Department of Space is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs related to space research and development in India. It provides the necessary direction and resources for ISRO's activities. The head of the Department of Space is typically a senior government official known as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO.
Currently, as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space is Dr. Kailasavadivoo Sivan. Dr. Sivan, popularly known as K. Sivan, is an eminent scientist and engineer who assumed the position on January 15, 2018. He succeeded A.S. Kiran Kumar, who served as the Chairman of ISRO from 2015 to 2018.
Dr. K. Sivan has an illustrious career in the field of space research and development. He joined ISRO in 1982 and has since made significant contributions to various satellite and launch vehicle projects. Prior to his appointment as Chairman of ISRO, Dr. Sivan served as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), which is the lead center for the development of satellite launch vehicles in India.
Under Dr. Sivan's leadership, ISRO has achieved several notable milestones. One of the most significant accomplishments during his tenure was the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. Although the mission faced some challenges during the soft landing phase, it showcased India's capabilities in lunar exploration and demonstrated ISRO's technical expertise.
It's important to note that leadership positions in ISRO and the Department of Space are subject to change, as they are typically appointed by the government. Therefore, it's advisable to verify the current leadership from reliable sources or official announcements for the most up-to-date information.
In conclusion, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is owned by the Government of India and operates under the guidance of the Department of Space. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space is Dr. Kailasavadivoo Sivan. Dr. Sivan is an accomplished scientist and engineer who has made significant contributions to India's space program. However, it is recommended to verify the current leadership from reliable sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
