K. Sivan is an Indian space scientist who served as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 2018 to 2022. He is a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award.
Sivan was born on April 14, 1957, in a small village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. He studied mathematics at Madurai University and aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Sivan joined ISRO in 1982 and worked on the development of launch vehicles. He was responsible for the development of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), India’s workhorse launch vehicle. He also played a key role in the development of the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | K. Sivan |
| Roles Held | Secretary of the Department of Space Chairman of ISRO (2018 – 2022) |
| Birth Date | April 14, 1957 |
| Birthplace | Small village in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu |
| Education | Mathematics (Madurai University) Aeronautical Engineering (Madras Institute of Technology) Master’s in Aerospace Engineering (IISc Bangalore) Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (IIT Bombay) |
| Achievements | Development of PSLV and GSLV Director of LPSC and VSSC Planning and implementation of Gaganyaan |
| Awards & Honors | Padma Bhushan ISRO Distinguished Scientist Award INAE Young Scientist Award |
| Fellowships | Indian National Academy of Engineering Aeronautical Society of India Systems Society of India |
| Inspirational Role | Encouraging young scientists and engineers |
In 2014, Sivan was appointed as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), ISRO’s premier propulsion laboratory. In this role, he was responsible for the development of liquid propulsion systems for launch vehicles and satellites.
In 2015, Sivan was appointed as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO’s largest spaceport. In this role, he was responsible for the development and launch of satellites and launch vehicles.
In 2018, Sivan was appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO. In this role, he was responsible for the overall management and administration of ISRO. He also played a key role in the planning and implementation of ISRO’s ambitious space programs, such as the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send an Indian astronaut to space.
Sivan is a recipient of many awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Distinguished Scientist Award, and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Young Scientist Award. He is also a Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, the Aeronautical Society of India, and the Systems Society of India.
Sivan is a role model for young scientists and engineers. He is an inspiration to all those who dream of making a difference in the world.
Here are some of the notable achievements of K. Sivan:
- Development of the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
- Development of the GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)
- Appointment as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
- Appointment as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
- Appointment as the Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO
- Planning and implementation of the Gaganyaan mission
- Recipient of the Padma Bhushan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Distinguished Scientist Award, and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Young Scientist Award
- Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineering, the Aeronautical Society of India, and the Systems Society of India
Sivan is a true inspiration to all those who dream of making a difference in the world. He is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, dedication, and passion.
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