The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has appointed Dr. A Rajarajan, a veteran scientist and composites expert, as the new Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, effective August 1, 2025. He takes over from Dr. S Unnikrishnan Nair, who has led the institution through a crucial phase of India’s space programme.
Dr. Rajarajan brings with him nearly four decades of experience in India’s space research and development sector. A noted authority in composite materials and structural systems, he has made substantial contributions to launch vehicle technology and has previously served as the Director of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, ISRO’s key launch base in Sriharikota.
Widely respected for his technical prowess and leadership, Dr. Rajarajan is best known as a driving force behind Vikram-S, India’s first private rocket, launched under the collaborative efforts between ISRO and a private space startup. His efforts played a significant role in opening the doors for private participation in India’s space ecosystem, making him a key enabler of the country’s growing space commercialisation.
Dr. Rajarajan has also played pivotal roles in some of ISRO’s most high-profile missions, including Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1—India’s first solar observatory—and the ongoing Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. His experience in overseeing both launch vehicle development and large-scale integration makes him uniquely positioned to guide the VSSC, ISRO’s principal centre for the design and development of space launch vehicles.
Under his leadership, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre is expected to scale new heights in innovation, capacity building, and international collaboration. His appointment comes at a crucial juncture as ISRO continues to strengthen its next-generation launch capabilities, expand commercial partnerships, and work on sustainable space exploration technologies.
Dr. Rajarajan’s vision is likely to support the government’s larger goal of turning India into a global space hub, not just for research and satellite launches, but also for space tourism, defence applications, and deep space exploration. His emphasis on science-led innovation and private sector engagement will further drive the transformation of India’s space sector into a vibrant, inclusive, and future-ready domain.
