New Director at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre: Dr. A. Rajarajan

Why in News ?

• From August 1, 2025, Dr. A. Rajarajan, a seasoned scientist and expert in composite technology, has been appointed as the new Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram.
• He replaces Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, who retired on July 31, 2025.

About Dr. A. Rajarajan

• Dr. Rajarajan has nearly four decades of experience with ISRO.
• He is an expert in composite materials and played a key role in the successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first privately built rocket.
• He previously served as the Director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

A Key Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• VSSC is a premier research and development centre under ISRO.
• It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and is the primary hub for the development of India’s launch vehicles.
• The centre is named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the father of the Indian space program.

Dr. Rajarajan’s Contributions at SDSC-SHAR

1. Preparation for Gaganyaan Mission
   • He oversaw the development of launch pads and infrastructure for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
2. SSLV Launch Complex
   • Supervised the creation of a dedicated launch site for the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
3. Mission Operations & Resource Management
   • Ensured efficient management of resources for both commercial and governmental missions, aligned with India’s new space policy.
4. Successful Execution of Key Missions
   • Played a pivotal role in the success of:
     • Chandrayaan-3
     • Aditya-L1
     • Gaganyaan TV-D1 Test Vehicle
     • LVM3 M2 / OneWeb India-1 (India’s first dedicated commercial mission)

Champion of Private Sector Participation

• Dr. Rajarajan has been instrumental in encouraging private sector involvement in India’s space ecosystem:

Support to Skyroot Aerospace

• Provided technical and managerial assistance for the successful launch of Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket.

Support to Agnikul Cosmos

• Assisted in the maiden launch of the rocket developed by Chennai-based startup Agnikul Cosmos.
• His efforts reflect a strong belief in public-private partnerships, a key component of India’s new space policy.

Previous Experience at VSSC and Focus on Indigenization

Composite Technology and Indigenous Capabilities

• Dr. Rajarajan previously held several important positions at VSSC. His contributions to enhancing ISRO’s indigenous capabilities include:
  • Promoting technological self-reliance in India’s space sector
  • Partnering with Indian industries in solid motor production
    Localizing sensitive technologies through strategic collaborations